24KT Club of the Southeast Presents the Jeweler of the Year

(PRESS RELEASE) Every year the 24KT Club of the Southeast presents the Jeweler of the Year and other scholarship awards to deserving people working in the retail jewelry industry. The awards are presented at the Club’s black tie gala, which is held the Saturday evening during the August Atlanta Jewelry Show at the Atlanta Country Club. This year it was attended by 200 guests and club members. This summer’s banquet was a magnificent night, with six scholarships and the Jeweler of the Year award. These are the scholarships and the winners:

Robert Foreman Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Laura Foster from Worthmore Jewelers, Atlanta/Decatur.

Laura started her first jewelry business in middle school. After joining Worthmore Jewelers and being part of a large staff, her boss chose her to be considered for this most prestigious award, and said he can put her in anything and she’ll do it. Laura is very personable, gracious, and well educated, with wonderful people skills.

Sterling Reputation and Steve Berkowitz was awarded to Carina Malone and Leah Walshak.

Carina Malone of EVM Jewelers in Fayetteville, AR. Carina Malone lost her husband in a car accident. He had owned the store, and she stepped up and took over (changed careers) to keep it going. She took GIA Jewelry and Diamond Essentials in order to gain knowledge. She was selected for her perseverance, for her ability to overcome adversity, and for marching on in the face of loss to find a new passion.

Also receiving the Sterling Reputation scholarship was Leah Walshak of Oz’s Jewelers, Hickory, NC. She was selected because of her love of the jewelry craft. Although young, she has already completed the NASJ bench jewelers and pearls course. She is professional, humble, and an overall fireball.

Diamond in the Rough and Judy Upton Award went to Basdai Ann Glidden and Taylor Snowden.

Basdai Ann Glidden is from Plantation Jewelers, Winter Garden, FL. Although young, Basdai has shown a strong interest in the industry, and brings a human focus on client’s wants and needs.

Taylor Snowden is from Snowden’s Jewelers, Wilmington, NC. Taylor has carried on a family legacy (3rd generation). He’s been working in the business his whole life and went to college, but doesn’t have formal industry training. He is looking to increase his jewelry knowledge, and set his future in the jewelry industry.

Ralph Williams Scholarship and Carolyn Woltz Lennon, Robert Loving and Terry Chandler Awards, were awarded to Andres Alamilla – Woodard’s Diamonds & Design, Tullahoma, TN.

Andy Alamilla won this award based on letters showing his dedication to his store, so much so, that the owner Jim Woodard sees him as taking over one day. He’s been with the store for 5 years, and had already taken 2 courses from DCA, GIA Diamonds, and Stuller Countersketch demonstrating his commitment.

Accounting for Jewelers and Mariel Diaz Award was presented to Colin Gowland – Blackwell’s of Jewelers, Marietta, GA.

Colin Gowland is interested in taking over the family business. He is currently attending GIA, and after completion of his courses, he will return and help. Colin is actively pursuing his education, and is dedicated to keeping family business alive.

Diamond Council of America and Terry Chandler Awards was awarded to Christopher Lewis from Avis Fine Jewelry, Thomasville, NC.

Chris served our country in the Marines, and spent 20 years of loyal service with Fedex before becoming a jeweler. Once Chris decides to take on a challenge he stays with it. His future in jewelry is very bright.

The grand award is The Jeweler of the Year. This year’s winner was Carroll Little from Little’s Jewelers, Corinth, MS, Tupelo, MS, and Jackson, TN.

For over 75 years, Little’s Jewelers has been a southern tradition dedicated to excellent service and outstanding quality. What began as a small store with only four counters in downtown Corinth, has evolved into the area’s leading jeweler. Currently serving three locations, Little’s Jewelers has maintained a family run atmosphere, while gaining a reputation for excellence.

Mr. C.K. Little opened his doors in 1947, and ran a successful store in historic downtown Corinth. When his son, Carroll Little, joined him in 1985, he created a vision, and developed a plan for the future of Little’s Jewelers.

Opening a store in Tupelo, MS and then in Jackson,TN, he broadened his market, and was able to acquire some of the industries finest vendors. He now carries top lines such as Romance, Simon G., Movado, and Imperial Pearl. In order to complete the vision, Mr. Little assembled a team of the area’s finest and most educated jewelry artisans to offer top quality service for his customer’s jewelry needs. Little’s Jewelers is well equipped to handle anything from ring sizing to custom ring design.

Little’s is very involved with the community, schools, and the lives of their customers and employees. Each year, the business helps sponsor the Little’s Jewelry Charity Golf Tournament, raising monies and exposure for the Oasis Medical Center, which focuses on support for at risk mothers ,and their unborn children.