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
AuctionsDec 12, 2024
Tom Brady’s Watches Top $4M at Sotheby’s AuctionThe highest-grossing lot of the sale was the retired QB’s Rolex Paul Newman Daytona “John Player Special.”
SourcingDec 12, 2024
Grizzly Emerald Auction Garners $22.4MRecent expansion initiatives at the Zambian emerald mine have shown strong production numbers, said Grizzly founder Abdoulaye Ndiaye.
MajorsDec 12, 2024
Mark Henry Appoints New Director of SalesCarrie Forman joins the brand to guide it into the next phase of growth with major and independent retailers in the U.S. and abroad.
Brought to you by
Advocacy and Excellence: How Jewelers of America Is Committed to Elevating Our Industry For over a century, Jewelers of America has been the voice of the industry and valuable resource to jewelers across the country.
SourcingDec 12, 2024
De Beers Announces 2024 ‘Shining Light’ Award WinnersThe competition awarded 12 designers, each from a country where De Beers recovers diamonds, with business support and tuition assistance.
Weekly QuizDec 12, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsDec 12, 2024
The Jared Atelier x Vera Wang Collection Emphasizes EleganceThe high jewelry collection features 14 one-of-a-kind pieces, with serpent and ribbon motifs winding their way through the collection.
CrimeDec 11, 2024
Former Tiffany & Co. Factory Supervisor Sentenced for Stealing Precious Metals A federal judge gave Benjamin Preacher 59 days in jail, plus 10 months of home confinement and two years of supervised release.
Brought to you by
Protecting Your Sparkle: Why Screening Has Become Essential While no reputable jeweler would knowingly sell lab-grown stones as natural, it's a growing possibility.
GradingDec 11, 2024
IGI Set to Go Public Next WeekIn a CNBC interview, CEO Tehmasp Printer discussed the IPO in India and what declining lab-grown diamond prices mean for the company.
AuctionsDec 11, 2024
Sotheby’s Important Watches Sale Fetches $16.6MThe offering included vintage Rolexes, timepieces worn in “Titanic,” Steve McQueen's watch, and a special Citizen pocket watch.
CollectionsDec 11, 2024
Stephanie Gottlieb Brings Natural Diamonds to StudsThe 13-piece “Stephanie Gottlieb x Studs” collection is the piercing studio’s first fine jewelry offering to feature the gemstone.
IndependentsDec 10, 2024
Sauer Opens First U.S. StoreThe Brazilian jewelry brand made a home on New York City’s Madison Avenue with exclusive pieces only available at the location.
SurveysDec 10, 2024
Jewelry Among Top Sellers on Cyber Monday, Says AdobeAn Adobe Analytics report explored the rise in mobile shopping, the popularity of Buy Now Pay Later options, and peak shopping hours.
CollectionsDec 09, 2024
Ray Griffiths’ First Coffee Table Book Spans 5 Decades of Design“Ray Griffiths: The Works” tells the story of the master jeweler’s career, which started with an apprenticeship in Australia at age 15.
MajorsDec 09, 2024
Thomas Davis, Grant Mobley Join WJA Foundation Board Davis is the director of business development at Select Jewelry Inc., and Mobley is the jewelry and watch editor at the Natural Diamond Council.
FinancialsDec 09, 2024
Movado’s Q3 Sales Down 3% Amid ‘Challenging’ EnvironmentThe retailer has been upping its marketing spend to drive revenue growth and brand awareness.
IndependentsDec 06, 2024
After 44 Years in Business, This Wisconsin Independent Is ClosingMike Straub and John Treiber opened Treiber & Straub in 1980 with the goal of bringing Milwaukeeans the best jewelry brands.
TrendsDec 06, 2024
Pantone’s Color of the Year Is a Delicious MousseThe color for 2025, “Mocha Mousse,” embodies thoughtful indulgences and everyday pleasures.
CollectionsDec 06, 2024
Piece of the Week: Cocoerow Fine Jewelry’s ‘Kokoro’ PendantThe Yoruba word for ant, “Kokoro” embodies the strength of womanhood in ant society while highlighting responsible sourcing.
FinancialsDec 06, 2024
Roberto Coin Acquisition Gives Watches of Switzerland a Boost in H1The retailer’s jewelry sales doubled, with branded jewelry performing especially well.
FinancialsDec 05, 2024
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Slide Amid Slow Engagement Ring Sales, Tech IssuesThe jewelry retailer addressed the lab-grown diamond “disruption,” the price of gold, and its holiday weekend performance.
SurveysDec 05, 2024
Consumer Confidence Rises Again in NovemberA more positive view of the current labor market boosted the Conference Board’s index last month.
Events & AwardsDec 05, 2024
Michael S. Krzemnicki to Receive 2024 Bonanno AwardThe director of the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) will be honored for his impact on gemology and dedication to advancing the science.
Supplier BulletinDec 05, 2024
Join Us For Color's Premier Show: 2025 AGTA GemFair TucsonSponsored by 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson
Events & AwardsDec 05, 2024
BIJC Announces 2024 ‘Rock the Jewels’ Awards WinnersAt the annual event, in its second year, the organization honored those making remarkable contributions to the jewelry industry.
TrendsDec 05, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: A Blue, Blue, Blue Month Celebrate December babies with 20 pieces of jewelry featuring this month’s birthstones—turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon.
SurveysDec 04, 2024
In-Store Shopping Outpaced Online Over the Holiday Weekend, Says NRF A total of 126 million consumers shopped in stores over the five-day period, about 5 million more than last year.
