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(New York, NY, November 7, 2023) -The
Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) celebrated a milestone
during the WJA Ruby Gala on November 2nd, 2023, held at The
Pool in the Seagram Building in New York City. Commemorating
four decades of dedication to empowering women in the
jewelry and watch industries, the gala delivered an evening
of unparalleled elegance, entertainment, and philanthropy.
“Our 40th Anniversary
is an incredibly proud moment for our organization, and it
is my pleasure to serve as President of the National Board
during this momentous milestone. The evening was a
testament to the work we have done over the last 4 decades.
Most of us can attribute our career opportunities to the
women who closed the gap for us, and we were so grateful to
have many of the national board presidents and founders in
the room celebrating with us. The
work we do raising funds for the association and foundation
nonprofits is the key to a brighter future. As we look to
2024, your support is so important to create programing for
our members. Please join us as a member, corporate member,
or angel sponsor to help us mentor and empower women in the
jewelry and watch industries.” says Susan Chandler,
WJA President and Chief Merchandising Officer for Citizen
Watch America.
The elevated
cocktail reception, featuring gourmet delights presented by Major
Food Group, left guests delighted and
satisfied. Acclaimed performers, including harpist Lexie
Lowell by Élan Artists, a percussionist, duo
aerialists by Astarte
Creative, and the urban rhythm musicians Drumadics
by Élan Artists, provided an unforgettable
experience. Astarte
Creative dazzled with a glamorous dance act
performed to a custom montage of diamond and jewelry-themed
tracks— a spellbinding delight with
hundreds of crystals and giant burlesque feather fans.
Topping off the evening, Lorenzo
Laroc entranced all with an electrifying
performance on his signature five-string
plexiglass electronic violin, playing an array of attractive
genres for guests throughout the night. During the
evening, current international board members and past
presidents were acknowledged for their volunteer work and
photographed onstage, while The Pool emanated a sea of
dazzling ruby red, from the gowns and jewels of guests in
attendance. John Green, President & CEO of Lux
Bond & Green, emceed the night with a
contagious enthusiasm.
The highlight of the night was the thrilling
auction led by Caroline
Ervin via Lydia
Fenet Agency,
showcasing a luxurious five-star corporate retreat package
generously provided by Inspirato
for Good. The auction raised funds to
support the Women’s Jewelry
Association International non-profit and its Foundation
arm, ensuring women continue to thrive in the
industry for generations to come. In addition to the
luxurious corporate retreat package provided by Inspirato
for Good, a new second priceless experience was unveiled.
Generously provided by Balmain,
this extraordinary package included a VIP invitation for two
to Balmain Paris Fashion Week show (choice of Fall 2024 or
Spring 2025), attendance at Balmain's exclusive party and
cocktail reception, a private dinner designed for Balmain’s
top clients, and an exclusive opportunity to tour Balmain's
showroom and place a pre-order on the collection. The second
auction item also offered a private shopping experience for
the winner and up to 10 guests at Balmain's Madison Ave.
flagship store, or a store in the winner’s city.
"We
are very grateful to all that came out to celebrate this
significant milestone. The energy and the spirit of
generosity demonstrated by leaders in our industry further
illuminates they believe in all that the WJA does to provide
meaningful networking, professional development, and
financial support to women in our industry. ‘Belief’ is a
powerful motivator, and it was evident in the funds raised
for the foundation that the industry truly believes in all
that we do,” says Gabrielle Grazi, President of the
WJA Foundation and VP, Head Retail Strategy and
Partnerships, Natural Diamond Council.
Monica Elias, CEO and Executive Producer of
Elias World Media, curated the evening as WJA Gala Event
Chair, which celebrated the beauty, creativity, and passion
of the jewelry and watch industries. Susan Chandler was
Sponsorship Chair of the WJA Ruby Gala, with both Monica and
Susan being supported by WJA committee members: Aida
Alvarez, Kendra Bridelle, Gabrielle Grazi, and Ivette
Nersesyan-Stephanopoulos, as well as by Anna Samsonova, Jen
Cullen Williams, Rachel Jurisz, and Jacqueline Cassaway. The
gala brought together prominent names in jewelry, fashion,
entertainment, and philanthropy, including Kimberly and
Steven Rockefeller, Kayla Rockefeller, Angel Pai, Isabelle
Bscher, and Janna Bullock. Industry VIPs included: Jack
Gabriel, David Kellie, Matthijs Braakman, Howard Hauben,
Anne Russell, Caryl Capeci, Adam Black, Esther and Ruth
Fortunoff, Annie Doresca, Nancy Orem Lyman, Grant Mobley,
Rob Bates, Jill Newman, and Adrianne Sanogo. Acclaimed
jewelry designers were in attendance, including Stephanie
Gottlieb, Monica Rich Kosann, Lorraine West, Malyia
McNaughton, Joan Hornig, Lorraine Schwartz, Ofira Sandberg,
Olivia Landau, and Kyle Simon, Maria Valim, and Steven
Lagos.
“The evening was magical and a testament of
what can be achieved when thought leaders and industries
come together to support a good cause. We were determined to
create an evening that was big, bold, and unique. Taking a
chance, we incorporated many new elements not seen before,
like bespoke dance and musical performances, an auction
featuring luxury packages generously donated by famed
brands, and the invitation of notable names in philanthropy,
fashion, and entertainment,” says Monica
Elias. “Yielding
publicity leading up to the event from high-profile outlets,
this level of exposure is good for the entire industry,
putting everyone on the map for the fundraising of important
causes. The excitement and energy that filled the room was
lifting. Guests were thrilled to be a part of the evening
and motivated to give back. We honored the past and present,
and toasted to the future. We are grateful for the support
of the industry and everyone who helped make this night a
big success.”
The Women’s Jewelry Association would like to
extend heartfelt thanks to its gala sponsors: De
Beers, Jewelers Mutual, Citizen Watch America, GIA, Elias
World Media, JCK, Krainz Creations, Platinum Guild
International, Stuller, The Centurion Jewelry Show, BOSS
Logics, Chrysmela, Goldstar, Heritage Auctions, Instore, Lux,
Bond & Green, Marco Bicego, Richline Group, Sheetal, Uni-Design,
V&A Group, and Casadevall Group.
The WJA 40th Anniversary Gala not only
celebrated the organization's achievements but also raised
critical funds to support women in the jewelry and watch
industries. The gala was a testament to the enduring impact
of WJA in advancing and empowering women professionals in
the field.
To further donate to the WJA cause, donations
will be collected on their site at https://wedoauctions.com/d/donate.php?slug=wja.
For more information about WJA, or to join, visit https://www.womensjewelryassociation.com/ or
email info@womensjewelryassociation.com.
About the Women's Jewelry Association:
The Women's Jewelry Association (WJA) is a
trailblazing organization dedicated to empowering and
advancing women within the jewelry and watch industries. In
1983, WJA was founded on the belief that women could create
lasting change by connecting, mentoring, and recognizing one
another's accomplishments. Today, WJA stands as a global
network of professionals spanning diverse roles, from
designers and manufacturers to retailers and media
representatives. The organization's mission is to facilitate
professional growth through networking, education,
leadership development, and a wide range of member services.
Through its numerous chapters across the U.S. and around the
world, WJA offers a spectrum of benefits, including
networking events, educational programs, mentoring
initiatives, scholarships, and grants.
About the Women's Jewelry Association
Foundation:
The WJA Foundation is the philanthropic arm
of the Women's Jewelry Association (WJA), dedicated to
furthering the organization's mission of providing women in
the jewelry and watch industries with educational and
business opportunities to help them achieve their full
career potential. The Foundation operates as a 501(c)(3)
corporation, actively engaging individuals and corporations
to contribute and make meaningful impact through the
distribution of scholarships and grants.
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