Why do so many jewelers keep lines that are not selling? Peter Smith thinks the answer lies in these two behavioral principles.
Here Are the Winners of the 2017 WJA Awards
The annual awards gala returned to Chelsea Piers in New York last night and honored some familiar faces.
New York--The Women’s Jewelry Association honored a number of jewelry industry leaders at its annual Awards for Excellence gala, held Monday night at Chelsea Piers in New York.
The first award of the night, for Design, went to Wendy Brandes, who thanked those who helped her launch her second career--the designer said she worked as a journalist at publications including The Wall Street Journal and People magazine before getting into jewelry.
Betty Sue King, owner of King’s Ransom, was honored with the award for excellence for a Manufacturer, Dealer, Supplier. King told the audience that her parents came to the United States from China and she had lived the American dream. “The WJA has no glass ceiling,” she said.
Laura Klemt, president of Artistry Ltd., won the award in the Merchandising and Product Development category, and Donna Jolly, director of marketing for the American Gem Society and AGS Laboratories, won for Marketing and Communications.
The award for Editorial went to Severine Ferrari of Engagement 101, while Pat Henneberry, vice president of learning and development for Hearts On Fire and a National Jeweler columnist, won the Business Services award.
The retail award winners were: Alexis Padis, director of operations, Padis Jewelry, in the Independent category; Beth Gerstein, co-CEO of Brilliant Earth in the new Open Format category; and Judy Fisher, senior vice president of merchandising at Signet Jewelers Ltd. in the Large-Scale retail group.
And the first Cindy Edelstein Mentorship Award--named in honor of a woman who was a beloved mentor to many--went to longtime industry writer and editor Peggy Jo Donahue, who got her start at JCK magazine and currently contributes to a number of publications, including this one.
Donahue said she “threw a hissy fit” at the initial suggestion that this new award be earmarked for women only.
“It has been men who have mentored us when were just starting out,” she said from the podium. “And it has been men ... who need to continue to give us a hand up and to help us to reach that 50 percent number in the board room and in the executive suites of our companies.”
While winners in the aforementioned categories were announced live Monday night, a few industry leaders announced ahead of time as honorees were also there to accept awards of the lifetime-achievement nature.
Cecilia Gardner, the former longtime head of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, received the
Gardner urged women to strive for professional success and for men to make room at the table by allowing women to come into roles typically occupied by their male counterparts.
Michael Pollak, CEO of Hyde Park Jewelers, accepted the Ben Kaiser Award, which goes to a man who has been supportive of women in the industry. He encouraged the industry to embrace how people buy jewelry today, by both clicks and bricks.
The WJA Corporate award went to Jeff Corey and Kathy Corey of Day’s Jewelers.
“On the first day we met, we pledged to get married, have children and open a jewelry business together,” Kathy Corey told the audience, adding jokingly that her husband is a great salesman.
She said that she and her husband shared the award with Day’s 150 employees and noted the importance of relationships.
“Do you want to know how to get young people into your store?” Jeff Corey asked the audience.
“Hire them,” he said, adding that millennials are the most “value-driven” generation ever.
The Latest
The “Argyle Phoenix” sold for more than $4 million at the auction house’s second jewels sale.
Owner David Mann is heading into retirement.
Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
While overall sales were sluggish, the retailer said its non-bridal fine jewelry was a popular choice for Valentine’s Day.
The mining giant also wants to offload its platinum business as part of an overhaul designed to “unlock significant value.”
Christie's is selling one of the diamonds, moving forward with its Geneva jewelry auction despite the cyberattack that took down its website.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
The ad aims to position platinum jewelry as ideal for everyday wear.
Retailers can customize and print the appraisal brochures from their store.
The move follows a price-drop test run in Q4 and comes with the addition of a “quality assurance card” from GIA for some loose diamonds.
The site has been down since Thursday evening, just ahead of its spring auctions.
The late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.
Three fifth graders’ winning designs were turned into custom jewelry pieces in time for Mother’s Day.
Kimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
As a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
The company’s Easton location will remain open.
Brian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
Tobak, 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.
Stars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.
M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
The branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
The six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
The highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.