24KT Club of the Southeast Honors Jewelers of the Year and Scholars

Each year, the 24KT Club of the Southeast hosts an elegant black-tie gala to commend exceptional talent within the retail jewelry industry, distributing both the esteemed Jeweler of the Year award and several scholarships. This summer's event, held at the Atlanta Country Club in conjunction with the August Atlanta Jewelry Show, drew 200 guests and members, who gathered to celebrate the achievements of six scholarship recipients and the ultimate honoree, the Jeweler of the Year.

The evening acknowledged a diverse group of individuals for their remarkable contributions and commitment. Laura Foster of Worthmore Jewelers received the Robert Foreman Memorial Scholarship for her outstanding interpersonal skills and dedication to her craft. The Sterling Reputation scholarship was jointly awarded to Carina Malone of EVM Jewelers, recognized for her unwavering perseverance in overcoming personal tragedy to sustain her late husband's business, and Leah Walshak of Oz's Jewelers, celebrated for her profound love of jewelry craftsmanship and early mastery of bench jeweler and pearl courses. Basdai Ann Glidden from Plantation Jewelers and Taylor Snowden from Snowden's Jewelers were honored with the Diamond in the Rough and Judy Upton Award, distinguishing Basdai for her client-focused approach and Taylor for continuing his family's third-generation legacy while seeking further industry knowledge. The Ralph Williams Scholarship and Carolyn Woltz Lennon, Robert Loving, and Terry Chandler Awards were bestowed upon Andres Alamilla of Woodard's Diamonds & Design for his profound dedication and ambition to eventually lead his store. Additionally, Colin Gowland from Blackwell's of Jewelers received the Accounting for Jewelers and Mariel Diaz Award, signifying his commitment to continuing his family's enterprise through advanced education at GIA. Christopher Lewis of Avis Fine Jewelry, a former Marine and long-time FedEx employee, was granted the Diamond Council of America and Terry Chandler Awards, lauded for his steadfast resolve and bright future in the jewelry field.