The Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) held its 21st Annual Awards for Excellence in New York in July. More than 600 WJA members and guests were in attendance to recognize accomplished women in the industry. Nominees and awardees are chosen by the national membership.

The gala event raises funds for WJA’s scholarship program. Anna Martin, WJA president, presented the organization’s Hall of Fame Award to Mary Forté, president and CEO of Zale Corporation. As head of the largest specialty jeweler in North America, Forté personifies WJA’s vision to empower women to achieve their highest goals in the jewelry and watch industry, said Martin.

In addition to the Hall of Fame Award, WJA presented Awards for Excellence in seven industry categories: Design—Cathy Carmendy, Jewelry Designer, Cathy Carmendy, Santa Monica, Calif.; Manufacturer/Dealer Supplier For Fine Jewelry and Watches—Joy Toback-Galicki, co-owner and vice president, manufacturing, Myron Toback Inc., New York City; Retail—Sissy Jones, Sissy’s Log Cabin, Pine Bluff, Ark.; Sales and Marketing—Terri Eagle, COO, David Yurman, New York City; Editorial/Reporting—Carmen Borgonovo, accessories director and editor, W magazine and W Jewelry, New York City; Special Services & Education—Charlotte Preston, president, Charlotte Preston Catalysts, White Bear Lake, Minn.

Monies from the silent auction that featured more than 120 items, including watches, jewelry, vacations, clothing, and fashion accessories as well as consulting and advertising packages, along with scholarships set up by individuals and companies, support WJA’s annual Student Scholarship Program for deserving women students enrolled in fine jewelry and watch design courses in the United States. In addition, the funds provide member grants for educational purposes. Membership in WJA is open to women, men, and corporations associated with the jewelry and watch industries.

Additional information is available at www.womensjewelry.org or by calling (973) 575-7190.