WJA Announces 2013 Awards For Excellence Honorees and Nominees

WJA’s 2013 Awards For Excellence Honorees and Nominees Announced

Deserving Women and Men in our Industry to be Honored at Annual Gala

The Women’s Jewelry Association named its Hall of Fame honorees for the association’s annual Awards of Excellence gala, to be held Monday, July 29, 2013, at Pier 60 on the
Chelsea Piers in New York City.

The three honorees are:
* Hall of Fame Award: Candy Udell, London Jewelers.
Candy Udell, who serves as president of London Jewelers, began her career there in 1973, the same year she married Mark Udell, son of Fran and Mayer Udell and grandson of Charles London, founder of the family business in 1926. London Jewelers is a Long Island, NY-based jewelry and watch retailer.

Through the years, Udell has been the recipient of numerous awards, including WJA’s Award for Excellence/Retail, Jeweler of the Year by the New York State Jewelers Association, and AGS Triple Zero Award.


* Ben Kaiser Award: Darwin Copeman, Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company.
Darwin Copeman is the president and CEO of Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company.
Headquartered in Neenah, WI, Jewelers Mutual is the only insurance company in the U.S. and Canada that specializes exclusively in protecting the jewelry industry and individuals’ jewelry.

Copeman joined Jewelers Mutual in May 2009, bringing more than 30 years of insurance experience to the company. A graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, Copeman has continued his education, earning the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation.

* Corporate Award: Standard Chartered Bank.

Standard Chartered PLC is a British multinational banking and financial services company
headquartered in London, United Kingdom. Despite its UK base, around 90% of its profits come from Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Standard Chartered has a primary listing on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index. It has secondary listings on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange of India.

“WJA is honored to have the opportunity to recognize three deserving recipients,” says Tryna Kochanek, president of the Women’s Jewelry Association.“These individuals and organizations have made substantial contributions to the jewelry industry, and they also embody WJA’s mission as an organization to empower women to reach their greatest potential.”

At the July 29th event, WJA also will present Awards for Excellence in retail, design, manufacturing/supplier, sales, marketing and communications,  editorial/reporting/publishing, and special services. 

The 2013 Nominees are:


CATEGORY I. DESIGN– Fine Jewelry & Watches 
1. Coomi –Coomi
2. Pamela Froman –Pamela Froman Fine Jewelry
3. Irene Neuwirth –Irene Neuwirth, Inc.
4. Alex Woo –Alex Woo

CATEGORY II. MANUFACTURER/DEALER/SUPPLIER for FINE JEWELRY/GEMSTONES/METALS/WATCHES
1. Lita Asscher –Royal Asscher
2. Danielle Ingwer Cohen –Leo Ingwer, Inc.
3. Laurie Watt –Mayer & Watt

CATEGORY III. RETAIL –15 Doors or More 1. Linda Bridgewater –Fred Meyer
2. Vida Farwana –Saks Fifth Avenue
3. Patricia Watkins—Western Stone/Shane

CATEGORY IV. RETAIL –Fewer than 15 Doors 
1. Shannon Daly –Robbins Bros.
2. Cynthia Gould –Gould’s Diamonds and Jewelry
3. Ellen Lacy –Lacy’s
4. Joanne Teichman –Ylang23

CATEGORY V. RETAIL –Non-Traditional
1. Jessica Herrin –Stella & Dot
2. Angelina Chen –Circa
3. Amy Jain & Daniella Yacobovsky –Bauble Bar
4. Aslaug Magnusdottir –Moda Operandi

CATEGORY VI. SALES & MERCHANDISING 
1. Candace Edelman –Alex Sepkus, Inc.

2. Andrea Galella –Hermes of Paris   

 3. Amy Jackson –Fragments 

 4. Jennifer O. Calleri –MJ Christensen  

CATERGORY VII. MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS 

 1. Caryl Capeci –Hearts On Fire   

 2. Amanda Gizzi –Jewelers of America  

 3. Rebecca Moskal –Communique  

CATEGORY VIII. MEDIA 

 1. Melissa Colgan –Martha Stewart Weddings  

 2. Michelle Graff –National Jeweler  

 3. Claudia Mata –W Magazine  

 4. Monica Stephenson –idazzle  

CATEGORY IX. SPECIAL SERVICES 

 1. Brenda Gamba –Jewelers Board of Trade  

 2. Debbie Hiss –Training Consultant  

 3. Kristie Nicolosi –The Kingswood Company  

Established in 1984, the WJA Annual Awards for Excellence dinner is one of the most well attended and highly anticipated events in the jewelry industry each year.

#JWLV - Six Brilliant Diamond Previews from the Prestige Promenade at JCK

Nestled inside the massive JCK Show is the exclusive Prestige Promenade - featuring a range of looks from Red Carpet Designers to impressive new Designers!   Here are a few previews of the blinding diamond designs you will find at Prestige Promenade - See you there!

For a complete lookbook click here - Prestige Promenade Lookbook

#JWLV - Kurt Rothner - EXQUISITE in Diamonds, Rubies and Platinum at LV Antique Jewelry Show!

It is always important to remember that there is more than JCK & Couture - Jewelry Week Las Vegas also includes one of my favorite shows - the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show!

So many Jewelers are taking in Vintage Goods today - this would be the PERFECT opportunity to start a new partnership ;)

 Excalibur: Kurt Rothner - Booth 1701

c1950's, double clips crafted in platinum,

 featuring rubies and diamonds. 

#JWLV - SCOTT KAY - When you're hooked...

Are you as excited as I am to see the latest from Scott Kay?  ...always so innovative - this cuff?  ♥ love it over the top!

Look for them at LUXURY by JCK in the Surf Ballroom!

OFFICIAL WEBSITE LAUNCH FROM DESIGNER NAYNA MEHTA

FINE JEWELRY DESIGNER NAYNA MEHTA ANNOUCES THE
OFFICIAL WEBSITE LAUNCH OF HER EPONYMOUS BRAND 

Over five exclusive collections under the House of Mehta including Naturally Pink™
are now available online for the first time in over three decades

Nayna Mehta, the Mumbai based jewelry designer and artist with over 30 years of experience delivering masterful works of precious jewelry, has officially launched her e-commerce website: www.naynamehta.com. 

The website features the new pink diamond collection, Naturally Pink™, as well as Nayna’s designs from her Diamond Slice Collection, Pressure Set Collection, Tassel Collection, and Mosaic Collection.

Breaking through the status quo of her heritage, she embarked on a path of the belief system to achieve her life’s dreams. Nayna graduated from H.R College at Mumbai University, while simultaneously apprenticing to learn about the diamond trade. Her initial in-house business grew to reach global markets in 1982, after which she pursued a course at the prestigious Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Using the world as her muse Nayna now presents her jewelry, made from the most exquisite of gemstones and noble metals, on her new e-commerce website. 

Her signature collection, The Naturally Pink™ collection tagged as "Less than one In A Million" signifies the extreme scarcity and limited worldwide supply of natural pink diamonds. The collection has an even product assortment of both bridal and fashion pieces ensuring its quality by using medium intense pink diamonds with pave work, and a unique double casting of rose and white gold.

As an ode to freedom and individuality, the one-of-a-kind pieces from The Diamond Slice Collection feature a combination of traditional brilliantly cut diamonds and gently faceted but highly polished diamond ‘slices,’ showcasing the more natural state of a diamond in free-form shapes rather than a traditional cut.

By use of technological advancements for jewelry making, The Pressure Set Collection’s pieces are set by using the pressure from the surrounding diamonds, allowing pieces to have a center diamond set securely in place, giving it a larger and uninterrupted look of uniformity. 

The Tassel Collection embodies the playful side of its owner with its affordable tiny links of polished silver, which are delicately put together into long strands of sitting under various elements of earrings or necklaces. 

Tirelessly sculptured to perfection, the Mosaic Collection’s pieces are a blend of all different cuts and shapes of diamonds uniquely set in a free-wheeling pattern, giving a truly distinctive look to the pieces of jewelry.

Each collection’s piece is firmly fashioned into the “Belief System,” stating that above all else, jewelry is about the passion of the one who gives, and the emotion of the one who receives, unveiling a story for every celebration. This “Belief System” is core to Nayna, “The essence of any piece of jewelry is the hidden story, beating like a heart, inside the casing of precious metals and gemstones. My greatest inspiration is to learn about the special occasions and celebrations that follow the gifting of my jewelry." After years of working with talented artisans and designers in the industry, Nayna now has the opportunity to bring these products manufactured with the highest global standards, directly to the mainstream consumer with the launch of her website, www.naynamehta.com.

Nayna Mehta, renowned jewelry designer from Mumbai has created an established name for herself in the fine jewelry industry with over 30 years of experience in designing, producing, and marketing jewelry. Armed with a design degree, an eye for detail, a flair for style and impeccable taste, Nayna operates her private label working out of New York and Mumbai. The launch of her website, www.naynamehta.com  showcases her genuine passion for pink diamonds, and she is now at the forefront of making the previously unattainable pieces attainable for consumers. Nayna’s influences are as far ranging as Turkish gold rolling to Italian meshwork, that have spurred from her various visits to jeweler centers throughout the world. Nayna is best known for her creation of the monument of the Twin Towers of New York City in diamond and gold.

#JWLV - Drop Dead Gorgeous® at Couture! from the Amazing Erica Courtney!

Stunning new pieces for your customer from Red Carpet Jeweler to the Stars, Erica Courtney!

#JWLV - Three Scintillating Diamond Previews from JCK Las Vegas

See you at JCK Las Vegas 

for these and many more scintillating Diamond Jewels!

#JWLV - Take a Walk on the WILD Side with EFFY at JCK Las Vegas

Be sure to check in with EFFY Jewelry...Booth # S-10724

at JCK Las Vegas - May 31st through June 2nd

in the Mandalay Bay Hotel (Trade Only Show)

PGI To Launch Interactive Platinum Reference Tool in Partnership With GIA

Platinum Guild International and GIA to Launch

Interactive Platinum Reference Tool;

Pilot Debuted at AGS Conclave

Platinum Guild International (PGI-USA) and GIA (Gemological Institute of America) are pleased to debut an interactive platinum reference tool, which consists of a series of focused demonstrations that include video, illustration and detailed benchmarks for quality assurance in platinum jewelry.  The demonstrations provide reference for all facets of the platinum jewelry business: bench jewelers working in platinum; buyers who need to understand and educate staff on platinum properties; and sales associates who are directly communicating quality and the benefits of buying platinum to the consumer.  The platform, which will be available on www.platinumguild.com and can be accessed via iPad, mobile and pc, serves to develop a standard of quality for the platinum bench, or quality assurance benchmarks.  Examples of reference modules include Platinum Ring Sizing, Identification and Characteristics of Alloys and Stone Setting in Platinum.

PGI-USA and GIA conducted a test pilot series at AGS Conclave for a registered class who offered feedback after having walked through the program.

“As a platinum manufacturer, this tool will be an amazing resource for our bench jewelers as it is user-friendly and a wonderful resource for them to consult for any platinum queries they may have," said Ann Arnold, CEO of Lieberfarb. "It will also help our retail partners understand the need for quality control of platinum products and it will help us communicate those benchmarks to them."

“This is an incredibly valuable tool that can be used in so many ways,” said Laura Stanley, CGA, Vice President, of Stanley Jewelers.  “In sales, it is important to know your product and I believe that this will provide our staff with a superior knowledge of platinum jewelry and how to truly identify and relay quality craftsmanship to the consumer.”

Speaking to the collaboration with PGI-USA, Bev Hori, GIA Vice President and Chief Learning Officer said, “GIA creates comprehensive learning experiences for all of our courses in gems and jewelry. We recognize the importance of developing and teaching consistent and reliable methods for quality assurance benchmarking and are very pleased to have worked with PGI to create this interactive tool for evaluating and making platinum jewelry.”

The platinum reference tool will officially go live in the fall.  PGI-USA and GIA are looking to host an additional series of test-piloting for the program.  If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please contact Jenny Luker at PGI-USA at 212-404-1611 or jluker@pgiglobal.com.

About Platinum Guild International:

Platinum Guild International is a worldwide marketing organization dedicated to creating, expanding and strengthening consumer and trade markets for platinum jewelry. Through various programs offered, we nurture and promote the consumer desire for platinum jewelry and provide information, sales support and training to the trade to turn that desire into a sale.

Couture 2013 - Six Sexy Previews...

See You at Couture Las Vegas - Thursday, May 30th 

through Monday, June 3rd at The Wynn Las Vegas