(PRESS RELEASE) TORONTO, ON — With over 250 enthusiastic industry professionals in attendance at the 3rd Annual Canadian Jewellers Association (CJA) Industry Summit in partnership with Jewelers Mutual, this full day event held on Monday October 27, 2025 at the historic The Omni King Edward Hotel in Toronto, ON, was a rewarding day of connecting, learning and celebrating.
Last year’s attendees were eager to participate again this year and were joined by many new attendees that were not disappointed. CJA Members and non-members alike engaged throughout the day, taking advantage of opportunities to establish new connections and strengthen existing ones.
The 2025 Annual General Meeting led by outgoing CJA Chair, Angela Betteridge, served as an opportunity to highlight key initiatives undertaken in 2025 including the strategic alliance between the CJA and the Quebec Jewellers Corporation which has given new life to the longest running jewellery show in Canada, Expo Prestige, now in the CJA’s capable hands. During the meeting, the 2026 Board of Directors was unanimously voted in including incoming Co-Chairs, Chau Lui and Eric Senftleben. This year’s slate of Directors, representing all areas of the jewellery and watch industry from across Canada, are eager to bring the CJA into a new era with a refreshed look starting with a new CJA logo and soon to be launched new website. Following an address from the Co-Chairs, Betteridge was presented with the Past President’s Pin in honour of her years of service dedicated to supporting the industry. Congratulations Angela!
During the day, attendees enjoyed Canadian centric content presented by 12 industry experts, highlighting the numerous opportunities to grow their businesses available right here at home. Duncan Parker of Dupuis Fine Jewellery Auctioneers kicked off the education sessions by introducing attendees to a locally sourced revenue stream in the form of estate jewellery. Mark Devereaux of Jewelers Mutual highlighted the innovative products available to jewellers to help protect what matters most before Scott Hayes of Jewellers Vigilance Canada encouraged jewellers to take a proactive approach to asset protection.
In the Afternoon, attendees were dazzled by Desert Diamonds, the newest and largest campaign from De Beers in over a decade presented by Sally Morrison of De Beers Group. Back by popular demand, Wendi Swanson of Etymon Group demonstrated how to turn challenges into conversion with a talk highlighting attendee’s “True North Advantage”.
Yann You-Ten and Arya Ghaeli of Affirm demonstrated how to increase sales with Buy Now, Pay Later payment plans before Eric Jodouin and Chantal Arbique of the Royal Canadian Mint had the audience in awe with a sneak peak of new pieces from the 2025 Oppulence Collection, an exclusive numismatic masterpiece featuring high‑value precious materials including diamonds and 99.99% pure Canadian gold.
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Keynote Speaker, Grant Mobley of the Natural Diamond Council, took attendees on a thrilling journey to Canada’s Northwest Territories sharing personal tales of his experiences in Canada’s diamond bearing region and highlighting resources available at no charge to retailers in the Diamond Learning Centre.
The day came to a close with Keynote Speaker, David Sax, a Canadian Author and Journalist who reassured attendees that the future is analog, highlighting the importance of the human experience. Attendees enjoyed yet another opportunity to mingle during Cocktail Hour generously sponsored by Citizen Watch Canada Ltd.
During the CJA Awards Dinner generously sponsored by De Beers Group, the incredible achievements of five individuals and businesses were celebrated. The 2025 CJA Award Winners are:
- Independent Retailer of the Year Award | J. H. Young & Sons, Brantford, ON
- Multi-Store Retailer of the Year Award | Appelt’s Diamonds, Winnipeg, MB
- Supplier of the Year Award | MDL Diamond Merchants, Toronto, ON
- Emerging Business of the Year Award | Northern Watch Services Inc., North York, ON
- Erol Paylan Impact Award | Sarah Dougall, Made You Look Jewellery, Toronto, ON
In an eloquent acceptance speech Sarah Dougall of Made You Look Jewellery, winner of the 2025 Erol Paylan Impact Award, addressed the captivated audience noting “It has been my life’s work to develop and refine this platform, which endeavors to allow our community of exceptional talent to follow their dreams, find their niche, and be recognized for their unique perspectives in this ancient medium. Jewellery has been a part of human history since the beginning of time; its story is ever evolving, and so is ours. I am looking forward to the next 25 years on this one-of-a-kind path that we have chosen.” Congratulations to all award winners!
The CJA Industry Summit served as an incredible reminder that we are stronger together and that community should take precedence over competition. For over 100 years, the CJA has been and will continue to be the respected voice of the Canadian jewellery and watch industry. The CJA is honoured to provide opportunities to bring the industry together for a day of connecting, learning and celebrating. The spirit of the jewellery and watch industry is unique, and it is this collective passion and sense of community that fuels the CJA’s initiatives.
See you in 2026 at the CJA Industry Summit!
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