Empowering Women in the Gem & Jewelry Industry: WJA New York Metro Chapter Announces Hybrid Jewelry Night Out 2021

New York, NY – The Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) New York Metro Chapter is thrilled to announce its much-anticipated annual event, Jewelry Night Out (JNO), marking a significant return to in-person gatherings. Set to take place on Thursday, September 9th, 2021, at the prestigious 3 West Club, this year’s JNO promises an unforgettable evening of networking, inspiration, and celebration. In a pioneering move reflecting the new normal, the event will also embrace a hybrid model, ensuring that friends and members from across the trade can participate, whether physically present or joining virtually, to celebrate the remarkable advancement of women within the dynamic jewelry industry.

This special occasion holds particular significance as it represents the WJA New York Metro Chapter’s first in-person event since the global shift to all-virtual programming necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The enthusiasm for reconnecting face-to-face is palpable, offering a cherished opportunity for members to catch up with colleagues, forge new connections, and collectively uplift the community. The evening will shine a spotlight on the powerful role of jewelry in film, featuring the renowned costume designer, Stephanie Maslansky, as the esteemed guest speaker in the historic Grand Ballroom.

Unveiling the Art of Character: Stephanie Maslansky on Jewelry in Film

Stephanie Maslansky, a luminary in the world of costume design, will delve into her unique approach to utilizing jewelry as an essential element in defining and enhancing a character on screen. Her insights promise to be a fascinating exploration of how meticulously chosen accessories transcend mere adornment, becoming pivotal tools for storytelling and character development. Following her compelling presentation, attendees will have the exclusive opportunity to participate in a dynamic Q&A session, moderated by Michelle Graff, Editor-in-Chief of National Jeweler, a leading voice in the industry.

Maslansky expresses her excitement for the event, articulating the profound impact jewelry can have on actors and the creative process. “I’m excited to speak at the event because of the impact jewelry can have on actors who look for anything to help them find their character,” she shares. “I love collaborating with jewelry designers because they help me find unique means of creating nuance in personal style.” Her words underscore the collaborative spirit that drives her work and highlights the often-underestimated power of jewelry in cinematic narratives. Her presentation is expected to offer a fresh perspective for jewelry professionals, connecting their craft directly to the magic of Hollywood storytelling.

A Glimpse into a Storied Career: The World of Stephanie Maslansky

Stephanie Maslansky’s impressive resume as a costume designer for both film and television is truly a testament to her talent and versatility. Her recent work includes acclaimed productions such as Jack Ryan Season 3 and Berlin Station Season 3, both of which involved extensive filming across Budapest and various European locales, showcasing her ability to create authentic looks for diverse settings. Perhaps most notably, Stephanie spent four transformative years immersed in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where she was instrumental in designing the iconic looks for seven seasons of Netflix’s groundbreaking superhero series. This included bringing to life beloved characters in Marvel’s Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and the epic crossover event, The Defenders. Her ability to craft visually distinctive styles for such a diverse array of characters solidified her reputation as a creative force.

Currently, Maslansky is applying her unique vision to City On A Hill, a period drama set in the gritty 1990s Boston, demonstrating her adaptability across different genres and historical contexts. Throughout her distinguished career, Stephanie has consistently demonstrated a passion for collaborating with jewelry designers. She believes in exploring innovative ways to define character and weave subtle nuances into a character’s persona through the strategic selection and design of accessories. Her work exemplifies the profound connection between fashion, personal expression, and narrative, making her an ideal speaker to inspire and educate the WJA community.

Jewelry Night Out: Driving Membership and Industry Growth

Beyond being a premier networking event, Jewelry Night Out (JNO) serves as the Women’s Jewelry Association’s pivotal annual membership drive. This initiative is crucial for sustaining the WJA’s mission of fostering professional growth and leadership opportunities for women across the gem, jewelry, and watch industries. The entire month of September will feature special incentives for new and returning members. Aspiring new members can enjoy a significant 25% discount on all new memberships, providing an excellent opportunity to join this vibrant and supportive community. Furthermore, existing members who wish to continue their journey with WJA will receive a 10% discount on renewals.

To maximize convenience and encourage early engagement, these attractive discount codes can be applied as early as August when registering for JNO online. This proactive approach allows individuals to secure their membership benefits ahead of the event, ensuring they are fully integrated into the WJA network from the moment they attend. Membership in the WJA offers unparalleled access to educational resources, mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and a platform for professional development that is unmatched in the industry. It’s an investment in one’s career and a commitment to advancing the collective strength of women in jewelry.

A Resounding Welcome: Insights from WJA New York Metro Chapter President Olga Gonzalez

Olga Gonzalez, President of the WJA New York Metro Chapter, eloquently articulates the profound excitement surrounding this year’s Jewelry Night Out. “We are excited to gather and be an in-person community again, sharing with members and welcoming new members, as a network that strives to advance all women in the gem, jewelry, and watch industries,” she states. Her words reflect a collective yearning for personal connection and the vital role WJA plays in creating a supportive ecosystem for women professionals.

Gonzalez further expresses her admiration for the guest speaker, affirming, “Stephanie Maslansky is an inspiration. She is a strong, talented creative who thoughtfully considers the role of accessories, and celebrates their meaning through the medium of film.” This sentiment highlights Maslansky’s ability to not only excel in her field but also to inspire others through her craft and dedication. Olga emphasizes that sharing Stephanie’s invaluable insights and experiences will undoubtedly contribute to a truly fun and enriching evening, meticulously organized by the chapter’s incredible local board and committee members whose dedication ensures the success of such impactful events. She extends a warm invitation to all: “Save the date for September 9th! We look forward to seeing you all there.”

An Evening of Splendor: The 3 West Club Experience

Attendees of Jewelry Night Out will have the distinct pleasure of gathering within the magnificent historic Grand Ballroom of the 3 West Club. This spacious venue, boasting a capacity for 350 guests, offers an atmosphere of timeless elegance and grandeur, perfectly befitting an event of this caliber. Located conveniently in midtown Manhattan at 3 West 51st Street, the landmarked building provides a sophisticated and accessible backdrop for an evening of celebration and connection. The WJA New York Metro Chapter extends its sincere gratitude to its generous event sponsors, whose unwavering support makes such a significant gathering possible. These esteemed partners include Jewelers of America, Intercolor, Jewelry Display of New York, and Instappraise. Their commitment to the WJA’s mission underscores a shared vision for the growth and empowerment of the jewelry community.

Adding to the excitement of the evening, attendees will have the chance to win fabulous raffle prizes. These coveted items have been thoughtfully donated by leading entities in the industry, including Rio Grande, JVC (Jewelers Vigilance Committee), GIA (Gemological Institute of America), and Instappraise. The raffle not only adds an element of fun but also serves as another testament to the strong support system within the jewelry world, with industry leaders contributing to the success and enjoyment of WJA events.

About the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA): A Legacy of Empowerment and Professional Advancement

Established in 1983, the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) was founded upon a revolutionary yet simple principle: that women networking with each other possess the power to transform the world, particularly within the specialized realms of the jewelry and watch industries. The visionary founders of the WJA firmly believed that women could serve as crucial mentors, providing invaluable guidance, offering scholarships, and supplying essential seed money for new entrants striving to establish themselves in the industry. Furthermore, they envisioned an association that would actively recognize and celebrate the diverse talents, significant accomplishments, and indelible contributions of women across all sectors of the trade.

Today, the WJA’s mission remains steadfast and more relevant than ever: to empower and support women in the jewelry and watch industries to advance and develop professionally. This is achieved through a multi-faceted approach encompassing comprehensive networking opportunities, robust educational programs, dedicated leadership development initiatives, and the provision of a wide array of valuable member services. The association is a beacon for professional growth, offering workshops, seminars, and mentorship programs designed to equip women with the skills, knowledge, and connections necessary to excel in their careers. The New York Metro Chapter holds a particularly special place within the WJA, as it is the founding chapter of this esteemed organization. It proudly represents approximately a quarter of the association’s entire membership base, highlighting its pivotal role in the WJA’s history and its ongoing influence within the global jewelry community. Through its enduring commitment to its core values, the WJA continues to shape a more equitable and successful future for women in the industry.