Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone MarketSponsored by RapNet
Events & AwardsJul 26, 2016
WJA Awards for Excellence Winners Honored in NYC
The Women’s Jewelry Association recognized the recipients last night at its annual gala in New York.
New York--Members of the jewelry industry headed to the Hammerstein Ballroom Monday night for the Women’s Jewelry Association’s annual Awards for Excellence gala.
Winners of 10 awards across eight categories were announced live at the event, while the three previously announced Hall of Fame honorees also took the stage to accept their awards.
Claudia Kretchmer won in the Design, Fine Jewelry and Watches category for her work at Steven Kretchmer, the company started by her late stepfather who, she noted at Monday’s awards, would have celebrated his birthday on Monday.
Tiffany Kay, daughter of the late Scott Kay, won in the Manufacturer, Dealer, Supplier category. Her acceptance speech echoed the sentiments of many of the night’s winners and honorees: “I’ve grown up in this industry. You’ve all become my family,” she said.
The Retail category was split into three separate awards.
Winning for Retail, 15 Doors or More was Saks Fifth Avenue’s Marta Nowakowski.
Jennifer Gandia and Christina Gandia Gambale, meanwhile, took home the award for Retail, 15 Doors or Fewer.
The sisters thanked their parents, who were in attendance.
“Any excellence we exhibit is a direct testament to their hard work, their support, their direction and their love,” said Jennifer Gandia.
Kris Kulesza of Jewelry Television won in the Retail, Non-Traditional category while the Sales and Merchandising award went to Stuller’s Maren Rosen.
“I have to thank my background in the fashion industry in New York City,” said Rosen as she accepted her award. “When I walked into my very first interview and had a boardroom full of men laugh at me, I took that as the most motivating tool to conquer my dreams.”
To many laughs, Jen Cullen Williams admitted that winning the Communications and Marketing Award fulfilled her childhood fantasy of winning an Oscar, so she rightfully thanked “the academy.”
Syl Tang won in the Editorial Media category while Dona Mary Dirlam of the Gemological Institute of America took home the award for Special Services and Michelle Peranteau of Baume and Mercier won in the Watches category.
Also at the event, the WJA recognized this year’s three Hall of Fame honorees.
Bill Jones of Sissy’s Log Cabin was on hand to accept the Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of his mother, the industry legend simply known as Sissy.
Sissy Jones is battling breast cancer and could not attend the awards but she did record a message thanking the WJA for all it
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
does, and Bill Jones vowed that his mother would be at the Awards for Excellence next year to thank everybody in person.
Ben Bridge Jeweler won the WJA Corporate Award and Peter Engel, the president of Fred Meyer Jewelers, was the recipient of the Ben Kaiser Lifetime Achievement Award.
Ben Bridge Jeweler won the WJA Corporate Award and Peter Engel, the president of Fred Meyer Jewelers, was the recipient of the Ben Kaiser Lifetime Achievement Award.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a BuyerInvestment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.
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.
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 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America PresidentRetail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.
Weekly QuizJan 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
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.
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.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
