Events & AwardsMar 07, 2024
Here Are the Nominees for the 2024 Gem Awards Events & AwardsFeb 07, 2024
JA Opens Nominations For ‘20 Under 40’
Submissions will be accepted through March 22.
Jewelers of America is searching for its next class of up-and-coming retail talent.
New York—Jewelers of America has opened nominations for its third class of “20 Under 40” retail professionals.
Created in 2022, the list highlights jewelers who exemplify leadership skills and a commitment to elevating jewelry retail for tomorrow’s jewelry consumers, the association said.
The opportunity for recognition is available to full-time employees of any JA member jewelry retail store or fine jewelry department including store owners, as well as bench jewelers, managers, sales executives, and others who serve full-time in marketing, accounting, or other areas of operations.
The company may have a brick-and-mortar presence or serve its consumers directly via e-commerce.
Nominees must be under the age of 40 as of Jan. 30, 2024, and have at least three years of experience in the jewelry industry.
Individuals may self-nominate or be nominated by an industry colleague through March 22, 2024.
Related stories will be right here …
Created in 2022, the list highlights jewelers who exemplify leadership skills and a commitment to elevating jewelry retail for tomorrow’s jewelry consumers, the association said.
The opportunity for recognition is available to full-time employees of any JA member jewelry retail store or fine jewelry department including store owners, as well as bench jewelers, managers, sales executives, and others who serve full-time in marketing, accounting, or other areas of operations.
The company may have a brick-and-mortar presence or serve its consumers directly via e-commerce.
Nominees must be under the age of 40 as of Jan. 30, 2024, and have at least three years of experience in the jewelry industry.
Individuals may self-nominate or be nominated by an industry colleague through March 22, 2024.
“Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 in Jewelry Retail program recognizes the expertise and potential found in different facets of the jewelry retail industry,” said JA President and CEO David J. Bonaparte.
“We are excited to continue showcasing the rising talent in our industry and shine a spotlight on their success.”
A panel of judges will review candidates based on the following criteria: successful in their chosen field, demonstrates leadership characteristics and an innovative mindset, potential to improve their community, and a commitment to the Jewelers of America Code of Professional Practices and professional ethics.
Those who make the list will receive a certificate, national recognition, features on JA’s social media and website, a press release to send to local press, and a free JA certification course.
Full rules and details can be found on JA’s website.
For more information, contact Jewelers of America’s Member Services at (800) 223-0673.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
MajorsOct 13, 2026
David Webb Owner Purchases Lugano JewelryThe high-end jewelry retailer was sold to private investment firm Middle West Partners and a group of longtime clients.
Lab-GrownOct 13, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb Takes Lab-Grown Diamond Collection WholesaleThe jewelry designer has partnered with Sofer Jewelry to distribute her 85-piece lab-grown diamond collection.
IndependentsOct 13, 2026
Retailer Hall of Fame 2026: Sean DunnDunn, this year’s Single-Store Independent inductee, is passionate about innovation and telling the story of natural diamonds.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
AuctionsOct 13, 2026
Christie's Geneva To Auction 'Bulgari Pink' DiamondThe 24-carat fancy intense pink diamond ring could fetch up to $18 million at the November sale.
Weekly QuizOct 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsOct 13, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers’ New Candle Smells Like HomeThe “Island Jewel” candle honors New York City and Puerto Rico and raises money for the island’s water relief efforts.
TechnologyOct 13, 2026
GemFind Is a New JA Member Benefit Partner The partnership will give JA members access to preferred pricing, exclusive benefits, technology solutions, education, and resources.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
SurveysOct 09, 2026
These Will Be the 10 Busiest Days for In-Store Shopping This Holiday SeasonStores should expect to see the most customers on Nov. 27, and Christmas week is expected to be hectic too, as Dec. 25 falls on a Friday.
CollectionsOct 09, 2026
Elisa Solomon Collabs With Serendipity 3 on ‘Frozen Hot Chocolate’ CharmThe charm, our Piece of the Week, features brown diamond frozen hot chocolate topped with white diamond whipped cream and a ruby straw.
AuctionsOct 09, 2026
8-Carat Blue Diamond Goes Unsold at UK Jewelry Auction The top lot of Elmwood’s recent fine jewelry sale in London was a 1.84-carat, D color Tiffany & Co. solitaire diamond ring.
WatchesOct 09, 2026
Movado to Sell Majority Stake in Ebel for $66.5MThe watch company agreed to sell a 95 percent interest to a group comprised of F.P. Journe, Chanel, and Swiss watch exec Pierre Jacques.
Policies & IssuesOct 08, 2026
Third Wave of IEEPA Tariff Refunds Begins This round of tariff refunds is for importers that have sued over IEEPA tariffs in the Court of International Trade and won.
CollectionsOct 08, 2026
Brent Neale’s New Collection Goes ‘Back to Basics’It revisits the brand’s most requested silhouettes, from "Pillow"-set necklaces and bracelets to "Signature"-set rings and earrings.
SourcingOct 08, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair Heads Back to BrooklynThe trade-only event includes buying opportunities as well as educational sessions on artisanal mining, the new Paraíba source, and more.
AuctionsOct 08, 2026
Reba McEntire’s Jewelry, Watches Head to Julien’s AuctionsThe live charity benefit sale in Nashville will also feature gowns, boots, and other memorabilia from the country music legend.
Supplier BulletinOct 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Helps Jewelers Turn Custom Design into a Hands-On Selling ExperienceSponsored by Overnight Mountings
Policies & IssuesOct 07, 2026
The Plumb Club Amplifies Its Voice as Geopolitical Pressures MountThe supplier organization recently joined JA and JVC to have more input on political issues affecting the jewelry industry.
CollectionsOct 07, 2026
Blue Nile, Royal Asscher Collection Highlights Natural Diamond BeautyBlue Nile, a Signet Jewelers-owned brand, is now Royal Asscher’s exclusive licensed retailer in North America.
CollectionsOct 07, 2026
4 Standout Pieces in Audemars Piguet’s First High Jewelry Collection “Royal Oak” pays homage to the brand’s most popular watch model using 18-karat gold as well as diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires.
MajorsOct 07, 2026
Empire Safe & Vault Promotes Juan Morales to CEOAs part of the transition, Joseph Nicosia has stepped into the role of COO.
SourcingOct 07, 2026
AGTA Extends Deadline for 2026 Spectrum Awards EntriesParticipants now have until Oct. 14 to complete their submissions.
CrimeOct 06, 2026
6 Charged in Connection to String of New Jersey Smash-and-GrabsThe alleged thieves used crow bars and sledgehammers to smash into jewelry stores across the state.
ColumnistsOct 06, 2026
Sherry Smith: Is the Consumer Really Trading Up?Ahead of the holidays, Smith urges jewelers to take a hard look at who’s buying jewelry, what they’re purchasing, and who’s stopped buying.
SourcingOct 06, 2026
DDG Taps Influencers for ‘My Diamond Does Good’ CampaignIn the new consumer-facing campaign, four fashion and lifestyle creators share the stories behind their natural diamond pieces.
MajorsOct 06, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names COO, CMOFGI President John Orrico is also leaving the company after more than 13 years.
SourcingOct 05, 2026
De Beers to Take Full Ownership of Gahcho KuéIt is the last fully operational diamond mine in Canada following the recent closures of Ekati and Diavik.
