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
CollectionsSep 11, 2026
A Sapphire ‘Stardust’ Ring From Greenwich St. Jewelers The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
ColumnistsSep 11, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
MajorsSep 11, 2026
The Wishing Place by JTV OpensThe jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.
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.
MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.
Weekly QuizSep 10, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeSep 10, 2026
FBI Offers $50K Reward for ‘Most Wanted’ Fugitive in $1M Jewelry HeistAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Massive Matched Pair of Paraíba Tourmalines Head to Sotheby’sThe “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
SourcingSep 10, 2026
AGTA Announces 4 Newly Elected DirectorsFour directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Former Sotheby’s, Christie’s Exec Appointed CEO of Julien’s Auctions Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.
FinancialsSep 09, 2026
Signet Jewelers to ‘Double Down’ on Blue Nile Amid Strong SalesThe jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.
IndependentsSep 09, 2026
Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers Closes After Nearly 80 YearsThe Los Angeles-based, family-owned jeweler was founded by Lenny and Sunny Friedman in 1946.
SourcingSep 09, 2026
Fura Gems Notes ‘Remarkable’ Interest in Larger Rubies at Latest SaleThe auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.
MajorsSep 09, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Catalog Includes Its New Demi-Fine CollectionFine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.
Policies & IssuesSep 09, 2026
8 Key Changes the FTC Made to the Jewelry Guides: A Refresher Learn more about the new terms for lab-grown diamonds and composite gemstones, and the major changes in store for precious metals jewelry.
IndependentsSep 08, 2026
Ricky Bromberg, Longtime President of Bromberg & Co., Dies at 67 Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.
TrendsSep 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Hot Take on September’s Birthstone With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing MatterLaughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.
MajorsSep 08, 2026
Former Tiffany & Co. Exec Joins Exemplar Luxury GroupGretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
