Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2024
Fusing Past and Present at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
Events & AwardsJul 13, 2016
WJA Announces 2016 Grant Winners
The Women’s Jewelry Association has awarded its first Charlotte Preston “Gets It Done” grant, this year’s Carelle-WJA Grant and many others.
The Women’s Jewelry Association has awarded its first Charlotte Preston “Gets It Done” grant. Amanda Bilberry (pictured left) is the recipient of the award, created in memoriam of WJA member Charlotte Preston (right).
New York--The Women’s Jewelry Association has announced a slew of grant winners for this year ahead of its annual Awards for Excellence gala.
Melissa Spencer of Spencer Fine Jewelry was awarded the 2016 Carelle-WJA Grant, given in memory of Brooke Tivol McGrath, who a driving force behind the launch of the Carelle brand before she died unexpectedly of a rare blood infection at the age of 28.
Spencer founded Spencer Fine Jewelry, which specializes in portraits set underneath rock crystal and surrounded by variations of gold, sterling silver, diamonds and gemstones, in 2016 after completing studies at the Gemological Institute of America.
She also serves as an event planning co-chair for WJA’s Los Angeles chapter.
The $5,000 Carelle-WJA Grant is awarded annual to a WJA entrepreneur in their first five years of business.
“Winning the Carelle-WJA Grant in memory of Brooke Tivol McGrath is a great honor,” Spencer said. “The award will fuel the production of a beautifully interactive website, which is the most important next step of my business so that I may best connect with my customers. I have learned that Brooke and I would have shared many passions, including French language studies, travel and most importantly, jewelry design. In accepting this award I aspire to honor her legacy.”
In other grant news, the first annual $1,000 Charlotte Preston “Gets It Done” grant has been awarded to Amanda Bilberry.
Bilberry, a member of San Diego’s WJA chapter, is working to become a buyer for antique and fine jewelry. She has completed studies at the GIA and will use her grant to fund a course in jewelry appraisal.
The Charlotte Preston grant was launched last November, after Preston passed away from cancer.
Preston formerly was the president of the WJA Twin Cities chapter and was an active WJA member and supporter for several years. She ran a jewelry educational programming company called Charlotte Preston Catalysts.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to have won such a special grant in honor of such an extraordinary woman,” Bilberry said. “I'm sad I was never able to meet her, but I am honored to have received this gift in her name.”
An additional 27 grants of $500 each have been awarded to WJA members around the country for their professional growth.
The full list of 2016 WJA grant winners is as follows.
--Boston: Wendy Jo New
--Chicago: Sue Crady, Kerry Gilligan, Alison Neumann, Anne van der Meulen
--Colorado: Kate Swasey
--Dallas: Laura Stanley
--Florida: Maryann Scandiffio
--Los
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
Angeles: Tanya Parikh
--New York Metro: Amy Glaswand, Gabrielle Morris, Madeleine Roslow, Karen Sampieri, Jane Schiowitz
--Northern California: Feurene Chew, Brenda Flanders, Sawyer Riley
--Ohio/Kentucky: Kate Pleatman
--Providence: Loren Barham, Lauren Paquin, Marilyn Salvatore
--San Diego: Judy Colbert, Tara Hesselroth, Kathryn Timmerman-Susak
--Seattle: Kelsey Kovach
--Twin Cities: Jacqueline Gerhart, Diane Munsinger
--New York Metro: Amy Glaswand, Gabrielle Morris, Madeleine Roslow, Karen Sampieri, Jane Schiowitz
--Northern California: Feurene Chew, Brenda Flanders, Sawyer Riley
--Ohio/Kentucky: Kate Pleatman
--Providence: Loren Barham, Lauren Paquin, Marilyn Salvatore
--San Diego: Judy Colbert, Tara Hesselroth, Kathryn Timmerman-Susak
--Seattle: Kelsey Kovach
--Twin Cities: Jacqueline Gerhart, Diane Munsinger
In 2015, WJA raised $60,000 for grants and scholarships at its annual Awards for Excellence gala.
This year’s gala will be held on Monday, July 25 at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City, where awards will be given across ten categories, including design, retail, editorial media and watches.
Two honorees will receive Lifetime Achievement Awards: Sissy Jones of Sissy’s Log Cabin and Peter Engel, president of Fred Meyer Jewelers. Ben Bridge Jeweler will be awarded the WJA Corporate Award.
More information, including how to purchase tickets and sponsorship opportunities, is available on WJA’s website.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
EditorsMay 07, 2024
Q&A: Author Vikki Tobak on the ‘Ice-Cold’ ExhibitionTobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shares how the exhibition came to be, and the pieces people may be surprised to see.
EditorsMay 07, 2024
10 On-Theme Looks from the 2024 Met GalaStars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.
Brought to you by
From Registration to Return: 10 Tips to Protect You Before, During and After a TradeshowTradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
IndependentsMay 07, 2024
112-Year-Old New Orleans Business Popping Up in Aspen M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
Weekly QuizMay 02, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
MajorsMay 07, 2024
Richemont Acquires Italian Jeweler VhernierThe branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
These ‘Luminaries’ Are Set to Light Up CoutureThe six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
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.
AuctionsMay 07, 2024
Sotheby’s to Auction Sylvester Stallone’s WatchesThe highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
Phillip Gavriel Pays Tribute to Venice With New CollectionThe “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.
Policies & IssuesMay 06, 2024
Rolex Files Objection to Hallmark’s New Trademark ApplicationThe Swiss watchmaker said the company’s plans to use a new version of the Hallmark crown on jewelry would confuse consumers.
EditorsMay 06, 2024
Q&A: 8 Questions With Anglo American’s Benny Oeyen The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.
MajorsMay 06, 2024
Malabar Gold & Diamonds Opens 4th U.S. ShowroomThe Indian jeweler’s new store in Naperville, Illinois marks its 350th location, part of its ongoing global expansion plans.
CrimeMay 03, 2024
Second Suspect Arrested in Murder of Colorado JewelerWheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
A Sneak Peek Into PGI’s Couture Platinum Spotlight ProgramPGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
MajorsMay 03, 2024
Kristie Nicolosi Joins WJA Board AgainNicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
Piece of the Week: A “Bit of LUV” for the DerbyKarina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
