Events & AwardsAug 19, 2024
Nominations Are Open for the 2025 Gem AwardsEvents & AwardsAug 12, 2024
24 Karat Club of Southern California Announces 2024 Honorees
The organization will hand out three awards at its 80th Anniversary Gala next month.
At its upcoming annual gala, the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California will honor (pictured, left to right) Martin Rapaport, founder of the Rapaport Group; Douglas Kazanjian, CEO of Kazanjian Beverly Hills; and Carl Larson of Pala International.
Los Angeles— The Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California, along with its board of directors, have announced the several industry professionals it will honor at its 80th Annual Dinner Dance and Gala next month.
The organization will hand out awards to Martin Rapaport, founder and chairman of the Rapaport Group; Douglas Kazanjian, CEO of jewelry company Kazanjian Beverly Hills; and Carl Larson, director of gems at Pala International.
Rapaport will receive the club’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
He started Rapaport Group in 1978. The group offers the Rapaport Price List, the RapNet Trading Network, Rapaport Auctions, and other informational services.
It has over 21,000 members in 127 countries.
A primary advocate for “ethical, transparent, competitive, and efficient diamond markets,” the organization said, Martin will be honored for how he transformed the diamond industry through providing global price availability and trading transparency in competitive markets.
Kazanjian will be honored with the Excellence in Service Award.
He is the third generation to lead the 111-year-old family jewelry firm Kazanjian Beverly Hills.
Kazanjian, who works to source fine and rare gems and estate jewels, helped with the rediscovery of a 5.05 carat red diamond in 2007.
Previously, the company’s founders had carved what it said are the world’s four largest sapphires into busts of former U.S. Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Kazanjian helped donate the busts to the Oval Office, gifted through the Kazanjian Foundation, the company’s nonprofit organization that supports scientific, artistic, cultural, and other causes.
He is also involved in supporting his local community, industry trade organizations, and presents lectures on estate jewelry and gemstones to organizations nationwide.
The Rising Star Award will be presented to Larson.
Larson studied at the Gemological Institute of America and Paris’ Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, where he fine-tuned his eye for fine gems and minerals.
A go-to dealer and broker, Larson has placed many high-quality gemstones with large brands and auction houses, said the 24 Karat Club.
He won his first AGTA Spectrum Award for jewelry design in 2023.
The club said Larson’s expertise and unwavering dedication will play a key role in the continued success of Pala International, the family-owned company.
Related stories will be right here …
The organization will hand out awards to Martin Rapaport, founder and chairman of the Rapaport Group; Douglas Kazanjian, CEO of jewelry company Kazanjian Beverly Hills; and Carl Larson, director of gems at Pala International.
Rapaport will receive the club’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
He started Rapaport Group in 1978. The group offers the Rapaport Price List, the RapNet Trading Network, Rapaport Auctions, and other informational services.
It has over 21,000 members in 127 countries.
A primary advocate for “ethical, transparent, competitive, and efficient diamond markets,” the organization said, Martin will be honored for how he transformed the diamond industry through providing global price availability and trading transparency in competitive markets.
Kazanjian will be honored with the Excellence in Service Award.
He is the third generation to lead the 111-year-old family jewelry firm Kazanjian Beverly Hills.
Kazanjian, who works to source fine and rare gems and estate jewels, helped with the rediscovery of a 5.05 carat red diamond in 2007.
Previously, the company’s founders had carved what it said are the world’s four largest sapphires into busts of former U.S. Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Kazanjian helped donate the busts to the Oval Office, gifted through the Kazanjian Foundation, the company’s nonprofit organization that supports scientific, artistic, cultural, and other causes.
He is also involved in supporting his local community, industry trade organizations, and presents lectures on estate jewelry and gemstones to organizations nationwide.
The Rising Star Award will be presented to Larson.
Larson studied at the Gemological Institute of America and Paris’ Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, where he fine-tuned his eye for fine gems and minerals.
A go-to dealer and broker, Larson has placed many high-quality gemstones with large brands and auction houses, said the 24 Karat Club.
He won his first AGTA Spectrum Award for jewelry design in 2023.
The club said Larson’s expertise and unwavering dedication will play a key role in the continued success of Pala International, the family-owned company.
The annual black-tie event will take place Sept. 28 at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, a new venue for the gala.
Along with dinner, the event will include live entertainment, and guests can view the automotive specimens in the museum.
“I am thrilled to continue the tradition and legacy of our annual awards gala into its eightieth year,” said Kimberly Overlin, president of the club.
“Our new venue, the iconic Petersen Automotive Museum, reflects our commitment to innovation and celebrates our industry's rich heritage. Our members and longtime attendees of this event are in for an amazing evening of networking, recognition, and entertainment. I urge everyone to secure their tickets early and join us for a memorable celebration of excellence in the jewelry industry.”
Retailers, wholesalers, and colleagues in the jewelry, diamond, colored stone, and watch industries are invited to the celebration.
Tickets and information about sponsorships are available on the organization’s website.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ DesertThe “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
MajorsMay 28, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Buy The Clear Cut Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
CollectionsMay 28, 2026
Meet The 17 Newcomers to Couture’s Design AtelierThese up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.
Weekly QuizMay 28, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
GradingMay 28, 2026
GCAL By Sarine Launches 8X Cushion CutThe lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
5 Security Tips for Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week 2026This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
ColumnistsMay 27, 2026
What Jewelers Can Learn From Luxury Fashion’s Digital PlaybookHigh-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
Couture’s ‘The Iridescence’ Will Showcase 7 Emerging Jewelry DesignersThe designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.
ColumnistsMay 26, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
12 JCK Talks Sessions to Add to Your Las Vegas ScheduleThe trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
CBG Brings Its Curated Designer Project to Las Vegas ShowThe Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.
TrendsMay 26, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Cooldown Is ComingBring a cool tone to your summer jewelry with these white metal pieces.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2026
Instore Buys JA New York ShowThe deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.
FinancialsMay 22, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Lead the Charge in Q4The company’s jewelry sales were up in Q4 and the fiscal year, with Richemont raising prices in part because of the cost of gold.
CollectionsMay 22, 2026
Leigh Maxwell Celebrates 5 Years at Couture With ‘Bauble’ CollectionThe “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.
MajorsMay 22, 2026
Stuller’s New Packaging, Display Catalog Is Out The updated catalog has a newly dedicated section for gift wrapping.
PodcastsMay 21, 2026
Episode 5: Sotheby’s Frank Everett Puts the Auction Market in PerspectiveEverett covers colored stones’ surging popularity, the mellow return of the “Mellon Blue,” and his “The Devil Wears Prada” doppelgänger.
IndependentsMay 21, 2026
Springer’s Jewelers’ New Flagship Will Serve Next-Gen Luxury ShoppersFourth-generation CEO Lilly Mullen wants to emphasize experience, connection, and personalized service.
Events & AwardsMay 21, 2026
JA Announces Nina Pugliese Memorial ScholarshipThe new award, created in partnership with Henne Jewelers, honors the late designer’s legacy through supporting jewelry education.
SourcingMay 21, 2026
Botswana, Angola Join WFDBThe addition of the diamond-producing countries as nation affiliated members broadens the federation’s global representation, WFDB said.
CrimeMay 20, 2026
NYPD Warns of Jewelry Swap Scams Targeting SeniorsThe NYPD is warning elderly New Yorkers to keep their jewelry hidden when walking outside to avoid being a target.
IndependentsMay 20, 2026
Adornment & Theory’s New Store Feels Like Home Designer Viviana Langhoff has realized her dream of owning a space for her Chicago jewelry store that looks and feels like her brand.
Events & AwardsMay 20, 2026
Here Is Couture’s 2026 Education Lineup The sessions will run from Friday, May 29, to Sunday, May 31, with one being a live taping of an episode of Couture’s podcast.
Lab-GrownMay 20, 2026
Savannah Friedkin Jewelry Names New CEOFormer Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry executive Morgan P. Richardson is joining the lab-grown diamond jewelry brand.
WatchesMay 19, 2026
Here’s the AP x Swatch Pocket Watch That Caused PandemoniumThe $400 pocket watch is a blend of Audemars Piguet’s iconic eight-sided Royal Oak and Swatch’s unserious Pop watches from the ‘80s.
