Edge Retail Academy Names 2024 ‘Wag’ Award Winner
The annual award, created in memory of business coach William “Wag” Wagner, went to a retailer in Fairfax, Virginia.

The Wag Award recognizes the Edge Retail Academy partner retailer that has achieved the most exceptional business growth over the past 12 months.
Quest Fine Jewelers’ gross sales grew 25 percent in 2024, while gross profit dollars jumped 31 percent, the Edge Retail Academy said.
The Fairfax, Virginia, jeweler also reduced its overall inventory by $400,000 and decreased its aged inventory by $261,000.
The Edge Retail Academy presented the award, along with a check for $1,000, to the store’s owner, Huan Tain.
Tain said the Edge Retail Academy’s experience, insight, and dedication have been invaluable to his jewelry business.
“I feel I’ve only scratched the surface of what’s possible, and I’m excited for all that lies ahead,” he said.
“For anyone considering a partnership with Edge Retail Academy, I can confidently say it will be one of the best decisions for your business.”
The Edge Retail Academy has presented the Wag Award to one retailer jeweler each year since 2019.
It was created to honor the service and legacy of longtime Edge Retail Academy business coach William Wagner, better known as Wag.
Wagner died in 2018.
The Latest

Agents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.

The designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.

The trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.


Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.

The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

The “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.

Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.

Signatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.

The winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

The singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.

The bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.

The heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.

The 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week.

The Starboard Cruises SVP discusses who is shopping for jewelry on ships, how much they’re spending, and why brands should get on board.

The historic signet ring exceeded its estimate at Noonans Mayfair’s jewelry auction this week.

To mark the milestone, the brand is introducing new non-bridal fine jewelry designs for the first time in two decades.

The gemstone is the third most valuable ruby to come out of the Montepuez mine, Gemfields said.

Founder and longtime CEO Ben Smithee will stay with the agency, transitioning into the role of founding partner and strategic advisor.

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 of her favorite pieces from the jewelry collections that debuted at Couture.

If you want to attract good salespeople and generate a stream of “sleeping money” for your jewelry store, then you are going to have to pay.

The top lot was a colorless Graff diamond, followed by a Burmese ruby necklace by Marcus & Co.

Gizzi, who has been in the industry since 2001, is now Jewelers of America’s senior vice president of corporate affairs.