The Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) held its annual Awards for Excellence gala at Pier Sixty yesterday in New York City.
The American Gem Society’s Ruth Batson, Jewelers of America’s David J. Bonaparte, and the Richline Group were all honored with the Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award, the Ben Kaiser Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Hall of Fame Corporate Award, respectively. Winners in the individual industry-specific awards categories are below.
Design—Fine Jewelry
Heather Moore, Heather Moore
Other nominees were Emily Armenta, Emily Armenta, and Monica Rich Kosann, Monica Rich Kosann
Manufacturer/Dealer/Supplier
Chana Regev, Carelle
Other nominees were Aida Fronjian, True Knots; Teresa Frye, Techform; and Laurie Watt, Mayer & Watt
Retail—15 Doors or More
Kim Adams, Reeds Jewelers
The other nominee was Jan Steck, Helzberg Diamonds
Retail—Fewer Than 15 Doors
Cathy Calhoun, Calhoun Jewelers
Other nominees were Judi Bufkin, Judith Ann Jewels; Stacy Sullivan, Levy Jewelers; and Sarah and Rachel Read, Lee Read Jewelers
Nontraditional Retail
Jennifer Peck, Amazon
Other nominees were Amy Jain and Daniella Yacobovsky, BaubleBar; Hillary Lambert, Sundance; and Nadine McCarthy Kahane, Stone & Strand
Sales and Merchandising
Amy Jackson, Fragments
Other nominees were Jennifer Shanker, Muse, and Rachel Jackson, The Knot
Marketing and Communications
Fran Pennella, Benali Consulting
Other nominees were Randi Molofsky, Gemfields, and Ginnina D’Orazio, D’Orazio & Associates
Editorial Media
Michelle Graff, National Jeweler
Other nominees were Severine Ferrari, Engagement 101; Monica Stephenson, iDazzle; and Karla Martinez de Salas, W magazine
Special Services
Desiree Hanson, JCK
Other nominees were Marlene Richey and Catherine Sproule, Responsible Jewellery Council
Watches
Rosanna Doherty, Cartier
Other nominees were Michelle Peranteau, Baume & Mercier, and Annie Sommer, Breitling
Follow JCK on Twitter: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Facebook: @jckmagazine
