Jennifer Markas
(PRESS RELEASE) Jennifer Markas, former executive director of the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA), has joined Jewelers Mutual as the new Head of Industry Relations, effective yesterday, August 14, 2023.
She will be responsible for continuing to elevate the industry through meaningful partnerships with key industry association and foundation partners, as well as strategic leadership of the Jewelry Industry Council, and all industry events for Jewelers Mutual, including our signature event Conversations in Park City.
Jennifer brings a wealth of experience spanning over seven years in the jewelry industry. She has held senior posts as the Global Reporting & Communications Manager – Sustainability & Tiffany & Co. Foundation, Tiffany & Co., and has led other non-profits and foundations across different verticals including Vice President / Sr. Finance Manager, Citibank Foundation.
In her time at WJA, she realized significant growth in membership and programming, launched the jewelry industry’s first diversity scholarships to provide education opportunities to underserved populations wishing to enter the jewelry industry, helped develop WJA Foundation’s Responsible Sourcing & Sustainability Education Fund (the first of its kind in the fine jewelry industry), and worked to advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals through various industry partnerships.
Exceeding Every Expectation: How Wilkerson Helped d’Original Jewelers Achieve an Outstanding Retirement Sale
When David Rees decided to retire after 34 years of serving Bellevue, Washington’s Eastside, he and his wife knew their exit from d’Original Jewelers needed to honor their decades-long commitment to customers while meeting their financial goals. Since opening in 1990, David had built a reputation as one of the area’s most trusted names for diamonds, custom jewelry, and repairs.
Understanding that a successful retirement sale requires more than just discounting merchandise, David chose Wilkerson to manage his transition. What impressed him most was their attention to detail, particularly in accounting and sales projections. The results far exceeded his expectations — the sale significantly outperformed projections, delivering exceptional financial results that surpassed his retirement goals.
“They were always there for support. If we needed anything, they were able to accomplish that,” David shares. For jewelers contemplating retirement, David’s experience demonstrates Wilkerson’s proven ability to deliver outstanding results while providing comprehensive support throughout the entire process. His recommendation? “100% yes.”
