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24KT Club of the Southeast Honors Jewelers of the Year and Scholars
Each year, the 24KT Club of the Southeast hosts an elegant black-tie gala to commend exceptional talent within the retail jewelry industry, distributing both the esteemed Jeweler of the Year award and several scholarships. This summer's event, held at the Atlanta Country Club in conjunction with the August Atlanta Jewelry Show, drew 200 guests and members, who gathered to celebrate the achievements of six scholarship recipients and the ultimate honoree, the Jeweler of the Year.
The evening acknowledged a diverse group of individuals for their remarkable contributions and commitment. Laura Foster of Worthmore Jewelers received the Robert Foreman Memorial Scholarship for her outstanding interpersonal skills and dedication to her craft. The Sterling Reputation scholarship was jointly awarded to Carina Malone of EVM Jewelers, recognized for her unwavering perseverance in overcoming personal tragedy to sustain her late husband's business, and Leah Walshak of Oz's Jewelers, celebrated for her profound love of jewelry craftsmanship and early mastery of bench jeweler and pearl courses. Basdai Ann Glidden from Plantation Jewelers and Taylor Snowden from Snowden's Jewelers were honored with the Diamond in the Rough and Judy Upton Award, distinguishing Basdai for her client-focused approach and Taylor for continuing his family's third-generation legacy while seeking further industry knowledge. The Ralph Williams Scholarship and Carolyn Woltz Lennon, Robert Loving, and Terry Chandler Awards were bestowed upon Andres Alamilla of Woodard's Diamonds & Design for his profound dedication and ambition to eventually lead his store. Additionally, Colin Gowland from Blackwell's of Jewelers received the Accounting for Jewelers and Mariel Diaz Award, signifying his commitment to continuing his family's enterprise through advanced education at GIA. Christopher Lewis of Avis Fine Jewelry, a former Marine and long-time FedEx employee, was granted the Diamond Council of America and Terry Chandler Awards, lauded for his steadfast resolve and bright future in the jewelry field.
The evening culminated with the announcement of Carroll Little from Little's Jewelers, spanning locations in Corinth, MS, Tupelo, MS, and Jackson, TN, as this year's Jeweler of the Year. For over 75 years, Little's Jewelers has been a beacon of superior service and quality in the South, evolving from a modest downtown shop into a leading regional jeweler. Established in 1947 by C.K. Little, the business saw significant expansion and diversification under his son Carroll, who joined in 1985. Carroll Little's strategic vision led to new store openings, partnerships with premier vendors like Romance, Simon G., Movado, and Imperial Pearl, and the assembly of a highly skilled team capable of everything from ring sizing to bespoke designs. Beyond commercial success, Little's Jewelers is deeply embedded in community welfare, actively sponsoring the Little's Jewelry Charity Golf Tournament to support the Oasis Medical Center, an organization dedicated to assisting at-risk mothers and their unborn children. Their enduring commitment to excellence, innovation, and community engagement truly embodies the spirit of the Jeweler of the Year award.
This annual recognition of talent and dedication within the jewelry industry reflects a vibrant community committed to excellence, continuous learning, and serving others. These stories of perseverance, passion, and community involvement inspire us all to pursue our aspirations with integrity and to contribute positively to our chosen fields and broader society.
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