JA Is Searching for the Next Retail ’20 Under 40’
Nominations are open now through March 24.

The organization is looking for its second class of “20 Under 40” retail professionals.
Launched last year, the 20 Under 40 list highlights jewelers who show leadership, talent, and a commitment to the fine jewelry and watches industry.
The list is open not just to store owners but also salespeople, managers, bench jewelers, marketers, accountants, or anyone who works in jewelry retail full-time for a store that is a JA member.
“The inaugural class of ‘20 Under 40 in Jewelry Retail’ was filled with immensely talented individuals,” said JA President & CEO David J. Bonaparte.
“We are thrilled to be able to continue to recognize up-and-coming talent within our JA member stores and shine a light on their skills and determination to pave a bright future for the jewelry industry.”
Applicants may self-nominate or nominate someone else.
To be considered, nominees should be under age 40 as of Jan. 18, 2023; be a full-time employee in a jewelry retail store or fine jewelry and watches department of a store that is an active Jewelers of America member and sells through brick-and-mortar or e-commerce; and have at least three years of experience in the jewelry and watches industry.
Those who make the list will receive a certification, JA press outreach, features on JA social media and the company’s website, and a free JA certification course.
Nominations can be submitted on the JA website.
The 20 Under 40 list is sponsored by Jewelers Mutual Group and Synchrony.
The Latest

Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.

In her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.

“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”

You deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.

The Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.


The Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.

The “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.

Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.

The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.

The Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.

With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.

The retailer failed to file its annual report on time and said it may issue a going concern warning.

Smith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.

John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.

Founder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.

“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.

“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.

Signet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.

The antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.

Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.

Iconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.

The luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.

The NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.

The one-of-a-kind locket, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal three hidden images to keep close to your heart.

The new facility was also designed to better serve its growing customer base in Canada.

The campaign is a tribute to the year 1893, when Kokichi Mikimoto created the world’s first cultured pearl.

It is the only GIA school to offer the GIA Graduate Gemologist program in Chinese.




























