Each award category was carefully designed to honour recipients who demonstrate excellence in:

Industry and Client Relations

Innovation and Growth

Education and Leadership

Ethics and Integrity

This year, the CJA is proud to present three distinct awards. 

Erol Paylan Lifetime Achievement Award

Presented to an individual or company that has made significant contributions towards the jewellery and watch industry during their career.  

Canadian Retailer of the Year Award

Presented to a CJA Retailer member for their professional standards and contributions to the Canadian jewellery and watch industry.

Canadian Supplier of the Year Award

Presented to a CJA Supplier member for their professional standards and contributions to the Canadian jewellery and watch industry as a wholesaler or manufacturer.

2024 CJA Award Finalists

Erol Paylan Lifetime Achievement Award

Bernard Florence | Calgary Jewellery Ltd. | Calgary, AB

Bernard Florence is a distinguished figure in the Canadian jewelry industry, renowned for his commitment to quality and innovation. As the driving force behind Calgary Jewellery, Bernard has successfully carried forward a family legacy that began with a vision of craftsmanship and exceptional service. With decades of experience, Bernard has been instrumental in shaping Calgary Jewellery’s reputation for excellence. Under his leadership, the company has become synonymous with elegance and precision, offering a wide range of meticulously crafted pieces that blend timeless design with modern sophistication. Bernard’s dedication to upholding high standards and ethical practices has solidified Calgary Jewellery’s position as a trusted name in the industry. Bernard’s passion for the craft and his focus on customer satisfaction continue to inspire both his team and clients, ensuring that Calgary Jewellery remains at the forefront of the Canadian jewelry market. Bernard began his career in architecture; and subsequently went into the family business. In the early 1980’s, Bernard earned the degree of Graduate Jeweller from the Canadian Jewellery Society. Additionally, Bernard graduated in GIA diamonds and coloured gems with a degree as a registered jeweller from GIA. Bernard and Calgary Jewellery are certified to hold the esteemed credential member of the American Gemological Society (AGS).

Gerry Gilroy | Independent Jewellers| Edmonton, AB

For over 45 years, Independent Jewellers has been dedicated to helping clients celebrate their milestones and cherished relationships. Situated in Edmonton, our expansive 32,000-square-foot store is renowned for offering high-quality products at competitive prices. Our unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service, ensuring that each client feels valued and important, is the reason why they return to us time and time again. Our experienced onsite goldsmiths and CAD designers can handle nearly any jewellery repair or custom creation you may need. We specialize in transforming your vision into reality—whether it’s redesigning a beloved heirloom, crafting a fully personalized piece, or enhancing an existing item with unique details. We strive to make the custom design process seamless and enjoyable for every client. No matter the occasion, we are here to help you find the perfect piece to reflect your unique style and commemorate life’s most significant moments.

Greg & Jeff Buzbuzian | Knar Jewellery| Guelph, ON

Knar Jewellery, founded in 1978 by brothers Greg and Jeff Buzbuzian, started as a modest 200-square-foot boutique in Guelph, Ontario. Over the decades, they transformed the business into one of Canada’s premier luxury jewellery retailers, celebrated for its fine craftsmanship, ethical practices, exceptional customer service, and unforgettable client experiences.

Knar Jewellery has cultivated strong partnerships with over 50 world-class brands, including legendary names like Rolex, Chopard, Mikimoto and more. These partnerships, along with their commitment to quality and design have solidified Knar’s reputation for excellence in the luxury jewellery and timepiece market.

Driven by a dedication to staff development and personalized service, Greg and Jeff have attracted some of the finest long-tenured associates. Their unique approach has fostered a loyal, diverse clientele, from seasoned collectors to a new generation of quality-conscious luxury consumers. Knar Jewellery has evolved into more than just a store—it is a recognized and respected name synonymous with integrity, trust, and an inviting atmosphere. Known for creating unparalleled experiences, Knar remains committed to offering customers the very best in fine jewellery and timepieces.

Canadian Retailer of the Year Award

Dana’s Goldsmithing Inc. | Port Perry, ON

Dana’s Goldsmithing is a progressive and trend-setting jewellery store and Custom Design Studio in Port Perry, Ontario established in 1992.  It’s Founder, Dana Smith is one of few industry leaders that is a trained bench jeweller, jewellery designer, CAD modeller and gemmologist. Recently Dana took on 2 partners; Linda Bruno who is Store Manager and Jewellery Designer and Kyra Martin, a Goldsmith and Jewellery Designer. 

This dynamic trio are leaders in the industry fueled by their passion for what they do. 

Elgin Jewellers| Port Elgin, ON

Located on the shores of Lake Huron, Port Elgin Ontario, Canada has been the home of Elgin Jewellers since 1977.  We are a  family run business with European ancestry with a history of classic European craftsmanship and quality.    We are constantly evolving including our trained staff consisting of an HRD Certified diamond specialist, Goldsmith’s, Canadian master Watch and clock maker and GIA trained staff.  

We consistently look for the latest styles and have an extensive international network for diamonds and coloured stones.  We have carried Canadian diamonds for over 25 years  and now even provide goods produced with Canadian gold and Lab grown diamonds.  All ethically sourced. Choose from our extensive in house selection or custom design the piece in house. 

For traditional quality, service and selection we look forward to becoming your personal jeweller.

MARK LASH| Toronto, ON

A keen eye, incredible talent and passion make MARK LASH one of Canada’s most prominent jewelry designers. MARK LASH is recognized by industry experts and celebrities around the world.

The MARK LASH design team and on-site workshop specialists can recreate your heirlooms or create unique custom designed pieces of jewelry that balance individual style with timeless elegance. MARK LASH also offers a magnificent selection of imported fine jewelry.  

Dalia has been in the forefront as the director at MARK LASH since 1989. As a certified gemologist, she plays a pivotal role in every aspect of the business, from purchasing and design to styling, advertising, and management. Dalia’s responsibilities span the full spectrum of running a small business. She dedicates her days to staying ahead of trends, guiding clients through jewelry selections, custom designs, procurement, curating their jewelry collections and providing excellent customer service.

Canadian Supplier of the Year Award

C. D. Barcados Co. Ltd.| Toronto, ON

Constantine Barcados’ passion for coloured gems began in Switzerland. He moved to Canada in 1964 and founded C.D. Barcados Co. Ltd.  Today, his children Alex and Susan are the co-owners of the business and share their father’s passion for gemstones, excellence and integrity.  We have a team of dedicated professionals focused on providing the best value and service to the Canadian jewellery industry.  C.D. Barcados Co. Ltd. has developed invaluable international contacts and relationships that have been built over many years. These allow us to bring our Canadian customers the best gemstones available from all corners of the planet, whether they are from established source locations, or the latest gemstone finds. As the premiere coloured gem importer and dealer in Canada we offer unparalleled experience and expertise.

M-C Gems Limited| Toronto, ON

At M-C Gems, our jewellery and findings are selected with the utmost discerning expertise and care in order to bring the latest and most innovative pieces from around the world. Our valued clients can be assured of the quality, uniqueness and beauty we provide to our industry. As we maintain our reliance role within the industry, we are honoured to continue providing our best in products, service and value to all our valued clients as we have been doing since our establishment in 1969.

Tecimer Jewellery Ltd| Toronto, ON

Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, Tecimer Jewellery Limited has proudly served as one of Canada’s largest wholesalers of fine gold jewellery since 1976. With over 3,000 satisfied jewellery retailers in our client base, we are dedicated to fulfilling all your fine gold jewellery needs.

As a family-owned and operated business, our legacy is rooted in the expertise of five generations of jewellers, dating back to 1890. This deep heritage empowers us to deliver exceptional quality and service to our partners in the jewellery industry.

Our unmatched buying power and extensive inventory distinguish us from the competition. We cater to independent retailers, chain stores, and wholesalers, offering the largest selection of in-stock 18K, 14K, and 10K gold, silver, platinum, and finished diamond jewellery. We take pride in supplying ethically sourced jewellery from top-quality suppliers in Italy, Turkey, and Canada.

At Tecimer Jewellery Limited, our dedicated team of professionals is committed to providing unparalleled value and service, reinforcing our promise to the Canadian jewellery industry. Let us be your trusted partner in fine gold jewellery.

Previous CJA Award Winners