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

Family-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.

The Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.

Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

Ella Blum was appointed to the newly created role.


Sponsored by RapNet

Investment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

It explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.

Retail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.

Taylor Burgess, who has been at Stuller since 2013, was promoted to the newly created role.

Was 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.

Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.

Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.

Plus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.

“Vimini” is the first chapter of the “Bulgari Eternal” collection that merges archival pieces with modern creations.

The third edition will be held in Half Moon Bay, California, in April.

The grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.

Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Heath Yarges brings two decades of experience to the role.

Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.

Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.

Our Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.

Trevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.

The program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.

A new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.

Avocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.























