WJA to honor Ruth Batson, David Bonaparte and the Richline Group

The Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) has identified three entities to be honoured at its 2014 Awards for Excellence gala. Ruth Batson of the American Gem Society will be conferred with Lifetime Achievement Award. Being with the AGS since 1993, she has contributed towards the design and construction of the Robert M. Shipley AGS complex in Las Vegas and development of the AGS Laboratories. She also plays important roles across the boards of key industry organisations.

WJA will honor David Bonaparte, president and CEO of JA, with the Ben Kaiser Lifetime Achievement Award, which honors a male member of the industry male for his commitment to advancement of women in the industry. He is recognised for his dedicated efforts towards the association’s mission, which is to enhance consumer confidence in jewellery purchase and helping members maintain high social, environmental and ethical practices, reports say.

The Richline Group, is the third entity to be awarded. It will be conferred with the Corporate Award, for its financial, operational, and marketing support to its four independent strategic business units and adherence to responsible sourcing, oversight, and compliance, reports say.

The Awards for Excellence gala are slated on Monday, 28, in New York City.