ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
IndependentsSep 01, 2017
24 Karat Club SEUS Inducts New Members
Six new members joined and 11 scholarships were awarded at the 43rd annual banquet held in Atlanta in early August.
These are four of the six new members inducted into the 24 Karat Club SEUS this year. Pictured left to right: Allan Cagle, Tammy Lail, Mel Schmidt and Lecil Henderson (not pictured are Dick Abbott and Cindy Hartzog).
Atlanta--The 24 Karat Club Southeastern United States welcomed six new members at its annual banquet held in early August at the Atlanta Country Club.
Membership to the 24 Karat Club is on an invitation-only basis, offered to select members of the industry based on their accomplishments in their jewelry career, personal and civic contributions and their commitment to the betterment of the jewelry industry.
The following people were inducted into the 24K Club Class of 2017.
--Dick Abbott, president, The Edge jewelry store software;
--Allan Cagle, southeastern sales representative, Equity Diamond Brokers, Frederic Duclos, Color Merchants & Viken’s Jewelry Manufacturing Co.;
--Cindy Hartzog, sales representative, Gabriel;
--Lecil Henderson, owner/designer, The Henderson Collection by Lecil;
--Tammy Lail, vice president of merchandising, Stuller; and
--Mel Schmidt, COO, LFS Consultants/Don Conkey & Sons.
“We’re thrilled to welcome such an outstanding group of jewelry professionals to the 24 Karat Club,” Club President Bill Newnam said. “We expect each of these new members will be a tremendous asset to our organization.”
The 24 Karat Club SEUS also awarded 11 scholarships at the event.
--The Robert Foreman Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Jennifer Chastain of Ware Jewelers in Opelika, Alabama. She’ll receive a $2,000 Scholarship to pursue GIA classes.
--Sterling Reputation-24K Scholarships were awarded to Nicholas Bates of Anthony Jewelers in Nashville, Tennessee, and Jonathan Paz of Worthmore Jewelers in Atlanta. Both will receive $1,250 to pursue educational goals.
--Diamond In The Rough-24K Scholarships were awarded to Skye Gillis of Gillis Jewelers in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and Adriana Hoover of Grogan Jewelers in Florence, Alabama. Both will receive $1,250 to pursue educational goals.
--DCA-24K Scholarships were awarded to six individuals; the Diamond Council of America donates the recipients’ choice of three on-line accredited courses. 2017 recipients are: Iris Sanders-Jarvis of Young Jewelers in Jasper, Alabama; Devin Trachtman of Seabreeze Fine Jewelry in Daytona Beach, Florida; Kory Kowalski of Ellis Jewelers in Concord, North Carolina; Colt Snowden of Snowden’s Jewelers in Wilmington, North Carolina; Flower Gattone-Enix of Fountain City Jewelers in Knoxville, Tennessee; and Sarah Bliven of Tara Fine Jewelry in Buford, Georgia.
More on Independents
The Latest
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
Weekly QuizMay 28, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’sSotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.
AuctionsJun 02, 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction 10-Carat Blue Diamond, 1960s Harry Winston Necklace A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.
Events & AwardsJun 01, 2026
Design Atelier Brands Have a Big Night at Emotional Couture Design AwardsThe show started by honoring Mildred Marcano, ended with a tearful Beth Anne Bonanno, and recognized a dozen-plus designers in between.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
RapNet Rebranding as Rapaport TradeThe revamped online diamond marketplace will feature pricing intelligence and data-driven tools for more efficient buying and selling.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
Gemfields’ Higher-Quality Emerald Auction Achieves $26.8MThe miner said demand for higher-quality emeralds is stable, but there is notable caution in the market.
CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ DesertThe “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerThe author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.
MajorsMay 28, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Buy The Clear Cut Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.
CollectionsMay 28, 2026
Meet The 17 Newcomers to Couture’s Design AtelierThese up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.
GradingMay 28, 2026
GCAL By Sarine Launches 8X Cushion CutThe lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
5 Security Tips for Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week 2026This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.
ColumnistsMay 27, 2026
What Jewelers Can Learn From Luxury Fashion’s Digital PlaybookHigh-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
Couture’s ‘The Iridescence’ Will Showcase 7 Emerging Jewelry DesignersThe designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.
ColumnistsMay 26, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
12 JCK Talks Sessions to Add to Your Las Vegas ScheduleThe trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
CBG Brings Its Curated Designer Project to Las Vegas ShowThe Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.
TrendsMay 26, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Cooldown Is ComingBring a cool tone to your summer jewelry with these white metal pieces.
