(PRESS RELEASE) The 24 Karat Club Southeastern United States hosted its 47th annual Banquet at the Atlanta County Club on August 26. Each year the 24 Karat Club honors an outstanding jeweler with its Jeweler of the Year Award, announces scholarship recipients and inducts new members at the black tie event.
Ernie Perry of Perry’s Diamond & Estate Jewelry in Charlotte, NC was posthumously awarded the 24K Club’s prestigious Jeweler of the Year Award for 2023. Perry died suddenly on July 22, 2023. Perry’s wife Priscilla and daughters Hadley and Brittany accepted the award.
“Our coveted Jeweler of the Year award is the most prestigious honor given by the 24 Karat Club,” said Randy Lindsey, Club president. “The award is based upon outstanding service to their community, personal and civic contribution, and their commitment to the betterment of the jewelry industry.”
Robert Foreman Memorial Scholarship recipient Jennifer Beatty with 24K Club SEUS President Randy Lindsey. | Ernie Perry of Perry’s Diamond & Estate Jewelry in Charlotte, NC was posthumously awarded the 24K Club SEUS Jeweler of the Year Award. The award was accepted by Perry’s wife Priscilla and daughters Hadley (r) and Brittany. Also pictured Club members Keely Grice (l) and David Hyde.
The 24 Karat Club’s 2023 scholarship recipients were announced during the event. Scholarships included:
- Robert Foreman Memorial Scholarship, $2,000 to Jennifer Beatty, Wright’s Jewelry, Fallston, NC
- Ralph Williams Scholarship, $1500 award funded by Club members, Carolyn Woltz Lennon, Robert Loving and Terry Chandler to Lauren Sears, Holland’s Jewelers, Apex, NC
- Diamond in the Rough Scholarship, two $1250 awards funded by Judy Upton of Judy Carter & Associates to Avani Patel, Avani Rupa Fine Jewelers, Birmingham, AL and Rohan Desai, Star Gems, Norcross, GA
- Sterling Reputation Scholarship, two $1250 awards funded by Steve Berkowitz of Sterling Reputation to Becky Rogers, Camden Jewelers, Camden, SC and Nathan Hale, Buffalo Craft Co, Spring Hill, TN
- Diamond Council of America Scholarships, two DCA course scholarships funded by DCA and Terry Chandler to Kristen Baird Rabun, Kristen Baird Jewelry, Savannah, GA and Helen Fuquay, Student at New Approach School for Jewelers, from Pawleys Island, SC
“The 24 Karat Club is extremely proud of the tradition of awarding well deserving candidates the opportunity of furthering their education through our Scholarship programs,” said Lindsey. “There truly is no better award than the gift of learning.”
Two new members were inducted into the 24K Club SEUS in 2023. The 24K Club welcomed Chuck Frey, Founder/President of Charles Frey & Company and Pat Milam, Founder/CEO of Tuscany Luxury Group.
The 24 Karat Club SEUS thanks the sponsors for the event: Harmon Group, Jewelers Mutual Group, Diamond Council of America, Judy Carter & Associates, Sterling Reputation, Carolyn Woltz Lennon, Time Delay Corporation, Southern Jewelry Insurance, Keely Grice, Hyde & Associates, SJTA/Atlanta Jewelry Show, United Precious Metals Refining, Jewelers of America, Abbott Jewelry Systems, INSTORE, Benchmark, Rembrandt Charms, Star Gems, Brevani and Southern Jewelry News.
About 24 Karat Club Southeastern United States
The 24 Karat Club Southeastern United States is a prestigious organization of industry professionals representing leading members from the jewelry supplier sector. Members are considered and recognized because of their industry accomplishments, personal and civic contributions and their commitment to the betterment of the jewelry industry.