The 18th Annual Women’s Jewelry Association Awards for Excellence event was held July 29 at the Chelsea Piers. The following women were honored for their outstanding work and leadership in their respective fields:

Excellence in Design: Doris Panos, Doris Panos Designs; Excellence in Manufacturing: Cynthia Marcusson, Cynthia Renee; Excellence in Sales: Barbara Mooty, MJSA; Excellence in Retail: Ruth Fortunoff, Fortunoff’s; Excellence in Marketing: Cindy Edelstein, Jeweler’s Resource Bureau; Excellence in Editorial/Reporting: Marion Fassel and Penny Proddow, authors and InStyle editors; and Excellence in Special Services: Cecilia Gardner, Jewelers Vigilance Committee. This year’s WJA Hall of Fame honoree was Joan Parker of the Diamond Promotion Service.

The gala, which drew more than 500 attendees, was made possible through the support of the following sponsors: Platinum Level: Diamond Information Center, Montblanc, and Van Cleef & Arpels; Gold Level: Cartier, Howard L. Grant, Inc./La Nouvelle Bague, LVMH Watch and Jewelry USA, Tiffany & Co., and the Vicenza Trade Fair Board; Silver Level: A.B. Kohler & Co., ABN AMRO Bank, Bill Communications, Harry Winston, House Beautiful, JCK Magazine, Johnson Matthey, M. Fabrikant & Sons, Platinum Guild International, and Ron Saltiel Productions.

A silent auction was held during the cocktail hour. Proceeds from the auction will go to several charities.