Mission, Vision & History

This is how WJA has transformed our lives, what is YOUR Why?

 
Our Mission & Vision  

To support women in the jewelry and watch industries' advancement and professional development through networking, education, leadership development, and the provision of member services and to be the premier business networking and community-building organization dedicated to enriching and advancing the professional lives of women in the jewelry and watch industries.  

 

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Our Story: The History of the Women's Jewelry Association

A small group of women with big dreams grows into an international membership organization

 

It was an idea born of the belief that women networking with each other could change the world. Our founders believed women could act as mentors, provide scholarships and seed money for new entrants into the industry, and recognize women’s talents and accomplishments.

All that and more has come true for this organization built on a dream.

The idea for a women's organization in the jewelry industry was born during the early 1980s, when Boston jewelry sales representative Toni Lyn Judd wished she had a mentor, or a professional network to call upon for help, but there was little to no networking system for women in the jewelry industry at that time. Judd and Cindy Geller, another New England-based sales representative and designer, gathered a group of local women together and the New England Women in Jewelry group was born. Later that year at the JA New York Show, Judd and Geller shared their idea with a larger group of New York-based industry women, including Tina Segal and Linda Orlick (Goldstein). The idea to create a women's organization was well received, and Segal and Orlick continued to discuss calling a meeting of their colleagues to form a New York-based group.  

In early 1983, Orlick asked Ronnie Lavin to host a meeting of prominent New York industry women to form the National Women's Jewelry Association. The women who gathered that day would become influential early members. They were – in addition to Lavin –Joan Benjamin, Linda Orlick (Goldstein), Beth Moskowitz, Jo Ann Paganetti, Gloria Rosensweig, Marian Ruby, Tina Segal, and Nancy Pier Sindt. The group decided to create the first women’s organization in the fine jewelry and watch industry, developing a platform for women to grow their businesses, share information, mentor each other, and much more! The group voted on the official name, Women’s Jewelry Association, to launch in New York City as a non-profit organization to benefit the women in the fine jewelry/watch industries. The founding members agreed that they would reach out to Gerry Gewirtz, Editor-in-Chief of National Jeweler magazine at the time and industry influencer, to be the first President. Gerry graciously accepted and she was elected President.

By-laws were drawn up and ratified, and a non-profit status was established creating WJA as a New York organization. Soon after WJA NY was active and became a force in the industry, the board voted to roll out nationally. The New England Women in Jewelry (NEWJA) became the first regional chapter of the national organization. WJA continued to grow its educational programs, developing panels featuring industry thought leaders, WJA established a scholarship fund to encourage young women to seek careers in the industry; it established a job bank, and a variety of other services. Many years later, the WJA board voted to include men as non-voting associate members. 

In February of 1984, WJA held its first annual Awards for Excellence Gala in New York City, to recognize women's achievements in the jewelry industry. It's hard to overstate how important it was at that time for women in the jewelry industry to hold a large event where both women and men could network professionally.

The first WJA Awards for Excellence Gala was held at the Lotus Club in New York, then the larger Harmonie Club. After the Gala outgrew those spaces, it moved to the Tavern on the Green in Central Park. But it was soon selling out again, becoming the hottest ticket during the New York summer trade show season. Moving to Pier 60, at the Chelsea Piers, WJA finally found a space to accommodate the expanded guest list.  Below photo(2) of the winners from the Gala's Hall of Fame Award, Peggy Kirby (1985) and the late Gerry Gewirtz (1988).



Today, WJA members represent every facet of the jewelry and watch industries in more than twenty chapters across North  America. Members are a diverse array of industry professionals,  designers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers, employed in our industry. They range from students to sole proprietors to CEOs of large companies. 

The promise and intent of WJA's founders have been preserved in its programs and initiatives. There are local, national, and online networking events, such as Jewelry Night Out. Educational programs exist at individual chapters, and the national organization sponsors WJA Masterclasses and the WJA Jewelry Loupe Project for emerging designers. Other benefits include mentoring programs, scholarships, grants, a membership directory, and member alerts. 

WJA continues to offer national recognition to women who are scaling the heights of their careers.  Awards for women in design, manufacturer/dealer/supplier, retail, sales and merchandising, marketing and communications, editorial media, watches, and special services. Past awards include the Women's Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition, the Ben Kaiser Award for Lifetime Achievement is bestowed upon a man who has demonstrated support for women in the workplace, and a Corporate Award recognizes companies that support women.

Leading women from each regional chapter of WJA are chosen annually by fellow chapter members to receive a Shining Star Award for their passionate commitment to volunteering. 

For nearly 40 years, the Women’s Jewelry Association has been a source of support, education, and camaraderie for women working in jewelry-related industries. It also welcomes men who want to network and volunteer with influential industry friends. Industry members flock to its meetings, use its networks, and gain valuable education and funds to advance in their careers. Get more information on becoming a member. 

  

A Leadership Legacy: WJA's presidents

Susan Chandler (2022-2024)

Jacqueline Cassaway (2020-2021)

Jenny Luker (2018-2019)

Brandee Dallow (2016-2017)

Andrea Hansen (2014-2015)

Tryna Kochanek (2012-2013)

Kendra Bridelle (2010-2011)

Yancy Weinrich (2008 - 2009)

Ann Arnold (2006 - 2007)

Anna Martin (2002 - 2005)

Phyllis Bergman (1998 - 2001)

Rachel Rosin (1996 - 1997)

Helene Fortunoff (1992 - 1995)

Tina Segal (1990 - 1991)

Linda Goldstein (1986 - 1989)

Gerry Gewirtz- (1984 - 1985)

(Pictured L. to R., at WJA's 25th Anniversary Celebration: Arnold, Gewirtz, Goldstein, Segal, Bergman, Rosin, Fortunoff, Weinrich, Martin)