The head of Platinum Guild International (PGI) will receive a special award for his contribution to the jewellery industry next month, it has been confirmed.

James Courage, Chief Executive of the body, which aims to promote the precious metal on a global basis, will be given the Ben Kaiser Award at the Women's Jewelry Association (WJA) annual gala.

In addition, Susan Jacques, President and Chief Executive of Borsheim's, will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award, while JCK Events and JCK Magazine is set to land the Corporate Award for excellence.

The event, which takes place on 26th July at Chelsea Piers in New York, will also involve the WJA picking its Awards for Excellence programme winners, with 33 nominees lined up in eight categories.

Among the designers nominated in the fine jewellery and watches category are Emily Armenta of Armenta, Coomi Bhasin of Coomi, Maeve Gillies of MaeVona, Sarah Graham of Sarah Graham and Janel Russell of Janel Russell Designs.

Meanwhile, Lita Asscher of Royal Asscher Diamond Co, Marjorie Blank of Joseph Blank, Michele Kwiat Siegel of Kwiat and Fiona Tilley of Gurhan are the nominees in the manufacturer/dealer/supplier category.

The WJA committee will also mull over a number of retail nominees, which have been divided into two categories - 15 stores or more and fewer than 15 stores.

Sales and merchandising, marketing and communications, editorial/reporting/publishing and special services are the four remaining segments with nominees at the event.

"These women have successful careers, yet all of them have found ways to give back to our industry and their communities," said WJA President Kendra Bridel Weinman.

"They serve as role models for all of us."

The WJA was founded in 1983 and describes itself as the "pre-eminent association of professional women" in the jewellery, watch and related industries.

Source:

WJA reveals Awards for Excellence nominees (09/06/10)

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