Gena Alulis
Founder & CEO
Superfit®, Inc.

Leave it to a woman to figure out how to get the perfect ring fit and who better than Gena Alulis, the Founder and CEO of Superfit®, Inc. - the original custom fit ring company. Gena brings a sensitive and informed perspective to her management at Superfit®, Inc. and has led the company to significant growth over the past 15 years, making Superfit® the industry’s #1 selling custom fit ring.

Her passion for jewelry led Gena to pursue a formal gemological education with the Gemological Institute of America. She subsequently managed a retail jewelry store for many years and it was through that experience that she saw a tremendous unsolved problem for her customers – rings that simply didn’t fit properly.

In 1992, Gena began the strategic planning and development for Superfit®, Inc. She has since taken the company from start-up to its foremost position as both a leading manufacturer and supplier to wholesalers and distributors throughout North America and Europe. Gena’s years of experience have helped her understand the perspective of the end-user, the retail jeweler and the distributor.

Gena is a 2007 nominee for Excellence in Manufacturing by the Women’s Jewelry Association and a 2005 recipient of Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell’s “50 Best Women in Business.” She also represents Superfit®, Inc. at leading jewelry trade shows, seminars and workshops in the US and abroad. Gena has a strong commitment to women’s advocacy and served as the founding President of the Mid Atlantic regional chapter of the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA). She is currently serving as the National Treasurer on the Executive Board of WJA. Gena has also secured the prestigious status of an American Gem Society (AGS) Registered Supplier on behalf of the company.

Gena has made guest appearances on CNBC’s “The Big Idea with Donny Deutcsh”,CBS 3 Philadelphia “3 on Your Side” and 6 ABC.

Taking care of people comes naturally to Gena. Whether it’s resolving the fit of one ring until it is perfect, helping an individual jeweler with a special rush request or helping a supplier fill an order for hundreds of rings, Superfit®, Inc. strives to function as perfectly as the device which bears its name.

In her personal time, Gena lends her empathy and support to her family of friends within the Living Beyond Breast Cancer organization and the Crohns’ and Collitis Foundation. She currently resides in Valley Forge, PA with her husband Paul, the Chief Operations Officer at Superfit®, Inc.

Danielle K. Anthony
Sales Associate
Ben Bridge Jewelers

Danielle Anthony is a San Diego native that has always had a passion for gems. Growing up, she enjoyed rocks and minerals and learning more about them. When deciding where to go to college, she decided that she wanted to become a Graduate Gemologist and go to the GIA in Carlsbad. Her family urged her to go to college and then the GIA, so she attended California State University at San Marcos and received a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in marketing and management. Soon after she finished her degree, she started her G.G. program in residence at Carlsbad.

Ann Arnold
Chief Financial Officer/Vice President
Lieberfarb, Inc.

Ann Schonwetter Arnold, Chief Financial Officer/Vice President of Lieberfarb, Inc., a manufacturer of wedding, engagement and anniversary rings, grew up in the jewelry industry.  After graduating from Lehigh University with high honors, she earned her CPA working for Deloitte & Touche.  In 1993, Arnold not only joined Lieberfarb, Inc., where she oversees all the finances and sales, she also joined the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA).  Within 6 years she was serving as a national board member and soon became the National Treasurer.  In 2002, Arnold, along with her sister Isabella Fiske, received the distinguished WJA Award for Excellence in Manufacturing.  In 2004, she became the First Vice President of WJA, which represents the interests of professional women in the jewelry, watch and related industries.  In 2006 she was elected as the 8th National President of this volunteer organization with over 1,000 members and 12 chapters nationwide.  Arnold also sits on the JBT and MJSA boards.  She is a member of many industry organizations and is involved in many community activities, and credits her two young daughters and husband of 13 years, Jonathan, for her continued drive and success.

Donna M. Baker
President
Gemological Institute of America

Donna M. Baker, president of the Gemological Institute of America, Inc. (“GIA”), is only the fifth person to lead the Institute in its 75-year history. She was appointed to the position in November, 2006.

Mrs. Baker has an impressive combination of work experience, education, a background of dedicated service, and a proven track record of exemplary leadership that will serve GIA and its constituents well as the Institute evolves in the coming years. She envisions a future in which GIA continues its strong commitment to the public and is excited about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, including GIA’s global expansion in the areas of research, education, and laboratory services.    
          
Mrs. Baker began her career at GIA in 2001. She served as vice president, general counsel, and was responsible for the direct oversight of the Institute’s legal affairs and various other departments, including Human Resources, Operations, Real Estate Planning and Development, Information Technology, Community Development and the Museum and Library.

Mrs. Baker began her legal career as an associate at Morrison & Foerster, LLP, and later became a partner of Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP.  Mrs. Baker served as a member of the firm’s management and recruiting committees and as Chair of the Business and Real Estate Practice Group. Her specialty in business law, with an emphasis in transactions and employment, facilitated her development and growth of the business and employment practice at Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP -  her last position prior to GIA.

An MBA and law school graduate of UCLA, Mrs. Baker was named to the University’s Law Review from 1986-1988, and was Chief Comment Editor from 1987-1988. She is a member of the American Corporate Counsel Association, the American Bar Association, the California State Bar Association, San Diego Bar Association and the North San Diego County Bar Association.

Mrs. Baker received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Loyola Marymount University, where she majored in sociology, psychology and theology and graduated magna cum laude. Mrs. Baker received her Graduate Gemologist diploma from GIA in 2005, and the Certified Gemologist title from the American Gem Society in 2006.

Mrs. Baker is committed to community service and is actively involved with the Boy Scouts of America as a Board Member of the Riverside/San Bernardino Counties Council and an assistant scoutmaster of a local troop. She has worked with various social service agencies and taught at the elementary and high school levels. She was the Executive Director of Orange Coast Interfaith Homeless Shelter, where she lobbied at local and federal levels to stimulate new funding for capital improvements and ongoing operations.

Sandy Baker
President
Sandy Baker Inc.

As the sole designer of her own firm for over three decades, Sandy Baker has carved a distinctive niche in the industry. Her elegant variations on signature style earrings, necklaces, pins and bracelets -- often more Calder than Cartier -- reflect her years of training in the fine arts.  Sandy Baker’s talent for bringing together modern clean lines and elegance with artistry has kept her on the cutting edge of both fine and fashion jewelry design.

Her work is included in the Design Archives at Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum and has also been exhibited extensively at select museums and galleries across the country.

Sandy Baker’s bold, fashion-forward designs have won numerous awards. In 1988 she received the Women’s Jewelry Association Award for Excellence in Design and the Blenheim Award for Continued Excellence in Design in 1995. Sandy’s pieces have graced the covers and pages of Vogue, Glamour, Essence and other leading magazines. The New York Times, Jewelers Circular Keystone, National Jeweler, Modern Jeweler and Crain’s New York have acknowledged her major contributions to the jewelry industry.

Edward Boehm
President
JOEB Enterprises

Edward Boehm is a colored stone dealer and consultant from San Diego, California. Grandson of his namesake, Edward J. Gübelin, he spent the summers of his youth with his grandfather in Lucerne, Switzerland, piquing his curiosity in crystals and gems, and paving his way toward an adventurous career in gemology. Upon graduating in Geology from UNC, Chapel Hill, Edward was encouraged by his grandfather to study at the GIA and completed his G.G. in 1988.

After working for Overland Gems in Los Angeles for several years, Mr. Boehm returned to Switzerland to work with the Gübelin Gem Lab in gem identification and research.  He also worked for the renowned colored gemstone firm of Pala International for five years before venturing out on his own in 1996. His company, JOEB Enterprises & Laboratory Services, specializes in high end and collectable gemstones. Edward has helped build several important gem and mineral collections and has been a museum consultant to GIA since 1999. He is an active member of AGTA, AGS, the GIA Alumni Association, and is Vice President for the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA).

Mr. Boehm has had numerous articles published in Gems & Gemology, and has been featured in JCK, Colored Stone, Professional Jeweler, Jewelers Quarterly, Jewelry News Asia, Elite Magazine, Robb Report and The Loupe magazines. His current work takes him to mining localities throughout the world as a consultant and buyer.

Erica Courtney
President
Erica Courtney Inc.

Erica Courtney’s passion for creating glamorous, one-of-a kind pieces and extraordinary artistic talent has established her as one of today’s most original couture jewelry designers. Her work with countless pave diamonds, hand-picked gems and pearls, and exceptionally detailed custom settings has solidified her position as one of the most recognized and successful jewelry brands in the industry. Erica Courtney’s Drop Dead Gorgeous® collection has set the standard in the jewelry world for the past two decades. Inspired by her son’s engagement, Erica Courtney recently launched her Gorgeous & Engaged® bridal collection. The line consists of exquisite engagement rings and custom wedding bands in 18k gold and platinum, with many of the designs featuring the couple’s initials engraved or paved into the setting. The Gorgeous & Engaged® collection also includes hand-crafted sterling flatware, intricately embellished with 18k gold and diamond charms and initials. Reflecting Erica’s signature style, the flatware is custom-made to her clients’ specifications and is a unique and stylish wedding or anniversary gift.

Paula Crevoshay
President and Chief Executive Officer
Mellika Co. Inc.

After earning her Masters Degree with Honors in Painting and Sculpture at the age of 22, Paula went to New York to launch her career as an artist. Soon George Crevoshay, a Ph. D candidate in Asian studies, whom she had met at the University, came wooing her for his wife. Although she loved him, she didn’t feel she was ready to get married so she put him off, telling him that if he could support her without her having to work for the next three years so she could dedicate herself exclusively to her art that she would marry him, and he left. 

She thought the issue had been settled and was surprised when he showed up two weeks later to announce that he had just applied for, and been awarded both a Fulbright Scholarship and an American Institute of Indian Studies grant to be paid back to back over a period of three years. He then requested and received a stipend for his wife, even though he was not yet married! The Magical Mystery tour began!

So Paula spent the first three years of her married life living in India in a Tibetan Buddhist Monastery studying with His Holiness, the Dali Lama’s teachers while George worked on his thesis and translated ancient holy texts from Sanskrit into Tibetan among other scholarly pursuits.

Paula had two one-woman shows of her work in Bombay and Pune, worked as an actress in Bollywood films and set up a dispensary in the monastery, all the while serving the social functions of the wife of a Fulbright Scholar. The British Council for the Arts purchased five paintings for their collection from her Bombay show, “Won’t you Pull My Leg,” which opened at the prestigious Jehangir Art Gallery in 1980.

Although she had made jewelry as gifts for family and friends when she was a student, in India Paula began buying gems and designing jewelry in earnest. The first Crevoshay jewels were meticulously crafted using the finest melee in party colored sapphires, rubies and other gemstones. On returning home, she sold out her collection in the first month. She had to fly back to Asia for more gemstones and an intercontinental lifestyle was born.

Each year as the artist went from success to success and upgraded the size and expense of her stones, the scale of her pieces and her elaborate style was developed. She began to win patrons and recognition and her career blossomed. In addition to special exhibitions, her work is now on permanent display in museums such as the GIA Museum, Carnegie Museum and the Smithsonian Institution.

Ralph Destino
Chairman
GIA

Ralph Destino is Chairman Emeritus of Cartier, Inc.  He retired from the Cartier group in 2005 after a 32-year career that included serving as President of Cartier (Far East) Ltd. and as President and Chairman of Cartier, Inc.

During his career the firm enjoyed enormous growth in both Asia and in North America. Starting with their Fifth Avenue landmark store, the company developed three additional new divisions: Les Must de Cartier (wholesale watches and accessories), Parfums Cartier (fragrances), and Lunettes Cartier (optical frames).  During Mr. Destino’s years the American company grew to a nationwide organization of 32 stores and a network of 400 authorized dealers across America.

Within the jewelry industry, Mr. Destino currently serves as Chairman of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and as a Director of Van Cleef & Arpels, Inc.  He is also Chairman of the American Watch Guild and Chairman of the Editorial Advisory Board of National Jeweler Magazine.  Mr. Destino is a former Chairman of the Jewelry Information Center (JIC) and a former director of Jewelers of America (JA).

In addition to his corporate duties, Mr. Destino is active in civic, charity and cultural organizations.  He served for 14 years as Chairman of the American Cancer Society in New York and for 18 years as a director of the United Way of New York City.  He is currently a Director of the Brain Trauma Foundation.

Mr. Destino has received the International Humanitarian Award from Boys’ Towns of Italy, the Torch of Liberty Award from the Anti-Defamation League, the Human Relations Award from the American Jewish Committee, the Distinguished Service Award from the American Cancer Society, the Hall of Fame Award from the Diamond Industry Council, and the Triple Zero Award from the American Gem Society.  In 1997 he was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, and in 1999 he was inducted into the Retail Jewelers Hall of Fame.

Born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island, Mr. Destino is a graduate of Dartmouth College.

Peggy Jo Donahue
Director of Public Affairs
Jewelers of America

Peggy Jo Donahue is Director of Public Affairs at Jewelers of America, where she oversees the association’s communications to its many stakeholders, including members, the wider jewelry industry worldwide, governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and media. Donahue works closely with Jewelers of America President and CEO Matthew A. Runci on responsible business practices issues, as well as legal and legislative affairs.

Donahue was previously Editor in Chief of Professional Jeweler magazine and before that, Editor in Chief of JCK magazine. She began her career at JCK, where she earned two Neal Awards from America Business Media for her reporting on legal and security issues. She switched to health and medical journalism for ten years, authoring three books and writing for publications such as Prevention, Business Week and Money magazine. She was honored with a special award from the American Heart Association for cardiovascular health reporting and her book on stroke prevention was named one of the top health books of the year by the Library Journal.

Cindy Edelstein
President
Jeweler's Resource Bureau

Cindy Edelstein is the founder and president of the Jeweler's Resource Bureau, a niche consulting company specializing in the designer sector. Cindy is an award-winning writer and entrepreneur who has helped countless design entrepreneurs grow their businesses. She has worked with artisans, designers, manufacturers, trade associations, publications, trade shows and government organizations both in the United States and abroad. She is a much in demand speaker, competition judge and workshop leader. Her company publishes books and guides, produces trade shows and conferences and runs a website dedicated to improving designer businesses with information and insight.

Susan Eisen
President
Susan Eisen Fine Jewelry and Watches

Susan Eisen, author of Crazy About Jewelry: The Expert Guide to Buying, Selling and Caring for Your Jewelry, is a leading jewelry expert, certified gemologist, award winning entrepreneur and popular speaker based in El Paso, Texas. She is also the inventor of several jewelry-related products including LIFETAG® medical identification jewelry, Purse Pockets® for keeping jewelry safe during travel and Treasure Trays® for organizing and storing jewelry. Crazy about Jewelry, Eisen’s first book, is the definitive guide for everything jewelry related. Eisen studied the design, fabrication and manufacturing techniques of jewelry making at The University of Texas at El Paso. She opened her first retail store in 1980 and added a second location in 1992. El Paso Magazine named Susan Eisen Fine Jewelry and Watches “The Best of El Paso Jewelry Store” and “The Best of El Paso Place to Buy Your Wedding Bands” in 2007.

Known throughout the jewelry industry for her expertise, Eisen is an Accredited Senior Appraiser of the Accredited Gemologist Association and Master Gemologist Appraiser of the American Society of Appraisers. She holds several gemology accreditations, and is frequently invited to present at seminars, national jewelry shows and industry panel discussions. She has taught courses at The University of Texas at El Paso and has been published in several trade  journals such as Professional Jeweler Magazine and Jeweler’s Circular Keystone Magazine. She has been featured extensively in the national media for her expertise and creations in Parade and Health.

Eisen has served in a number of professional and civic leadership roles including past president of the El Paso chapter of the American Society of Appraisers. She participated in the International Gems and Jewelry Committee of the American Society of Appraisers, American Gem Society’s National Ethics Committee and National Education Committee and National Board of Directors for the Jewelers Vigilance Committee. Eisen served on the National Council of Better Business Bureaus board of directors for three years and the International Executive Council of the Gemological Institute of America for nearly a decade. Eisen won the El Paso Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics in Retail in 1998 and was one of seven national finalists. She won the El Paso Humane Society “Compassionate Woman’s Award” in 2002 and the Women’s Jewelry Association Award for Excellence for the Women Retailer of the Year (with 15 stores or less). She regularly donates jewelry to philanthropic causes.

Kevin Feldmann
Director of Merchandising
Mondera

Kevin Feldmann graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, N.J. After graduating, he began working in the jewelry industry.

Matthew Goldsmith
Attorney
Garganigo, Goldsmith & Weiss, Attorneys at Law

Matthew D. Goldsmith received a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2002 and a Juris Doctor from New York Law School in 2005.

Mr. Goldsmith is active in all phases of immigration and nationality law, focusing primarily on employment based immigration. He is admitted to practice as an attorney in New York and is a member of the American Bar Association.  He is also an active member of AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association) where he is a member of the Department of Labor Committee, the Young Lawyers Division Committee and the Media Committee.

Tara Goldsmith
Partner
Garganigo, Goldsmith & Weiss, Attorneys at Law

Tara J. Goldsmith received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science in 1995 from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.  In 1998 she earned a Juris Doctor from Fordham University School of Law, graduating magna cum laude and Order of the Coif.  Upon her law school graduation Ms. Goldsmith was employed as an Associate at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, one of the largest law firms in the United States.  In 2000 she joined Garganigo, Goldsmith & Weiss where she is currently a partner, active in all phases of their immigration law practice, focusing on nonimmigrant and immigrant business visas.  She has been a regular lecturer on immigration law at the GIA Career Fairs since our 2000 Fair.

Alishan Halebian
Owner/Designer
ALISHAN

Alishan Halebian is one of the most original artists creating and pursuing his own vision in jewelry. Being a self-taught goldsmith, his treatment of precious metals is masterly. Using sophisticated techniques, he creates seemingly weightless pieces, capturing metals beauty in luxe look with finishing touches set to thrill and inspire.

Alishan’s Armenian heritage brings the philosophies of two world cultures, East and West together, which burst into creative expression of style in his distinctive collections. His discerning clientele are attracted to his designs for their notably individual characteristics and emotions, confronting line and form. His contemporary designs, merged with classical art elements bring exquisite style to his jewelry collection, which are sold at the finest retail jewelry stores in America and Canada.

Laurie Hudson
Co Founder and Co President
Luxury Brand Group

Laurie Hudson is the co-founder and partner of Luxury Brand Group (LBG), a full-service, results oriented, advertising, public relations and brand communications agency specializing in the fine jewelry industry.  Along with business partner and LBG co-founder Frank Proctor, Laurie concentrates on building the brands and images of her clients.

Laurie is a nationally recognized on-air talent and media spokesperson for leading jewelry, fashion brands and trade groups.

From 1992 to 2002, Laurie was the founder and president of the Platinum Guild International (PGI).  She was responsible for repositioning and building the current market for platinum jewelry in North America.

Prior to the PGI, Laurie was the marketing and public relations director of the American Gem Society.

In the jewelry industry, Laurie has earned a number of awards and recognitions including the Women’s Jewelry Association’s Hall of Fame Award, induction into the Gemological Institute of America’s League of Honor, the American Jewelry Design Council’s coveted “Benne” Award, the Contemporary Design Council's Award, and the American Gem Society annual award, among many others. 

Laurie earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA).  She resides in Newport Beach with her eleven year old daughter, Jessica.

Susan Jacques
President and Chief Executive Officer
Borsheims

Susan M. Jacques is the president and CEO of Borsheims Jewelry Company, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway Company in Omaha, Nebraska. Ms. Jacques started at Borsheim’s as an appraiser/sales associate in 1982. She was subsequently appointed by Warren Buffett to her current position in January 1994.  Before that, she served as a merchandise manager and buyer and a senior vice president having worked in the jewelry industry since 1978.

Ms Jacques received her Graduate Gemologist diploma from the Gemological Institute of America in 1980 and is a Fellow of the Gemological Society of Great Britain. 

In addition to serving on numerous civic and charitable boards in Omaha, Nebraska, Ms. Jacques is a member of the Board of Governors for the Gemological Institute of America.  She also serves on the board for the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, Jewelers for Children, Creighton University; serves on the UNMC Board of Counselors, and is an Ak-Sar-Ben Councilor.

In 2004, the Jewelers for Children recognized Ms. Jacques as a “Facets of Hope” honoree and she was awarded the Most Dynamic Retailer Award at the Town & Country Bazaar Couture Design Awards in 2000.  Additionally, Ms Jacques has won awards from the Women’s Jewelry Association for excellence in retail and was inducted into the National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame in 1997.  In 1982, Ms. Jacques was awarded the Raynor Diploma Prize for most outstanding student worldwide.

Ms. Jacques and her husband, Gene Dunn have three sons and live in Omaha.

Matthew C. Jones
Sales Associate
Morgan's Jewelers

Matthew C. Jones was born and raised in the quiet beach community of Cambria, California where his passion for the outdoors and surfing began. Staying close to his coastal ties, he attended and graduated from the University of California, San Diego in 2003 with a degree in Economics.  It was during these years that he discovered the Gemological Institute of America in Carlsbad and the seed for his future career was planted.  Matthew spent the next few years of his life expanding his education by living and traveling overseas.  Soon he returned to the GIA headquarters campus in Carlsbad and completed the G.G. program in 2007.  Currently Matthew is working for the reputable Morgan's Jewelers located in Torrance, California.  He wears many hats at Morgan’s including sales, appraisals, design and tech support.  Matthew looks forward to his future career as he brings his passion, energy, and knowledge into this industry locally and abroad.

Rahul Kadakia
Senior Vice President, Head of Department
Christie's Americas, Christie's

A recognized auctioneer for Christie's jewelry sales in Geneva, Hong Kong, London and New York, Mr. Kadakia was appointed head of the Jewelry Department for Christie's Americas in the fall of 2004. His career at Christie's began in London in 1996. Soon after, he was instrumental in the success of the first ever Important Indian Jewels auction in London, which sold a Mughal inscribed spinel bead and diamond necklace for $1.4 million. Mr. Kadakia transferred to Switzerland in 1998 where he became involved with the Geneva and St. Moritz jewelry sales. Among his successes are the sales of the Barbara Hutton natural pearl necklace, formerly the property of Marie-Antoinette, Queen of France, for a world auction record price of $1.47 million; and an 8.48ct. Royal Burmese ruby, formerly the property of Princess Marie-José of Belgium, later Queen of Italy, for $113,000 per carat. In May 2001, he also sold the Star of Dubai, a rectangular-cut D color, flawless diamond of 44.86cts for $2.6 million. Mr. Kadakia has diplomas in business management from the College of Commerce & Economics in Bombay and in gemology from the Gemological Institute of America.

Martin Katz
Founder and CEO
Martin Katz, Ltd.

Martin Katz has gained an international reputation as the favorite of the Hollywood elite.  He was one of the first to adorn Hollywood screen stars with the perfect gems for high-profile events such as the Academy, Golden Globe and Emmy Awards shows.  Articles about his jewelry have been regularly published since that time and many of his spectacular pieces have graced the covers of Vogue, W, Town & Country, People, Elle and InStyle magazines to name a few.  Katz’s clientele includes heads of state, world business leaders, important collectors and other individuals of affluence and discriminating taste.  Some of the most well-known names in the entertainment industry are among his patrons including Nicole Kidman, Barbra Streisand, Salma Hayek, Ashley Judd, Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Aniston.

The Martin Katz collection features signature contemporary designs and important vintage pieces of uncompromising craftsmanship.  Katz’s love of rare and exceptional diamonds has earned him wide acclaim for designing important diamond jewelry styled with a “youthful” attitude.  These beautifully crafted, couture-quality pieces of limited production and European manufacture are signed, numbered and inspired from his love of vintage jewelry – contemporary pieces with an “old soul.”  His keen understanding of the spectrum of personal tastes and styles are an extension of his passion.  His love and discriminating eye for both vintage and contemporary jewelry has established him as one of the leading names in the world of luxury acquisitions.

Martin Katz became enamored with gems at an early age while visiting his aunt who worked for a premiere jewelry store in Chicago.  He started his first jewelry business in 1978 while studying at Indiana University and shortly thereafter, journeyed to Los Angeles to begin his career as an associate salesman at Laykin et Cie, a premier jewelry salon in Beverly Hills.  In 1988, Katz took his passion to a more personal level with the founding of Martin Katz, Ltd.  In addition to a signature Martin Katz, Ltd salon in Beverly Hills, which opened February 2002, a Martin Katz salon can also be found on Madison Avenue in New York.

Carolyn Kelly
Owner
Old World Chain

Carolyn began her career over 30 years ago, after graduating from college, at Bloomingdales. From that point on she has been involved in the jewelry industry on both the retail and wholesale sides. After a decade at Saks Fifth Avenue, she decided to move to the “other” side and worked for David Yurman, the internet and started her own consulting business focused on product development and marketing. Early in 2007, she and her sister, Nancy, purchased Old World Chain, a long established importer of 18k gold jewelry. Today, she is revitalizing the company expanding the distribution as well as the product offering.

Kathryn Kimmel
Vice President & CMO
GIA

A third generation member of the jewelry industry, Ms. Kimmel has acquired a broad range of experience in many of its areas:  in retail, as managing director of Anthony Geml Jewelers in Southern California; in manufacturing, as customer service manager and later vice president of marketing and sales for Nova Stylings, a design and manufacturing company.  She currently serves as vice president and chief marketing officer for the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) where she oversees all domestic and international marketing, public relations, communications and outreach efforts.

During her near-twenty year tenure at GIA, Ms. Kimmel has played a key role in shaping the Institute’s activities, philosophy and development, in addition to establishing its marketing policies and objectives.  Among her many contributions to the Institute’s growth are: the introduction of the Internet as a marketing and communications tool; the creation and development of Career Fair as the industry’s preeminent annual recruitment event; the establishment of a centralized public relations department to streamline communications with the trade press, public media, as well as industry and community organizations; and the production and promotion of two GIA Gemological Symposia. Most recently, Ms. Kimmel has spearheaded the Institute’s first national public awareness campaign, and she continues to work tirelessly to build awareness and understanding of GIA’s mission to an ever larger international audience.

A firm believer in service to the community and the industry, Ms. Kimmel has contributed much of her free time and energy to many organizations. She is a founding member of the Women’s Jewelry Association, past president of the Los Angeles Chapter, and currently serves as vice president on the national board.  She also serves on the national board of the Jewelry Industry Council and the board of the 24 Karat Club of Southern California.  She is a recipient of the YWCA’s Tribute to Women and Industry (TWIN) award; the AGS Distinguished Service Award; the GIA Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement; the 24 Karat Club Excellence in Service Award; the WJA Award for Excellence in Promotion, and is a member of the WJA Hall of Fame.

Paul Klecka
Owner
Paul Klecka

Entering college with natural artistic and musical abilities, by his junior year Paul Klecka had completed all of the required courses for graduation but had not selected a major.  Taking a jewelry class as an elective, he found that the precision of metal techniques coupled with the boundaries imposed by the human form provided a structure that enabled his artistic ideas to blossom.

Thirty years later, he has distributed his jewelry in retail channels as diverse as Neiman-Marcus and QVC.  He is the recipient of numerous industry awards which represent the range of precious materials:

De Beers
Diamonds Today Competition
Diamonds of Distinction Awards
Diamonds-International Award finalist

American Gem Trade Association
Spectrum Award  

Jewelers of America
New Designer of the Year
Jewel Award

Fashion editors have written, “Paul Klecka hits the mark of what today’s fashionable consumer is seeking” . . . clean simple lines infused with fashion and innovation. He has his finger on the pulse of the jewelry arena.”

Shifting his focus to CAD technology in 2003 has enabled Klecka to develop several new patent-pending jewelry concepts and provided a global reach to his firm. 

Steven Lagos
Designer and CEO
LAGOS

Designer Steven Lagos began his career with a drive to create breathtaking jewellery that combined classical inspirations with a stunning modern style.  More than thirty years later, LAGOS continues to imprint its signature styles on the landscape of American and international designer jewellery.

Born on August 14, 1957 in Florida, Steven Lagos is a quintessential American Designer.  At an early age he had an eye toward art; Steven had a keen sense of style and fascination with fine elements of design, as well as quality workmanship.  Encouraged by both of his parents, he dreamt of being an artist, of creating beautiful and lasting pieces.  At only 17 years old, Steven developed his talents and sketches exponentially with the desire to design his own jewellery.  

In 1977, LAGOS was founded as a vision of a world-class studio and design house that would bring various inspirations of artistic, fine jewellery into creation.  Shortly thereafter Steven Lagos introduced several award-winning designs that presented the fashion industry with impressive, innovative collections.  His engaging collections vary from the luxuriously bold Glacier lines and the sophisticated architectural LAGOS signature design—Caviar™. His designs appeal to those who love glamorous statement pieces – and above all classic sophistication.  Today, Steven Lagos continues to create award-winning LAGOS designs. 

Au-Co Mai
President/CEO
emitations.com

A true entrepreneur at heart, Au-Co grew up working for a family business and after graduating with an Economics degree from University of California, San Diego in 2000, started Emitations.com with a vision to launch a unique, branded jewelry line that resonated with celebrity-conscious consumers.
Au-Co has received recognition from 944 magazine as one of San Diego’s Leading Ladies and in 2006 was a nominee for the 13th Annual Women Who Mean Business Award.

She is an active board member of WJA, San Diego chapter where she currently serves as Vice-President – Chapter Affairs, and on the National Board as Vice President - Technology, and was responsible for launching the first WJA, San Diego chapter website.

Jennifer Maxwell
Coordinator Product Dev Project Management Fine/Concept Jewelry
Tiffany & Co.

Jennifer L. Maxwell, originally from Atlanta, Georgia, graduated from the University of Georgia in 2004 with a BA in Sociology. After moving to London, then to Colorado, and after working in several jewelry stores, she decided to follow her passion for jewelry and continue her education at the GIA in Carlsbad, California. She then proceeded to complete her Graduate Jeweler degree, as well as the CAD/CAM and Jewelry Design courses. After a year at GIA, she moved to New York City in April of 2007 to pursue her career in the jewelry industry, landing her first job shortly thereafter in the gemstone purchasing department at David Yurman. Four months later, she was offered a position on Madison Avenue as Coordinator of Product Development at Tiffany & Co., where she is still happily employed.

Carley McGee-Boehm
Owner
Carley Jewels

Fashion and jewels have been Carley’s calling since the age of 5.  Sent home from preschool for wearing “too much lace for the playground,” no one could restrain her creative sense of style.  Soon after college, Carley returned home to Sanibel Island where she began her career in jewelry.  She brought with her a portfolio laden with designs and snagged a position with the largest jeweler in town, working her way from the sales floor to custom jewelry design.

Carley’s love of fashion and jewels sparkles by blending art, history and her passion for fabulous gemstones.  Designing for nearly a decade, she felt that the creations dancing around her mind were begging for more knowledge of gemstones.  Carley headed to California to attend the GIA, graduating in 2004 as a Graduate Gemologist and refining her artistic talent by completing courses in Jewelry Design, Wax Carving and CAD/CAM.

Carley Jewels came to life in 2005 when she began creating bespoke pieces for her devoted clientele.  Marrying her love in 2006, she was inspired more than ever and began creating her first line, Lago.  The energetic support of her husband gave her the belief she needed to enter her pieces in design competitions.  Winning three of the three prestigious awards she has competed for, Carley Jewels proudly received an American Gem Trade Association Spectrum award in 2007 and 2008, and most recently the Women’s Jewelry Association 2008 DIVA award.

Patricia Mejorado
Administrative Assistant
Star Ring Inc.

Patricia Mejorado attended her first GIA Career Fair in 2003. After speaking with a couple of the employers and passing out resumes, she met two of her future employers. First Zale Corporation, joining them as a Sales Associate for almost three years. During this time Ms. Mejorado enrolled in the Diamonds Graduate Program Distance Education. Then decided that she needed more, and made the move to GIA Carlsbad. Earning her diplomas in the Applied Jewelry Arts Program and the Graduate Jeweler Program. Upon graduation Ms. Mejorado applied with Star Ring Enterprises a leader in the manufacturing industry.  Mr. Richard Harrison whom she spoke with that fateful day in 2003 hired her. Currently Ms. Mejorado manages the Consignments Division and is the Administrative Assistant for the company’s Instock Division. Ms. Mejorado credits GIA. for her growth in the jewelry industry.

Steven A. Mindel, Esq.
Managing Partner
Feinberg, Mindel, Brandt & Kline, LLP

Mr. Mindel has more than 20 years of experience in the jewelry industry.  He is the Managing Partner of the Law Firm of Feinberg, Mindel, Brandt & Kline, LLP, a Martindale Hubbell AV rated firm.  He represents a broad base of clients involved in all areas of the jewelry industry, including retail, wholesale and manufacturing.  He has acted as the Vice President of Sales/General Counsel of Heinz Meyer, a leading European jewelry manufacturer, where he developed the operational program for the company, including the development of its marketing plan and the management of its United States sales organization.

Mr. Mindel is associated with many of the trade organizations throughout the jewelry industry.  He has served as a Member of the Board of Directors of the 24 Karat Club of Southern California, and has been a member of the Women's Jewelry Association and the American Gem Society-Southern California Guild, where he served as its President from 1993 to 1994. 

Mr. Mindel has lectured to various groups in the jewelry industry.  Since 1995, he has spoken annually at the GIA Career Fair on topics relating to the fundamentals of owning your own business.  He has also lectured for the American Gem Society, the 24 Karat Club of Southern California and the Women's Jewelry Association. 

Mr. Mindel graduated Magna Cum Laude from UCLA with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 1981, and from the University of Southern California Law Center with a Juris Doctorate in 1985.

Barbara Mooty
Vice President, Brand Development & Industry Relations
Charles & Colvard, Ltd.

In July 2002, Barbara became the Vice President of Brand Development and Industry Relations for Charles & Colvard, Ltd, (nasdaq: CTHR) the manufacturer and sole global supplier of lab-created moissanite. Barbara oversees Charles & Colvard’s marketing, brand positioning, advertising and promotion.

Although Barbara’s career began over 20 years when working “after school” in a retail jewelry store, her industry experience has grown to be diversified and vast. Prior to joining Charles & Colvard, Barbara was Vice President of Marketing for Kristall Classics, Inc., a LA-based manufacturer of jewelry set with Russian diamonds. Between 1998 and 2001 she was the West Coast Director for the MJSA satellite office located in downtown Los Angeles and concurrently was Advertising Director for their monthly publication, AJM magazine.

Her industry experience includes: retail store manager of London Jewelers, East Hampton, NY; national sales representative for NOVA/Martin Gruber Designs; and an eight year career at Gemological Institute of America (GIA) that included being a gemology instructor and her work in GIA’s marketing department. Barbara taught diamond grading, colored stones, colored stone grading, pearl and bead stringing, and pearl grading while an instructor at GIA.

A GIA Graduate Gemologist and America Gem Society Certified Gemologist, Barbara is an active member of the Women’s Jewelry Association, has served on the National Board and currently serves on its advisory committee. She received WJA’s “Award for Excellence in Sales” in 2001. In 2003 Barbara was honored in the WJA’s Midwest Chapter, Hall of Fame.

For the past 17 years Barbara has been a member on the CareerFair steering committee. She’s active in the jewelry industry, a member and former board member of the 24 Karat Club of Southern California, and member of GIA’s Education Program Advisory Committee (Los Angeles). She also has served as a judge for the American Gem Trade Association’s (AGTA) 2000 Spectrum Design Awards and for the Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America’s 2003 Vision Design Awards.

Joseph Murray
Owner/Designer
Joseph Murray Jewelry

Upon receiving his degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology in 1980, Joseph Murray went on to receive more formal training by working for a myriad of costume and fine jewelry manufacturers. This successful career, which spanned more than two decades, gave him a wealth of knowledge that would guide him in the creation of his own jewelry collection and company.

Drawing upon his love of the ocean and fascination with coral reefs, Joseph developed his signature collection by using a wax sculpting technique of melting and layering.  Leaving behind his traditional design approach of pencil to paper he combined vividly colored gemstones, sparkling diamonds and hand-textured 18k gold to create timeless designs that are truly unique.

In 2004 the collection was launched with great success and continues to evolve with new and exciting designs. Oprah, Rachael Ray and Victoria Principal are just a few of the women that wear his jewelry.

At the recent JA-NY show Joseph was honored to receive the 2007 Mort Abelson New Designer of the Year Award.

Donna Phelan
President
The Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California

Donna M. Phelan is First Vice President and Investment Officer of Wachovia Securities, providing comprehensive financial services to clients in over forty states.  She is a Graduate Gemologist with over fifteen years experience in the jewelry industry in design, manufacturing, retail, wholesale and appraisal.  Prior to Wachovia, Donna worked for Tiffany & Co., Neiman-Marcus, Dayton-Hudson, Macy’s-Federated and C. D. Peacock.   She has served as a buyer, manager, appraiser and in sales.  As an appraiser, she also advised major insurance companies, such as Allstate, CNA and CIGNA, on the value of stolen jewelry.  She studied jewelry design and manufacturing at Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and the Jewelry Institute of Providence, RI.  As President of her own jewelry design and manufacturing company, she did freelance design for Cartier and jewelry design and manufacturing for Tiffany & Co., among others.  Her jewelry was featured in Tiffany’s Selections catalog. 

Believing that finance was “the next great bench skill,” Donna received an MBA in Finance from the University of Connecticut, and has applied her skills for the benefit of the jewelry industry.   She spearheaded the effort with GE Capital and Jewelers of America to create the highly popular Jewelry Accents private label credit card program.  She developed the nationwide Jewelers of America Members’ 401(k) Program. She served as Financial Advisor to the American Gem Society Laboratories.  She has spoken on finance and investing at many jewelry conferences around the country, including JCK, AGS, JA, MJSA and IJO.  She has authored many articles on financial topics for various jewelry industry publications.

Matthew A. Runci
President and CEO
Jewelers of America

Matthew A. Runci is President and CEO of Jewelers of America, the national trade association for retail jewelers. Since joining the association in 1995, his primary mission has been to enhance members’ business reputations and preserve consumers’ confidence in the purchase of jewelry. Under Runci’s leadership, Jewelers of America has developed comprehensive professional skills standards for retail jewelry sales associates, managers and bench jewelers. Runci has also guided the development of a variety of responsible business practice initiatives for use by Jewelers of America’s more than 11,000 member stores. In addition, he has directed an active national government affairs program on behalf of the interests of retail jewelers.

Runci was centrally involved in the establishment of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, the Clean Diamond Trade Act, and the World Diamond Council’s System of Warranties, to prevent the trade in conflict diamonds. In 2005, he led Jewelers of America to become a founding member of the Council for Responsible Jewellery Practices (CRJP), which has created a Responsible Jewellery System for independent, third-party auditing of the ethical, social and environmental practices of companies at every level of the diamond and gold jewelry supply chain. Runci currently serves as Chairman of the CRJP Board of Directors.

Runci is also a member of the Board of Directors of Diamond Development Initiative, an organization aimed at addressing the political, social and economic challenges facing the artisanal diamond mining sector. He is an active participant in the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance, a multi-stakeholder process that is working to develop mining standards for gold and other mined minerals.

Mark Schneider
Owner
Schneider Design Studio

Award winning designer Mark Schneider specializes in contemporary designs. His jewelry creations are known for their simplicity and clean, fluid lines. Mark’s philosophy of jewelry is to create designs as wearable art.

Mark’s love for jewelry and colored stones began in grade school with a gemstone collection. While in college, he enjoyed working with clay and metal, transferring that love to jewelry design. He still possesses the same love for gems and feels fortunate to be ale to create jewelry with the finest rare gemstones available.

A third-generation jeweler, Mark earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University at Long Beach where he studied art and jewelry design.

Mark continues to create fashion forward award winning designs in an effort to push himself and his products to the next level. Throughout the design process, Mark is intimately involved with every process from the designs’ conception to the final torches that make his pieces unique and distinguishable.

His clients are individuals who not only recognize the value of the jewelry, but also appreciate the collectability of his work. He is one of the few living designers to have a piece of jewelry on permanent display in the Smithsonian Institution Gem and Mineral Hall. He is also one of the most recognized American designers of our time.

Hedda Schupak
Editor-in-Chief
Jewelers' Circular Keystone

Hedda T. Schupak, editor-in-chief of JCK, joined the magazine more than 22 years ago as a production editor and general reporter. She became JCK’s fashion editor in 1991 and, in the ensuing years, became the editor of JCK’s Luxury International, was the founding editor of JCK’s first fashion-focused jewelry trade publication, TRENDZ, and in 2000 became editor-in-chief and editorial director of the whole JCK International Publishing Group.

She is a popular lecturer in the jewelry industry and has given numerous talks at the world’s leading international jewelry fairs, as well as at regional conventions and individual jewelry store managers’ meetings. She has been a guest columnist for trade and consumer magazines in Italy, Japan, Australia, Brazil, and the United States, and has been quoted about the jewelry industry in the general media many times, including television programs in Europe and the United States, and newspapers such as the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Sarasota Times-Herald, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and more.

Hedda sits on the board of the national Women’s Jewelry Association and is a member of the NCCJ Jewelry and Watch Industry New Leadership Division general committee. She is a member of the Fashion Group International, an organization of women executives in the fashion industry. Locally, she has served on the Philadelphia Area Albright College Alumni Steering Committee and was a founding board member of Wings for Success of Chester County, Pa., a charitable organization that collects and provides work-appropriate clothing for disadvantaged women.

In 2003, she was named one of Pennsylvania’s Best 50 Women in Business and has won numerous awards both for journalism and in the jewelry industry, and in 2004 was named the Trade Press Editor of the Year by the Jewelry Information Center. In 2006, she was inducted into the Women’s Jewelry Association Hall of Fame, and in 2007 was accepted for membership to the 24 Karat Club of the City of New York. She was recently named to the advisory board of the Diamond Empowerment Fund.

Hedda studied fashion design at Drexel University in Philadelphia and graduated in 1984 from Albright College, Reading, Pa., with a BA in English and Communication Arts.

Nirav Shah
Business Development Manager
Anahi Jewelry

Nirav Shah began his career with Rapaport Diamond Corporation in July 2007 as an assistant Diamond Trader/Broker to help manage Rapaport Team NY.  Through his hard work, perseverance and dedication, he got the opportunity to trade diamonds through a global network on his own.  As a diamond broker, he networked with trusted, lifelong business partners and communicated daily with wholesalers in all areas of the trade. Shah also worked with quarterly tenders, which was a great opportunity to meet clients face-to-face.  He was recently hired by Anahi as Business Development Manager to assist with their creative retail sales development.  Shah will be responsible for developing their internet presence, party plan and direct sales in the United Sates and will act as Anahi’s sole representative in the United States.

Donald K. Sheppard
Associate Attorney
Larrabee, Mehlman, Albi, Coker, LLP

Donald K. Sheppard is an Associate with Larrabee | Mehlman | Albi | Coker LLP. Mr. Sheppard previously practiced immigration and nationality law at the Law Offices of Jan Joseph Bejar, APLC, in San Diego and Mark Fish & Associates in New York City. Mr. Sheppard’s six years of immigration law experience as an attorney has included employment-based immigration, family-based immigration and removal defense. Mr. Sheppard has also argued before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Mr. Sheppard is a graduate of New York Law School where he earned his Juris Doctor degree. Prior to law school, Mr. Sheppard completed his undergraduate work in Economics at Marshall University, graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration. Mr. Sheppard is admitted to practice law in the State of California, U.S. Court of Appeal (9th Circuit), and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California.

Mr. Sheppard specializes in immigration matters for corporate clients. He is responsible for client management, including nonimmigrant matters such as H-1B, TN, E, H-3, B-1, L-1, O and P visa classifications, as well as employment-based immigrant petitions, such as labor certifications, multinational executives/managers, extraordinary ability, outstanding researchers, and national interest waiver petitions. Mr. Sheppard is also responsible for family-based immigration matters and naturalization.

Mr. Sheppard is an active member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and currently serves as Treasurer for the San Diego Chapter of AILA. Mr. Sheppard is also part of the San Diego District USCIS liaison committee, Young Lawyers Division, and Consular Corps liaison committee with the San Diego Chapter of AILA. In addition, he is currently Co-Chair of the Planning Committee for the 20th Annual AILA California Chapters conference being held in San Diego.

Whitney Sielaff
Editorial Director
National Jeweler Network

Whitney Sielaff is editorial director of 101-year-old National Jeweler, an award-winning business-to-business magazine that reports on the international fine jewelry industry. Published by Nielsen Business Media, New York, National Jeweler is recognized as the leading news analysis provider to U.S. retail jewelers and those serving them.

Whitney began writing about the jewelry industry in the 1980s, specializing in reporting on the international diamond industry. For four years beginning in 1992, he served as U.S. bureau chief for an international diamond trade publishing company based in Tel Aviv. In that position, he edited and contributed to a number of international and U.S. domestic magazines.

Whitney rejoined National Jeweler as editor-in-chief in 1995 and served as publisher from 1999-2003. Among a diverse range of projects, he has overseen the development of the multifaceted jewelry information Web site NationalJewelerNetwork.com and National Jeweler Daily News, the brand’s e-mail newsletter.

Whitney directed the launch of Couture International Jeweler, a magazine that extends Nielsen’s highly successful Couture show brand. It is published four times a year to address the information needs of the high-end jewelry market.

Whitney has won two Jesse Neal Awards from the American Business Press, one for his editorial writing and another as part of an investigative reporting team whose work captured the prestigious Grand Neal Award in 1997. In 2005, he received the Timothy White Award for highest journalistic integrity and was named to Folio magazine’s Dream Team as the nation’s top trade magazine editor.

Stephen Silver
Chairman and CEO
S.H. Silver Company

Steve Silver has over 30 years experience in the jewelry industry. In 1980 he founded S.H. Silver Company. The company has established itself as a highly successful wholesale and retail business becoming renowned for its fine and estate jewelry. Through his illustrious network of worldwide contacts, Steve has acquired some of the rarest and finest stones in the world. Among the most prestigious examples include an exquisite, one-of-a kind vivid orange diamond, a six-carat vivid blue diamond that was one the rarest and largest blue diamonds ever cut and one of the largest red diamonds ever cut, nicknamed the “cranberry”. Additionally, one of the highlights of his career was attaining the famous Cullinan Blue Diamond Necklace, which he acquired directly from the Cullinan family.
 
Steve has become known as an estate jewelry expert within the industry. Two notable collections include jewelry belonging to the late Eva Gabor and Irving Scott, the founder of Union Iron Works of San Francisco, which built the famous battleship USS Oregon. By leveraging his well-developed global network of contacts in the jewelry trade, Steve is able to acquire almost any item, for any consumer around the world.

As a large donor and supporter of the trade, Steve was inducted into the Gemological Institute of America’s (GIA) Circle of Honor for his continued contributions to the GIA. Historical Museum Collection of gems and jewelry. To ensure new and young talent continues to be cultivated within the trade, Steve has made a ten-year commitment to GIA. to fund an annual scholarship for low-income students to study jewelry design. In 1999, Steve founded and served as chairman of Miadora, an online jewelry eCommerce site.

As an avid golfer and community philanthropist, Steve co-founded the annual Randy Cross Invitational Golf Tournament, which has raised millions of dollars for the Ronald McDonald House at Stanford Children’s Hospital over its 24-year history. He attended San Diego State University where he studied Geology and holds a graduate Gemology degree from GIA.

Alia Varsano
Worldwide Head of Contemporary Jewelry
Phillips de Pury & Company

Ms. Alia Varsano is Worldwide Director for Phillips de Pury & Company's Contemporary Jewelry Department. She is responsible for establishing the strategic direction of the department and developing and managing the Contemporary Jewels auctions and exhibitions that take place in various locations around the world. The Contemporary Jewels department at Phillips de Pury & Company represents the best in contemporary jewelry with an emphasis on unique, design-driven pieces.

Alex Woo
Jewelry Designer
Alex Woo Inc.

Born and raised in New York City, Alex Woo embodies the spirit and passion of a true New Yorker. With a workshop located in the heart of Rockefeller Center and an eponymous collection of jewelry, Alex has since become one of the most recognized jewelers among a new generation of designers.

From winning the grand prize at the Women’s Jewelry Association’s national design competition, to being awarded one of the most prestigious accolades in the industry by experts from the JCK Design Center, her distinctive design sensibilities began at an early age. Starting at the innovative Little Red School House and LaGuardia High School of Music and Art to refining her artistic vision at Cornell University, the American University of Paris, and Parsons School of Design, Alex Woo creates jewelry that reflects life through design and imagines fashion that is both personal and timeless.