(PRESS RELEASE) CHICAGO — The Chicago Chapter of the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) has announced the election of Rachel Akmakjian as its new president. In this role, Rachel will lead the chapter in its mission to facilitate professional growth for members through networking, education, and a variety of member services.
Rachel Akmakjian
Rachel Akmakjian currently serves as the Director of Jeweler Relations for BriteCo, a leading provider of jewelry and watch insurance. She brings ten years of experience in jewelry marketing, retail, diamond wholesale, and running her own company, Ariane Diamonds, that specializes in creating custom jewelry pieces.
Her expertise is further complemented by her distinction as a Graduate Gemologist from the prestigious Gemological Institute of America, which equips her with exceptional knowledge in gem identification and grading. Rachel’s education and experiences have provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the demands and expectations facing jewelers and customers in today’s evolving retail marketplace.
“I am honored to step into this role and look forward to engaging with the incredibly talented women in our industry, learning from their experiences, sharing ideas, and fostering meaningful connections,” Akmakjian said. “Chicago’s historic jewelry district has long been a hub of creativity and craftsmanship,” she emphasized, “I’m excited to reignite a greater sense of community here—bringing together designers, retailers, and industry professionals to collaborate, support one another, and celebrate the artistry that makes our field so special.”
