Bacilio Mendez

In Case You Missed It: WJA's 25th Annual Awards for Excellence Gala
July 28, 2008

Last night I was lucky enough to share my evening with a room full of amazing women at the WJA's 25th Annual Awards for Excellence Gala at Pier Sixty, even sharing a table with 2006 Hall of Fame inductee Hedda T. Schupak.

“Our annual Awards for Excellence dinner is one of the most highly anticipated social events of the year and typically draws over 600 movers and shakers,” said WJA President Yancy Weinrich, Industry VP, JCK Events. “We are so grateful to all our sponsors and especially to our three “Pillars of Distinction”: Platinum Guild International, Jewelers Mutual Insurance, and David Yurman, who have supported us throughout this anniversary year.”

It was a wonderful night of good food and visiting with friends, along with performances by Broadway Pops, a video short on the WJA's histroy, and of course the honoring of two pillars of the industry, Sybil Yurman and Steven Kaiser.  

Sybil Yurman, wife and partner of jewelry designer David Yurman, has been instrumental in the success of the renowned design house since its inception in 1979.

“Sybil Yurman is a true muse, partner and businesswoman, said Daid Yurman, who met his wife in 1969 while he was working in a sculptor's studio and she was a young artist writing grant proposals. “Sculptors tend to focus on form. She opened my eyes to a wider creative process.”

“I absolutely love what I do and that we have been able to capitalize on our artistic abilities to use this success to aid the causes of others,” Sybil Yurman said. “WJA has nurtured the careers of hundreds of women through its many activities, educational conferences, scholarship programs, and networking opportunities. I’m thrilled to accept this prestigious award from my WJA sisters on its 25th anniversary. The jewelry industry would not be the same without this important organization.” (Source)

Steven Kaiser has been an owner and executive in the watch and jewelry industry for over 25 years. He began his career in 1982 with Baume & Mercier, USA, and rose to president and chief executive officer. Under his tenure, from 1993 until 1998, Baume & Mercier grew into a leader of the luxury watch industry and increased sales 80 percent, with 25 percent fewer open doors. 

Kaiser is an active member of many industry organizations, where he has held important positions, including the Jewelry Information Center, Jewelers Vigilance Committee, American Watch Association, and Jewelers for Children. He is the fifth recipient of the Ben Kaiser Award.

“I’m honored to receive this special WJA award that recognized my father," Kaiser said. "He saw the potential of WJA from its infancy and encouraged me to join in 1983. I’ve watched it evolve into one of the most dynamic and important organizations, and I’m proud to be part of it.” (Source)

Past honorees and presidents of WJA were on hand to rub elbows with attendees, get into bidding ware on silent auction items, and mug for the cameras.

For those who were busy putting the finishing touches on their booths at the Javits center, or otherwise unable to attend, here's a quick slideshow of the night's events. Enjoy!





In Case You Missed It Archive
IIJS Announces Signature Goa Part I 
IIJS Announces Signature Goa Part II
IIJS Announces Signature Goa Part III
Press Conference to Announce "about j." Part I
Press Conference to Announce "about j." Part II
WJA Metro Holiday Party
The Language of Italian Design 2008 Collection Part I
The Language of Italian Design 2008 Collection Part II
Platinum Manufacturing Tour of A. Jaffe Part I
Platinum Manufacturing Tour of A. Jaffe Part II
Platinum Manufacturing Tour of A. Jaffe Part III
CD Release Party for "We Love You" / Launch of DKNY Shoe
PGI Platinum Manufacturing Tour of Oscar Heyman Part I
PGI Platinum Manufacturing Tour of Oscar Heyman Part II

Posted by Bacilio Mendez on July 28, 2008 | Comments (0)