24 Karat Club Names Excellence Honorees

RAPAPORT... The 24 Karat Club will recognize three industry members fortheir work in the trade at its 2019 annual gala, it said Monday. Terry Chandler, CEO of the Diamond Council of America (DCA),will receive the group's Lifetime Achievement Award on October 12 for his years of work onbehalf of the diamond industry. He was instrumental in gaining reaccreditationfor the DCA from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, and broadeningDCA's membership from 70 to nearly 300. Chandler also created the JewelryCareer Initiative, which teaches diamond and colored-gemstone courses in highschools throughout the US, and worked with the board to bring DCA in as anaffiliate of Jewelers of America (JA). "The Lifetime Achievement Award was created to recognize anindividual who has made significant contributions to the jewelry industrythroughout their career," said Silvia Raz, president of the 24 Karat Club. "[Chandler]is a gifted professional with a proven dedication to this industry, trulyworthy of this honor and recognition." The group will also present Excellence in Service accoladesto Bill Jones and Ruben Bindra. Jones is an award-winning jewelry designer andCEO of jewelry retailer Sissy's Log Cabin. Bindra, owner of gemstone importbusiness B & B Fine Gems, is currently serving his third term as presidentof the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), and is the only person to be elected tothe position three times. "Bill and Ruben have both made a tremendous impact on ourindustry, and exemplify a high standard of professionalism, business ethic, anda commitment to excellence, true to the 24 Karat Club's mission," Raz added. Image: Terry Chandler. (24 Karat Club)