Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
MajorsAug 11, 2015
5 inducted into 24 Karat Club SEUS
National Jeweler Publisher Matthew Tratner was one of five individuals inducted into the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States at an event held Saturday just outside Atlanta.
The newest members of the 24 Karat Club SEUS, from left, Matthew Tratner, Deirdre Hanrahan, Gary Wesdorp, Shelley Schulz and Joe Carullo
Marietta, Ga.--National Jeweler Publisher Matthew Tratner, Joe Carullo, Shelley Schulz, Gary Wesdorp and Deirdre Hanrahan are the newest members of the 24 Karat Club Southeastern United States.
The five were inducted Saturday during at event held at the Atlanta Country Club in Marietta, Ga., which also included the presentation of the 2015 Robert Foreman Award to Mary Jane Smirh from Gary K Jewelers in Madison, Ala. and the Jeweler of the Year Award to Hayes Jewelers in Mobile, Ala.
The event was held in the midst of the Atlanta Jewelry Show, which took place Saturday through Monday at the Cobb Galleria Centre.
Tratner, who was named publisher of National Jeweler in May, also is the director of membership and sales for Jewelers of America, a position he has held for the past two years. Prior to that, Tratner was the chief operating officer for online retailer GemsAround.com and also served as the director of sales at Maya J Diamond Jewelry.
Carullo is the vice president of marketing and sales for New York-based fashion diamond jewelry manufacturer KC Designs, which he runs alongside his longtime business partner and friend, Lenny Krol.
Schulz is the marketing lead for luxury markets at Synchrony Financial (formerly GE Capital Retail Finance), a position she has held for the past nine years. Prior to that, Schulz held a number of different positions with GE Capital.
Wesdorp, meanwhile, is the president and chief financial officer of Erlanger, Ky.-based Jewel-Craft Inc., a jewelry manufacturing and repair facility that he runs with his brother Benet, also a company president and the chief operating officer.
Hanrahan is the president and chief designer at What’s Your Sign? Jewelry, a line of sterling silver, 14- and 18-karat gold jewelry with designs, including the zodiac symbols, “inspired by the energy of the cosmos.”
Members of the jewelry industry are chosen for induction into the 24 Karat Club Southeastern United States, which represents the supplier side of the business, for their accomplishments in the jewelry industry as well as their personal and civic contributions.
This year marked the organization’s 40th anniversary.
More on Majors
The Latest
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
