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.

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.
The Latest

Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.

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

The “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.


The Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.

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

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

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

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.

Lori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.

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

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.