MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in TexasFamily-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.
Events & AwardsJun 10, 2016
WJA Announces Awards for Excellence Nominees
The Women’s Jewelry Association has released the list of nominees for its annual awards, which will take place at the Hammerstein Ballroom this year.
Nominations were made across eight categories including design (nominees pictured here), manufacturing, retail (which is split into three sub-categories), sales, marketing, editorial, special services and watches.
New York--The Women’s Jewelry Association has released its list of nominees for their annual “Awards for Excellence.”
Awards will be given out across eight categories, including design, manufacturing, retail, (which is split into three sub-categories), sales, marketing, editorial, special services and watches. Three to five nominees were chosen in each category or sub-category.
“Each nominee exemplifies the great power, incredible work ethic, intellect and talent of women throughout the jewelry and watch industries,” said Brandee Dallow, president of the Women’s Jewelry Association. “These women are the leaders, mentors and influencers that will propel our business into the future.”
Awards will also be given to three WJA Hall of Fame honorees: a WJA Lifetime Achievement Award to Sissy Jones, owner of Sissy’s Log Cabin; a Ben Kaiser Lifetime Achievement Award to Peter Engel, president of Fred Meyer Jewelers’ and a WJA Corporate Award to Ben Bridge Jeweler.
The awards will also provide an opportunity to raise funds, via a silent auction and raffle, for the WJA Foundation, which gives scholarships and grants to women in the jewelry industry. Last year, the WJA raised a total of $60,000 at its gala.
WJA members and industry professionals voted online to nominate industry members for the awards during the month of January. A panel of past winners selected the final nominees, and will choose the winner of each category, to be announced at the Awards for Excellence gala on Monday, July 25.
This year, the gala will take place at the Hammerstein Ballroom on 34th Street, in close proximity to the JA New York trade show, which will be held at the Javits Convention Center.
See below for a full list of nominees.
Category 1 - Design, Fine Jewelry and Watches:
Malak Atut, owner/designer, Zaiken Jewelry
Wendy Brandes, owner/president, Wendy Brandes Jewelry
Jennifer Dawes, principal/designer, Jennifer Dawes Design
Claudia Kretchmer, president, Steven Kretchmer
Ilaria Lonzoni, design director, Hearts On Fire
Category 2 - Manufacturer, Dealer, Supplier:
Nina Cooper, chief creative officer and president, Nina Designs Ltd.
Donna DeLucia, chief commercial officer, North America, Intercontinental Jewellery Manufacturing, PCL (Thailand)
Tiffany Kay of Tiffany Kay (nominated for her work as former vice president of merchandising, Scott Kay)
Grace Terezian, vice president and creative director, Kirk Kara
Category 3A - Retail, 15 or More Doors:
Jacqueline Cassaway, divisional vice president, Helzberg Diamonds
Marta Nowakowski, VP divisional merchandise manager, Jewelry, Watches and Home, Saks Fifth Avenue
Toby Ritchie, marketing director, Harry Ritchie’s Jewelers
Jamie Singleton, senior vice president, Signet Jewelers
Category 3B -
Retail, 15 or Fewer Doors:
Soraya Cayen, CEO, Cayen Collection
Jennifer Gandia and Christina Gandia Gambale, co-owners, Greenwich St. Jewelers
Alexis Padis, director of operations, Padis Jewelry
Trish Roberson, owner, Roberson’s Fine Jewelry
Category 3C - Retail, Non Traditional:
Ivka Adam, founder & CEO, Iconery
Kate Fordham, operations manager, Ritani
Beth Gerstein, co-CEO/founder, Brilliant Earth
Kris Kulesza, senior vice president merchandising, Jewelry Television
Category 4 - Sales and Merchandising:
Ramona Genao-Archibald, executive vice president, sales and merchandising, Richline Group
Rachel Jackson, jewelry director, The Knot
Maren Rosen, vice president, merchandising, Stuller Inc.
Nikki Siegel, executive vice president, Armenta
Category 5 - Marketing and Communications:
Ashley Brown, executive director, marketing and public relations, Stuller Inc.
Jen Cullen Williams, managing director, Luxury Brand Group
Hayley Henning, vice president, sales, marketing, and development, True North Gems
Donna Jolly, director, marketing, American Gem Society
Category 6 - Editorial Media:
Shane Clark, senior fashion & accessories editor, Brides
Hannah Connorton, retailer account manager, Luxury & Luxury Prive, Reed Exhibitions (nominated for her work as former senior editor at National Jeweler)
Barbara Palumbo, founder/editor-in-chief, Adornmentality
Syl Tang, contributor, Financial Times Watches & Jewellery, CEO, HipGuide
Category 7 - Special Services:
Dona Mary Dirlam, director of RTL Library and Information Center, Gemological Institute of America Debbie Hiss, owner, Debbie Hiss Consulting
Kristie Nicolosi, president & CEO, The Kingswood Company
Kate Peterson, president/CEO, Performance Concepts, Inc.
Category 8 - Watches:
Stacie Orloff, former president, Bell & Ross, the Americas
Michelle Peranteau, former director of marketing and communication, Baume et Mercier
Ellen Seckler, vice president- marketing, Citizen Watch Company of America
Soraya Cayen, CEO, Cayen Collection
Jennifer Gandia and Christina Gandia Gambale, co-owners, Greenwich St. Jewelers
Alexis Padis, director of operations, Padis Jewelry
Trish Roberson, owner, Roberson’s Fine Jewelry
Category 3C - Retail, Non Traditional:
Ivka Adam, founder & CEO, Iconery
Kate Fordham, operations manager, Ritani
Beth Gerstein, co-CEO/founder, Brilliant Earth
Kris Kulesza, senior vice president merchandising, Jewelry Television
Category 4 - Sales and Merchandising:
Ramona Genao-Archibald, executive vice president, sales and merchandising, Richline Group
Rachel Jackson, jewelry director, The Knot
Maren Rosen, vice president, merchandising, Stuller Inc.
Nikki Siegel, executive vice president, Armenta
Category 5 - Marketing and Communications:
Ashley Brown, executive director, marketing and public relations, Stuller Inc.
Jen Cullen Williams, managing director, Luxury Brand Group
Hayley Henning, vice president, sales, marketing, and development, True North Gems
Donna Jolly, director, marketing, American Gem Society
Category 6 - Editorial Media:
Shane Clark, senior fashion & accessories editor, Brides
Hannah Connorton, retailer account manager, Luxury & Luxury Prive, Reed Exhibitions (nominated for her work as former senior editor at National Jeweler)
Barbara Palumbo, founder/editor-in-chief, Adornmentality
Syl Tang, contributor, Financial Times Watches & Jewellery, CEO, HipGuide
Category 7 - Special Services:
Dona Mary Dirlam, director of RTL Library and Information Center, Gemological Institute of America Debbie Hiss, owner, Debbie Hiss Consulting
Kristie Nicolosi, president & CEO, The Kingswood Company
Kate Peterson, president/CEO, Performance Concepts, Inc.
Category 8 - Watches:
Stacie Orloff, former president, Bell & Ross, the Americas
Michelle Peranteau, former director of marketing and communication, Baume et Mercier
Ellen Seckler, vice president- marketing, Citizen Watch Company of America
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & MercierThe Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand StrategyElla Blum was appointed to the newly created role.
Weekly QuizJan 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone MarketSponsored by RapNet
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a BuyerInvestment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
SourcingJan 22, 2026
De Beers To Release ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ BookIt explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America PresidentRetail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Stuller Names New Chief Merchandising, Marketing, Sales OfficerTaylor Burgess, who has been at Stuller since 2013, was promoted to the newly created role.
PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s NextWas 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.
SourcingJan 21, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
CrimeJan 21, 2026
4 Men Charged in $1.7M California Smash-and-Grab Jewelry Store RobberyPlus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.
IndependentsJan 21, 2026
Delaware Jeweler Felice Morris Dies at 91Morris’ most cherished role was being a mother and grandmother, her family said.
CollectionsJan 21, 2026
Bulgari Weaves New Collection of ‘Vimini’ Creations“Vimini” is the first chapter of the “Bulgari Eternal” collection that merges archival pieces with modern creations.
ColumnistsJan 20, 2026
First-Party Data Is the Most Valuable Asset Jewelers Have in 2026Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsJan 20, 2026
Borsheims Hires New Assistant Facilities ManagerHeath Yarges brings two decades of experience to the role.
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
