GIA's Donna Baker Awarded “Excellence in Service Award”

Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California Celebrates the 

68th Annual Dinner Dance and Gala at the Montage Resort in Beverly Hills

The Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California celebrated the Club’s 68th annual dinner dance and gala at the extravagant Montage Resort in Beverly Hills on Saturday, October 6, 2012. The annual dinner dance honored president and CEO of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Donna Baker, with the prestigious “Excellence in Service Award.”

Frank Proctor, President of the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California and Principal and CEO of Luxury Brand Group, welcomed many jewelry industry leaders at the black tie dinner, co-sponsored by Stuller and the GIA. The evening included an alluring cocktail reception with many familiar faces who chatted and enjoyed the fabulous Saturday evening in Southern California. Proctor also had the honor to introduce and award 2012’s recipient of the esteemed “Excellence in Service Award”.

“This year’s recipient exemplifies the finest qualities of integrity, leadership and excellence, and serves as a role model for not only our entire industry, but other communities as well, locally and abroad”, says Frank Proctor. “We are proud and honored to add Donna to our distinguished list of recipients. Her touching acceptance speech was an inspiration to all of us in the jewelry industry.”

The 24 Karat Club of Southern California was formed in 1944 with the main goal of promoting ethical practices and furthering the honor and traditions of the jewelry industry. In 1998, the club created its Excellence in Service Award in commemoration of the club and its code of ethics.

Many prominent figures in the jewelry industry attended this lavish event – including Drop Dead Gorgeous jewelry designer, Erica Courtney, as well as Jewelers of America President and CEO Matt Runci, Kathryn Kimmel, GIA’s vice president and Chief Marketing Officer, GIA’s jet setting director of global business development, Craig Danforth, Peggy Jo Donahue, director of public affairs for Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America, and American Gem Trade Association CEO Doug Hucker.

About Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California
The Jewelers 24 Karat Club was founded in 1944 to promote ethical practices and to further the honor and tradition of the jewelry industry. The club offers a variety of membership meetings, presentations and special events to its members throughout the year. For further information, please visit  http://www.jewelers24karatclub.com/