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RAPAPORT... The Women's Jewelry Association (WJA) celebrated its 29th annual awards for excellence gala on July 30 with more than 600 in attendance. Pilar Coin of Roberto Coin received the WJA's Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award and Rebecca Forrester accepted the Corporate Hall of Fame Award on behalf of Rio Tinto. The Ben Kaiser Award was presented to Thomas Andruskevich for his leadership at Birks & Mayors. WJA's president, Tryna Kochanek, said in her introductory speech, "Tonight everyone in this room will have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young women in our beloved industry. What a great opportunity to get together with old friends and new while celebrating such accomplished women and men.'' The following industry players received awards for excellence: Kara Ross, Kara Ross Designs, for design of fine jewelry and watches; Andrea Hansen of Ivanka Trump for a manufacturer, dealer or supplier of fine jewelry, gems, metals and watches; Laura Swan of Kohl's for the retail category with 15 doors or more; Olivia Cornell, Cornell’s Jewelers, for retailers with fewer than 15 doors; Debra Puzio of QVC for non-traditional retailing; Jan English of Frederick Goldman for sales and merchandising; Lisa Cochin of Forevermark USA for marketing and communications; Roxanne Robinson of WWD for media and Mary Lou Keen of AGTA for the special services category.
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