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WJA names 2009 Awards for Excellence winners

April 15, 2009

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The Women's Jewelry Association will honor fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg as the winner of this year's "Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement" award.

New York--The Women's Jewelry Association (WJA) has announced that it will honor fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg, Jewelers of America's (JA) Matt Runci and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) at this year's Awards for Excellence gala.

The annual event will be held this year on July 27 at Pier 60 in New York City.

Von Furstenberg will be presented with the 2009 "Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement" award, Runci will receive the "Ben Kaiser Award" and the GIA will be honored as the first organization to receive the "Corporate Award for Excellence."

In addition, the WJA will present awards to women who have excelled in the following categories: retail, design, manufacturing, marketing and communications, editorial/reporting/publishing and special services.

"Diane von Furstenberg, one of the leading icons in American fashion, is not only a connoisseur of jewelry, but a modern woman in every sense," WJA President Yancy Weinrich said of this year's Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement winner.

In 2004, the acclaimed designer inspired the creation of the Diane von Furstenberg by H. Stern fine-jewelry collection, and over the years, her fashion house has become synonymous with confidence and female freedom.

She has been a winner of the Council of Fashion Designers of America's Lifetime Achievement Award and sits on the board of Vital Voices, a women's leadership organization that empowers emerging female leaders and social entrepreneurs around the world.

The Ben Kaiser Award will be presented to Runci, a 30-year industry veteran, for his dedication to furthering the reputation and professionalism of the jewelry industry.

"For decades, Matt has advocated nationally and globally on behalf of retail jewelers and the jewelry industry, in general, to preserve and enhance customers' confidence in the purchase of jewelry," Weinrich said. "He proves that one person can make a significant difference in the resolution of complex national and global issues."

Runci joined JA in 1995 as president and chief executive officer. Under his leadership, JA has developed comprehensive professional skill standards for retail jewelers and has continued its work in national governmental affairs.

He has been centrally involved in initiatives such as the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, the Clean Diamond Trade Act and the World Diamond Council's System of Warranties. In addition, he serves on the board of the Diamond Development Initiative and also led JA to become a founding member of the Responsible Jewellery Council, a not-for-profit for which he is currently chairman.

In choosing the GIA this year as the first-ever winner of the Corporate Award for Excellence, Weinrich said, "While many organizations in the jewelry industry came to mind, it was clear that the Gemological Institute of America holds a special place of honor for its support of women and the Women's Jewelry Association."

According to the release, women have played important roles in the success of the GIA throughout its history, beginning with Beatrice Shipley's part in founding the institute in 1931. In addition, the GIA's Eunice Miles, considered a GIA pioneer, was recognized as one of the world's leading gemologists for decades mid century; and Donna Baker's leadership is moving the institute forward today, pursuing global activities in research, education, laboratory services, instrument development and outreach.

For ticket and sponsorship information for the July 27 gala, contact the WJA at (708) 361-6266 or info@womensjewelry.org.
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