CrimeMay 02, 2024
4 Indicted in Burglary Ring Targeting Indian, South Asian FamiliesThe men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
MajorsFeb 13, 2018
WJA Elects Jenny Luker President of Board of Directors
Luker is president of Platinum Guild International.
Jenny Luker, president of Platinum Guild International, has been elected president of the Women’s Jewelry Association’s International Board of Directors.
New York--The Women’s Jewelry Association has announced the newly elected officers for its International Board of Directors.
Jenny Luker, president of Platinum Guild International, has been elected president of the board. She, along with the other new board members, will serve a two-year term.
Luker said: “I’m delighted to serve as the new president of the Women’s Jewelry Association. We have a new executive committee and a board reflecting our diverse membership in terms of geography and segment of the industry. This gives us a chance to view our mission with fresh eyes.
“The range and depth of experience of our board members, and our strong regional chapters and affiliates are our greatest assets. I look forward to all that we will accomplish in the next two years.”
Joining Luker on the executive committee are Sara Yood, senior counsel of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, as treasurer; Rebecca Moskal, partner at Communique, as corporate secretary; and Lauren Thompson, associate director of communications and digital development at Jewelers of America, as vice president of chapter affairs.
Immediate past board president Brandee Dallow of Fine Girl Luxury Brand Building & Communications will also serve on the committee.
WJA also elected four new women to its board of directors. Molly Bell, executive vice president of Rio Grande, a Berkshire Hathaway Company; Kendra Bridelle, director of sales at Frieda Rothman and former WJA president; Jacqueline Cassaway, vice president merchandising, watches and jewelry, Starboard Cruise Services, an LVHM Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton Company; and Brenda Gamba, independent contractor at Brenda Gamba.
Bridelle will serve as liaison between the board and the WJA Advisory Council. Gamba is the new president of the WJA Foundation Board, which handles the grants and scholarships program.
WJA has elected three U.S. regional directors to facilitate communications between various chapters and groups. Jen Cullen Williams of Luxury Brand Group is the head of the Western region; Sara Commers of Commers Custom Jewelers will head the Central U.S.; and Danielle Ingwer Cohen of Leo Ingwer will be the director of the Eastern region.
Four women are ending their terms as board members: Lita Asscher of Royal Asscher; Becka Johnson Kibby of The Edge Retail Academy; Fran Pennella of Benali Consulting; and Lisa Slovis-Mandel of Lisa Slovis Metalsmiths, former WJA Foundation president.
The continuing WJA board members are: Regina Ciarleglio of Worthy; Craig Selimotic Danforth of GIA; Katie Dominesey of JCK Events; Peggy Jo
Donahue of Peggy Jo Donahue, Writer; Monica Elias of Elias World Media; Rebecca Foerster of Leo Schachter & Co.; Myriam Gumuchian of Gumuchian; Desiree Hanson of Urban Expo; Hayley Henning of Greenland Ruby; Debbie Hiss of Debbie Hiss Consulting; Katy Jones of Signet Jewelers; Allison Neumann of Allison Neumann Studio; Kristie Nicolosi of The Kingswood Company; Erin O’Donnell of Emerald Expositions; Michelle Peranteau of Harry Winston; Maren Rosen of Stuller; Benjamin Smithee of The Smithee Group; Clare Ullman of Clare Ullman Designs; and Trina Woldt of Jewelers Mutual Insurance Group.
WJA Executive Director Bernadette Mack said, “Passion and commitment are hallmark characteristics of our dedicated board volunteers and chapter leaders. WJA is fortunate to be the beneficiary of their professional and creative excellence.”
WJA Executive Director Bernadette Mack said, “Passion and commitment are hallmark characteristics of our dedicated board volunteers and chapter leaders. WJA is fortunate to be the beneficiary of their professional and creative excellence.”
More on Majors
The Latest
CollectionsMay 02, 2024
Foundrae Launches ‘Horizon’ Collection“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
FinancialsMay 02, 2024
Pandora Raises Guidance After Strong Q1The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
Brought to you by
Rio’s Reimagined Podcast: For the Love of JewelersMeet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
IndependentsMay 02, 2024
Oklahoma Jeweler Glenn Lewis Dies at 68The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
Weekly QuizMay 02, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
AuctionsMay 02, 2024
Vintage Baume & Mercier With Ties to Elvis Sells for $7K Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
SurveysMay 01, 2024
Consumer Confidence Falls in AprilConcerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
TrendsMay 01, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: All Eyes on EmeraldsMay’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
SourcingMay 01, 2024
Opsydia Names New Sales and Marketing Director Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
CrimeMay 01, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO ShowLast month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
CollectionsApr 30, 2024
12 Otherworldly Pieces From Tiffany & Co.’s 2024 Blue BookThe “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
Events & AwardsApr 30, 2024
Canadian Jewellers Association Brings Back the Summit It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.
Recorded WebinarsApr 29, 2024
Watch: Diamond Identification and Evaluation - How to Protect your BusinessSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
SourcingApr 29, 2024
De Beers to Move Auction HQ from Singapore to BotswanaSales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
CollectionsApr 29, 2024
Simone I. Smith Mixes Denim and Diamonds in New Collection“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
IndependentsApr 29, 2024
Venus Jewelers Relocating After 45 YearsThe retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
SurveysApr 29, 2024
Mother’s Day Jewelry Spending to Reach $7B, Says NRFGifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
CollectionsApr 26, 2024
Piece of the Week: Jacquie Aiche’s Starry Galaxy NecklaceThe necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
Events & AwardsApr 26, 2024
AGS Conclave and GIA Symposium Are ConvergingThe two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
SourcingApr 26, 2024
Anglo American Reportedly Shopping De Beers as BHP Eyes Anglo Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Events & AwardsApr 25, 2024
Alexis Padis Takes Over as AGS Board President Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
EditorsApr 25, 2024
5 Tips for Creating Fans from the Top (Savannah) Banana Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
WatchesApr 25, 2024
Audemars Piguet and John Mayer Partner on Limited Edition WatchThe Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
SourcingApr 25, 2024
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2024The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
MajorsApr 25, 2024
Detroit Lions’ QB Jared Goff Keeps Going to JaredThe three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
