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
SourcingJan 28, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair to Debut Designer Showcase in TucsonThe new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.
ColumnistsJan 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Setting the Next Generation Up for SuccessIn his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.
SurveysJan 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls Below Pandemic Lows in JanuaryThe index fell to its lowest level since May 2014 amid concerns about the present and the future.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
IndependentsJan 28, 2026
Foundrae Heads to Aspen for Latest Store OpeningThe new store in Aspen, Colorado, takes inspiration from a stately library for its intimate yet elevated interior design.
Weekly QuizJan 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsJan 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Sales Resilient as LVMH’s 2025 Sales SlipThe brands’ high jewelry collections performed especially well last year despite a challenging environment.
CollectionsJan 27, 2026
De Beers London, GemFair Debut New Collection Highlighting Artisanal DiamondsThe collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
SourcingJan 27, 2026
GemGuide Launches Pricing for Montana SapphiresThe initial charts are for blue, teal, and green material, each grouped into three charts categorized as good, fine, and extra fine.
TechnologyJan 27, 2026
Clientbook Launches Appointment Booking ToolThe new tool can assign the appropriate associate based on the client or appointment type and automate personalized text message follow-ups.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Angolan Diamond Cos. Join NDC as Rio Tinto, Murowa Exit Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
Francesca’s To Close All StoresThe retailer operates more than 450 boutiques across 45 states, according to its website.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board MembersThe new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.
CollectionsJan 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates 189 Years of Love StoriesThe jeweler’s 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, “Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837,” includes a short firm starring actress Adria Arjona.
GradingJan 26, 2026
DCA Updates Colored Gemstone CourseThe new features include interactive flashcards and scenario-based roleplay with AI tools.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in TexasFamily-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & MercierThe Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand StrategyElla Blum was appointed to the newly created role.
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone MarketSponsored by RapNet
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a BuyerInvestment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.
SourcingJan 22, 2026
De Beers To Release ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ BookIt explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America PresidentRetail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Stuller Names New Chief Merchandising, Marketing, Sales OfficerTaylor Burgess, who has been at Stuller since 2013, was promoted to the newly created role.
PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s NextWas 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.
