Annual black-tie celebration recognizes industry leaders, scholarship recipients and the continued strength of the Southeast’s jewelry community
ATLANTA, GA — September 8, 2026 — The 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States (SEUS) celebrated its 50th Annual Banquet on August 22, 2026, bringing members and guests together for an evening of dinner, dancing, entertainment and fellowship at the Atlanta Country Club. Held concurrently with the Fall 2026 Atlanta Jewelry Show, the annual celebration recognized outstanding members of the jewelry industry and honored scholarship recipients supporting the next generation of industry professionals.
The evening featured the presentation of several prestigious awards and scholarships, including:
- Ari Iroff of Iroff & Son Jewelers in Alpharetta, Georgia, recipient of the Robert Foreman Memorial Scholarship.
- John Epps, recipient of the Ralph Williams Scholarship
- Laura Kaplowitz, recipient of the Accounting for Jewelers Scholarship
- Mary Ann Geier and Lucy Wiggins, recipients of the Diamond in the Rough Scholarships
- Heather Cain, Jamie Smith and Cynthia Parrish, recipients of the Diamond Council of America Scholarships
- Steve and Julie Weintraub of Gold & Diamond Source in Clearwater, Florida, recipients of the Jeweler of the Year Award.
- Hannah Bing of Ford, Gittings & Kane Jewelers in Rome, Georgia, and Dan Linihan of Worthmore Jewelers in Atlanta, Georgia, recipients of The Edge scholarships.
A total of ten scholarships were given this year. New members were also inducted and recognized.
“The 50th Annual Banquet was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate what the 24 Karat Club SEUS is all about: recognizing achievement, supporting the next generation and bringing together leaders from across our industry,” said Rick Arnemann, President. “It was an evening to celebrate our members, the accomplishments of those we honored and the continued strength of the jewelry industry throughout the Southeast. We are grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s banquet such a memorable event.”