Press Releases

WJA Invites Industry Leaders Dedicated to Responsible Business to Attend its Awards for Excellence Gala this Fall

(PRESS RELEASE) On October 20, 2021, WJA will transform the Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers in New York City into an inspiring space highlighting its event theme Building Resilience with Responsible Business. The VIP fundraiser will gather together 250 guests in person and hundreds more virtually for an evening of networking and to celebrate its two Visionary Award winners: Karen Goracke, CEO of Borsheims, and Fern Mallis, creator of New York Fashion Week and former Executive Director of the Council of Fashion Designers of America.

WJA’s biggest fundraiser of the year comes as a long-awaited and exciting opportunity for jewelry and watch professionals to connect with each other after many months apart. Attendees will enjoy an extended cocktail hour, theater-style program, and an afterparty offering ample time to mingle with industry leaders and colleagues.

Photo Gallery

Flowers and Pearls Combine in This Beautiful New Collection from Imperial Pearl

Photo Gallery

Jewelry Retailers Make a Statement With Branded Boxes [Photo Gallery]

Photo Gallery

2024 Met Gala’s Dreamy Garden Theme Brought Out Diamonds Galore

During the event, WJA will share the importance of operating a responsible business and will showcase how its industry partners have embraced this business model. The fundraiser will help to support WJA’s programs, including the recent launch of WJA Foundation’s Responsible Sourcing and Sustainability Education Fund, its Conversations on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion program, and WJA’s Masterclass leadership development series.

The program will be shared virtually across our membership and the greater industry to increase accessibility. The virtual presentation will also include a special keynote from Tensie Whelan, the former President of Rainforest Alliance and the current Director of New York University’s Center for Sustainable Business. Individual tickets for the inperson and virtual event can be purchased starting at the end of August.

About WJA’s Visionary Award Winners:

Karen Goracke has had a lengthy and distinguished career at Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Gifts, one of the country’s largest independent jewelry stores. Before being named President and CEO by Warren Buffett, Karen served in a variety of roles focused on inventory management and sales. She possesses an intricate depth of knowledge not only of Borsheims but of the worldwide jewelry industry.

Hailed as the award-winning creator of NEW YORK FASHION WEEK, Fern Mallis has been called an industry titan, Fashion doyenne, and the godmother of Fashion. After two decades at the Council of Fashion Designers of America and IMG Fashion, Fern is currently President of her fashion and design consultancy and serves on the board of the FIT Foundation.

WJA invites companies and organizations that foster responsible business practices to sponsor its gala and programming. More information about the event can be found here.

Donations to WJA Foundation can be made directly here.

Press Releases

Recent Posts

Discover the Exceptional World of French Jewelry at Couture

These ten brands capture the beauty, elegance and originality of French jewelry design. This year,…

1 day ago

Judge the Jewels: Taika Waititi Throws on a Casual $6 Million Diamond Necklace for the Met Gala

View this post on Instagram A post shared by JACOB & CO. (@jacobandco) The sighting:…

1 day ago

INSTORE Design Awards 2024 – Silver Under $1,000

Gabriel & Co. (First Place) Geometric link Buju kan connector chain necklace in sterling silver,…

1 day ago

Aurum by Guðbjörg Creates Icelandic Jewellery Inspired by ‘Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II’

The jewelry is exclusively handcrafted in Reykjavik from recycled gold and silver, lab-grown diamonds, and…

1 day ago

INSTORE Design Awards 2024 – Platinum Jewelry

Pompos Jewelry Corporation (First Place & Retailer’s Choice) Oasis ring in platinum with a heated…

1 day ago

INSTORE Design Awards 2024 – Best Snake Design

Goshwara (First Place) Snake ring in 18K yellow gold with multicolor sapphires (3.87 TCW) and…

1 day ago

This website uses cookies.