Events & AwardsJan 15, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Open for SubmissionsEvents & AwardsFeb 11, 2025
JA Seeking Nominations for Its Next ‘20 Under 40’ Class
The program has been expanded to include a “20 Under 40” list for jewelry suppliers and is accepting nominations through Feb. 19.
Jewelers of America will have two “20 Under 40” lists this year, one for retailers and one for suppliers. Interested parties have from now through Feb. 19 to nominate themselves or someone else for inclusion on either list.
New York—Jewelers of America announced Wednesday that it is seeking nominations for its “20 Under 40” program and this time, it wants submissions for retailers and suppliers.
JA created the “20 Under 40” program in 2022 to recognize retailers under age 40 who are outstanding leaders and have demonstrated their commitment to the jewelry industry.
This year, the trade organization is expanding the program, and there will be two lists—“20 Under 40: Jewelry Retail,” and “20 Under 40: Jewelry Suppliers.”
Each list will feature 20 individuals who must meet the following criteria:
— They must be under the age of 40 as of Jan. 22, 2025;
— Be a full-time employee at an active JA Member retailer or supplier company;
— Their company must be based in the United States;
— Retail nominees may be a store owner, bench jeweler, manager, sales executive, or serve the jewelry store full-time in marketing, accounting, or other areas of operations;
— Supplier nominees may be a jewelry designer, or an employee of a manufacturer, wholesale firm, or a service provider for the U.S. jewelry marketplace; and
— They must have at least three years of experience in the jewelry industry.
Related stories will be right here …
JA created the “20 Under 40” program in 2022 to recognize retailers under age 40 who are outstanding leaders and have demonstrated their commitment to the jewelry industry.
This year, the trade organization is expanding the program, and there will be two lists—“20 Under 40: Jewelry Retail,” and “20 Under 40: Jewelry Suppliers.”
Each list will feature 20 individuals who must meet the following criteria:
— They must be under the age of 40 as of Jan. 22, 2025;
— Be a full-time employee at an active JA Member retailer or supplier company;
— Their company must be based in the United States;
— Retail nominees may be a store owner, bench jeweler, manager, sales executive, or serve the jewelry store full-time in marketing, accounting, or other areas of operations;
— Supplier nominees may be a jewelry designer, or an employee of a manufacturer, wholesale firm, or a service provider for the U.S. jewelry marketplace; and
— They must have at least three years of experience in the jewelry industry.
“Jewelers of America is proud to celebrate the exceptional talent shaping the future of the jewelry industry through our ‘20 Under 40’ program,” JA President and CEO David Bonaparte said.
“This year, we are especially excited to introduce a new supplier category, further recognizing the diverse contributions driving innovation and excellence across all areas of the fine jewelry marketplace.”
JA said a panel of judges will review all candidates based on the following criteria: successful in their chosen field, demonstrates leadership characteristics and an innovative mindset, potential to improve their community, and a commitment to JA’s Code of Professional Practices and professional ethics.
Individuals interested in being included on either list can nominate themselves or someone else. JA is accepting nominations now through Feb. 19.
Submit a nomination via SmartSheet or by contacting JA Member Services at 1-800-223-0673.
Individuals named to either list will receive a trophy, national recognition, features on JA’s social media and website, a press release to send to local news outlets, and a free JA Certification Course.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CrimeMar 28, 2025
2 Suspects Arrested in $1.7M Smash-and-Grab Robbery of NY Jewelry StoreAuthorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.
SourcingMar 28, 2025
19th-Century Jade Book Now Available in EnglishLotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.
CollectionsMar 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Löf’s ‘The Valentine’ RingThe ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
SurveysMar 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls in March Amid ‘Gloomy’ OutlookThe Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.
Weekly QuizMar 27, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsMar 27, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring Linked to Witch Trial Judge Goes Unsold at Auction However, two medieval jewels surpassed estimates at Noonans Mayfair’s recent jewelry auction in London.
WatchesMar 27, 2025
Austin Butler Joins Breitling as Brand AmbassadorThe Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
SourcingMar 27, 2025
Susan Jacques, Gaetano Cavalieri to Headline 2025 ICA Congress The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.
IndependentsMar 26, 2025
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Acquires Fellow NC Independent JewelerThe family-owned retailer is the new owner of Morrison Smith Jewelers in Charlotte, North Carolina.
WatchesMar 26, 2025
Bulova Celebrates 150th Anniversary With Art Deco WatchesThe “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.
MajorsMar 26, 2025
QVC Group Appoints New PresidentAlex Wellen, formerly CEO and president of MotorTrend Group, has taken on the role.
AuctionsMar 25, 2025
Christie’s To Auction 35-Carat Sapphire, 13-Carat RubyThe ruby and the sapphire, which Christie’s calls a “once-in-a-generation masterpiece,” are part of the upcoming Hong Kong jewelry auction.
CrimeMar 25, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Earrings Swallowed Following Grab-and-Run Theft RecoveredThe two pairs of earrings, snatched from a Tiffany & Co. store in Orlando, Florida, are valued at a combined $769,500.
ColumnistsMar 25, 2025
The Smart Lab: Using Short-Form Videos to Sell More JewelryThe time to start experimenting with video content is now, writes columnist Emmanuel Raheb.
CollectionsMar 24, 2025
Pomellato’s Latest ‘Nudo’ Collections Revamp its Classic DesignFrom striking high jewelry to miniature fine jewelry, the new chapter continues to highlight gemstones featuring its signature 57-facet cut.
MajorsMar 24, 2025
4 Top Executives to Depart Signet Jewelers Amid TurnaroundThe jewelry giant is reducing its senior leadership by 30 percent as part of its new turnaround strategy.
WatchesMar 24, 2025
Sotheby's Now Offers Watch Repair ServicesThe auction house's partnership with online watch servicing platform WatchCheck makes repairs convenient and accessible, it said.
FinancialsMar 21, 2025
Swarovski Says Its Lab-Grown Diamond Sales Doubled in 2024The company also noted record sales in the United States and a strong performance in its jewelry category.
SourcingMar 21, 2025
BrankoGems To Hold Conference in MontanaThe event, set for June 13-15, will feature educational presentations and guided visits to the state’s sapphire mines.
TrendsMar 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Marrow Fine’s ‘Til Death’ RingAfter the black enamel band became a best-seller for the brand, it has now launched an enamel ring personalization program.
IndependentsMar 20, 2025
Korman Fine Jewelry’s New Store Is Double the Size The Austin, Texas, jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot store is set to open this summer.
TechnologyMar 20, 2025
Chris Ploof, Severine Ferrari Launch YouTube Video Series“Conversations with Chris Ploof” covers tips for men buying wedding bands, behind-the-scenes footage of Ploof in his studio, and more.
Lab-GrownMar 20, 2025
Beyond Jewelry: Possibilities in the Lab-Grown Diamond SectorAs lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.
FinancialsMar 19, 2025
Signet Jewelers to Close Stores, Cut Staff Amid Declining SalesThe moves are part of the retailer’s new turnaround plan, “Grow Brand Love,” which also includes emphasizing brand loyalty over store banners.
CollectionsMar 19, 2025
Jessica McCormack’s New Collection Elevates Office WearThe “Rush Hour” campaign stars Zoë Kravitz in bold, wearable pieces designed to make a statement in the workplace.
WatchesMar 19, 2025
Breitling Acquires Another Watch Brand From the 1800sBreitling is reviving Gallet, which was founded in 1826 and is known for making watches used in the early days of long-distance travel.
