Women's Jewelry Association

What Women's Jewelry Association does

The Women's Jewelry Association (WJA) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit professional membership organization founded in 1983 and headquartered in New York City. It serves women and allies across the jewelry and watch industries through a tiered membership model — Professional ($250/year), Student ($35-75), Global ($100), and Business ($1,295-$4,995) — and an affiliated 501(c)(3) WJA Foundation that administers scholarships and grants.

WJA's core product is a community and professional development platform delivered through 15+ local chapters across North America (Austin, Chicago, Colorado, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York Metro, Ohio/Kentucky, Philadelphia, New England, San Diego, and Toronto) and a national programming calendar. Member benefits are increasingly sourced through third-party partnerships: Luminary for live professional development programming, Mentoro for structured mentorship, FormaNova for AI-powered jewelry imagery, GIA for discounted gemological education, and CPAA's Pearls As One for pearl certification. Foundation impact includes over $1 million in cumulative scholarships and grants over the past decade, with $63,000 awarded to 2024-2025 recipients.

Revenue is generated through recurring membership dues, event registration fees (virtual panels, galas, workshops), charitable donations to the Foundation, and corporate sponsorship from jewelry and watch industry players including De Beers, Citizen Watch, Jewelers Mutual, Stuller, JCK, and Macy's. The organization is governed by an International Board of Directors (chaired by Citizen Watch America's CMO Susan Chandler) and operates with 11-50 staff under Executive Director Jennifer Markas.

Name

Women's Jewelry Association

Legal name

Women's Jewelry Association

Website

https://womensjewelryassociation.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1983

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Women's Jewelry Association is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit professional membership organization founded in 1983 that serves women and allies across the jewelry and watch industries through tiered membership, 15+ North American chapters, and an affiliated Foundation delivering scholarships, grants, and industry partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

New York

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: WJA generates primary revenue from tiered membership fees including Professional Membership ($250/year), Global Membership ($100/year), Student Membership ($35 first year, $75 renewal), and Business Membership tiers (Small Business $1,295, Growth $2,495, Corporate Partner $4,995 per year). Membership includes individual seats with varying benefits based on tier.
2. Event Registration Fees: WJA charges registration fees for events including virtual panels ($35 for non-members), chapter workshops ($45-65 for members vs non-members), and galas. Some events offer complimentary registration for members.
3. Educational Programs and Courses: WJA provides access to partner educational content including GIA courses (with 10% member discount), Pearls As One certification course ($600 value complimentary for members), and Luminary professional development platform. Revenue is indirect through membership retention and attraction.
4. Donations to WJA Foundation: The WJA Foundation (501(c)(3)) accepts charitable donations supporting scholarships and grants. Donation amounts range from $15 to $1,000+ with options for custom amounts and dedication options (in honor/memory of).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

The Women's Jewelry Association (WJA) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit professional membership association that sells tiered memberships (Professional, Business, Student, Global) to individuals and companies in the jewelry and watch industries, providing access to a national network of 15+ local chapters, educational programming, mentorship, networking events, and grants/scholarships through its affiliated WJA Foundation. Core monetized offerings include annual membership subscriptions, paid event registrations (galas, panels, workshops), and tuition-discounted partner courses.

Product overview

The Women's Jewelry Association (WJA) is a professional membership organization serving women across the jewelry and watch industries. The core offering is membership programs at multiple tiers (Professional, Business, Student, Global) providing networking, education, and career advancement benefits. The organization operates through a platform-plus-partnerships model, where member benefits include access to named programs: Luminary for professional growth, Mentoro for mentorship, FormaNova for AI-powered jewelry imagery, GIA education discounts, Pearls As One training, and the WJA Foundation for grants/scholarships. Local chapters across North America deliver community-based programming, while national initiatives include Virtual Panels, Leadership Roundtables, Shining Stars Awards, and the Jewelry Loupe Project incubator.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• WJA Membership Programs Tiered annual subscription memberships for the jewelry and watch industries: Professional ($250/year, renewal $225), Business (Small Business $1,295 up to 6 seats; Growth $2,495 up to 12 seats; Corporate Partner $4,995 up to 24 seats), Student (first-year $35 with promo WJASTUDENT; renewal $75; max 3-year term), and Global ($100/year digital access for international members). Memberships include networking, mentorship, chapter access, virtual panels, partner discounts, and scholarship/grant eligibility.
• WJA National Events & Galas Paid attendance at WJA's signature annual flagship events including the Ruby Gala, Awards for Excellence Gala, Women's Executive Leadership Forum, Emerging Executive Leadership Roundtable, and Jewelry Night Out celebrations across 20+ North American cities. Members typically receive complimentary or discounted registration.
• Virtual Panels & Master Classes Expert-led virtual educational series providing practical real-world training for jewelry professionals covering topics such as visibility, brand building, merchandising, digital marketing, technology, and strategic expansion. Free for members; $35 for non-members.
• Jewelry Loupe Project (Design Business Incubator) A nationwide jewelry design business incubator program supporting emerging designers with mentorship, education, and industry exposure. The largest cohort to date (December 2024) selected 18 designers from over 100 applicants, supported by De Beers.
• WJA Foundation Grants & Scholarships Charitable grant and scholarship programs administered by the affiliated WJA Foundation (501(c)(3), Tax ID #22-3492014), including Member Grants, the $7,500 Carelle Grant, the $7,500 Helene Fortunoff Women in Retail Scholarship, the $5,000 Gabriel Love Foundation Student Scholarship, the Stuller Bench Jeweler Scholarship, the Ella Klein Internship, and the Hedda Schupak-Baum Memorial Media and Communications Scholarship, among others.

Quantifiable outcome

• $1,000,000+ awarded in scholarships and grants over past 10 years
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability2 records

Partnerships

33 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• MentorocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026WJA partnered with Mentoro to launch a Jewelry & Watches-focused mentorship cohort in New York, creating intentional spaces for knowledge-sharing, leadership development, and real connection across the industry. The March 2026 launch brought mentors and mentees together in NYC for a six-month mentorship program.
• LuminarycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026WJA partnered with Luminary, a gender-inclusive professional growth platform, to provide members access to 20+ live programs monthly including workshops, roundtables, speaker series, and networking opportunities. Professional, Global, and Business Members receive full access plus NYC hub space access and 10% off boardroom rentals.
• JPMorganminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 October 2025JPMorgan hosted the inaugural Emerging Executive Leadership Roundtable in New York City in October 2025, providing venue and support for the full-day immersive experience on strategic networking, persuasive communication, and future-focused leadership.
• Hill & Co.minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2025WJA Foundation partnered with Hill & Co. to support women in the jewelry industry through increased access to resources, mentorship, and career opportunities.
• Citizen Watch AmericaminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 October 2022Citizen Watch partnered with WJA on the 2022 Women's Executive Leadership Forum, hosting the fourth annual event at Bohemian Hall in NYC.
• JCKminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 September 2022JCK partnered with WJA for the annual JCK Las Vegas show where WJA showcased emerging talent and hosted the Generating Community Impact Breakfast on DEI.
• BriteCominorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 July 2022BriteCo sponsored WJA's 2022 State of Jewelers Going Digital Report, providing data and insights about technology use in the jewelry industry.
• UN WomenminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2022WJA partnered with WJI2030 and BIJC to encourage signing of UN Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) offering guidance on gender equality in workplace, marketplace, and community.
• Jewelers MutualminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 June 2022Jewelers Mutual partnered with WJA Foundation and Black in Jewelry Coalition to launch the Radiant Minds Technology Scholarship providing women of color education for tech-related jobs in the industry.
• Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2022BIJC partnered with WJA Foundation and Jewelers Mutual on the Radiant Minds Technology Scholarship for women of color in jewelry industry tech roles.
• De BeersminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 April 2022De Beers provided support for expansion of WJA's Jewelry Loupe Project nationwide to train more emerging designers, helping scale the design business incubator across North America.
• Platinum Guild USAminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022Platinum Guild USA sponsored the Responsible Business Education Grant for WJA members, with first recipients announced January 2022.
• Jeweler's CircleminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 August 2021Jeweler's Circle (global online marketplace for rare jewelry and gems) partnered to offer WJA designer members a free exhibitor subscription ($1,500 value) from August-December 2021.
• Amazon Aid FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2021WJA Foundation partnered with Amazon Aid Foundation and Ethical Metalsmiths to host a free private film screening of River of Gold documentary about responsible sourcing.
• Ethical MetalsmithsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2021Ethical Metalsmiths partnered with WJA Foundation and Amazon Aid Foundation for River of Gold documentary screening and Q&A on responsible sourcing.
• Signet JewelersminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 September 2020Signet Jewelers partnered as marketing partner for WJA's March is Me Month campaign promoting jewelry self-purchase among women.
• Macy'sminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 September 2020Macy's partnered as marketing partner for WJA's March is Me Month campaign.
• Richline GroupminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 September 2020Richline Group partnered as marketing partner for WJA's March is Me Month campaign.
• Jeweler Support NetworkminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2020WJA joined other industry associations in the Jeweler Support Network to provide resources and support for independent local jewelers.
• The Newman Group at Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2020WJA partnered with The Newman Group at Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. for a Financial Empowerment series providing members with financial education and guidance.
• MVI MarketingminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2019WJA partnered with MVI Marketing for the Gender Equality Project survey on gender-based workplace practices in the jewelry industry.
• Gemological Science International (GSI)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 April 2018GSI sponsored free first-year student membership for WJA in 2018, enabling students to join at no cost during that year.
• GIA (Gemological Institute of America)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWJA partners with GIA providing members 10% savings on GIA online courses and in-person lab classes. Partnership supports shared commitment to education, professional growth, and industry advancement.
• Cultured Pearl Association of America (CPAA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWJA partnered with CPAA to offer members the Pearls As One definitive course on cultured pearls - a $600 value complimentary for all WJA members, making members certified cultural pearl specialists.
• Julius Klein DiamondscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJulius Klein Diamonds sponsors the Ella Klein Internship program in partnership with WJA, providing hands-on jewelry industry experience in New York City. The internship is named in honor of Ella Klein and JKD has committed to offering the internship for the next five years.
• StullerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWJA partnered with Stuller to launch the Bench Jeweler Scholarship, providing recipients opportunity to attend workshops at Stuller's Lafayette, LA headquarters including Bench Jewelers Workshop, Laser Welding, Stone Setting courses. WJA Foundation covers up to $1,500 in airfare.
• Gabriel & Co. / Gabriel Love FoundationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGabriel Love Foundation (Gabriel & Co.'s philanthropic arm) partners with WJA Foundation on the $5,000 Gabriel Love Foundation Student Scholarship for female students in non-design coursework within jewelry programs.
• CarelleminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCarelle partners with WJA Foundation on the $7,500 Carelle Grant (In Honor of Brooke Tivol McGrath), supporting established jewelry/watch professionals innovating businesses through technology and operational advancement.
• Fortunoff FamilyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFortunoff Family partners with WJA Foundation on the $7,500 Helene Fortunoff Women in Retail Scholarship honoring their late mother Helene Fortunoff's commitment to women growing in the industry.
• Mastercard Hub (New York)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMastercard Hub in New York provided space for additional WJA Mentoro mentorship experience gathering for mentees.
• SchamrothminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSchamroth is listed as a WJA sponsor on the website homepage, supporting the organization's mission and events.
• Goldstar JewelleryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGoldstar Jewellery is listed as a WJA sponsor on the website homepage, supporting the organization's mission and events.
• JasaniminorGTM or Marketing PartnerJasani is listed as a WJA sponsor on the website homepage, supporting the organization's mission and events.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Jewelers of America: The leading U.S. jewelry industry trade association, offering membership, advocacy, and education across the full jewelry value chain — directly comparable to WJA in mission, member-funded operating model, and industry-association structure.
• American Gem Society: A professional association of jewelers, gemologists, and suppliers with credentialing and education programs — closely comparable to WJA's education, credentialing, and member-event model in the jewelry vertical.
• Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America (MJSA): A U.S. trade association for jewelry manufacturers, designers, and suppliers that combines membership, education, and an MJSA Press publishing arm — operates the same association-plus-education model as WJA within adjacent jewelry industry segments.
• American Gem Trade Association (AGTA): The leading colored gemstone trade association; jointly operates the Gem DIVA Award with WJA — directly comparable as a member-driven jewelry/gemstone industry association competing for similar members and sponsors.
• Jewelers Vigilance Committee: A nonprofit legal and self-regulatory body serving the jewelry industry — operates the same membership-funded, industry-advancement model as WJA, focused on ethics, compliance, and industry standards.
• National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA): A U.S. professional association for jewelry appraisers with credentialing, education, and member events — directly comparable in structure (membership + education + networking) within the jewelry industry.

Emerging players

• Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC): A newer diversity-focused jewelry industry organization that co-sponsors the Radiant Minds Technology Scholarship with WJA Foundation and Jewelers Mutual — comparable as an emerging membership-and-DEI focused jewelry industry coalition.

Others

• Women's Jewelry Industry Network (WJI / Women's Jewelry Industry publication): An adjacent trade publication and editorial platform covering women in the jewelry industry — adjacent rather than directly competitive, providing industry-media benchmarking for WJA.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/womensjewelryassociation
• Instagraminstagram.com/womensjewelryassociation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Women's Jewelry Association