Adom Knadjian, Retired 2023 B & S Canada Inc.

Adom arrived in Montreal on February 28^th, 1977 as a landed immigrant. Within a month Adom found a job at the prestigious Mappins store on St. Catharines Street, and within six months was appointed assistant manager in one of the retailer’s mall stores.  In 1979 Adom was recruited by Backes & Strauss to open a wholesale distribution office in Toronto. After training in Europe for six months, he arrived in Toronto where he didn’t know anyone in the diamond and jewellery industry, or anyone socially for that matter. By knocking on doors and learning from potential clients, he was able to build the company one client at a time.  In 2005 he and his brother bought Backes & Strauss Canada and changed the name to B&S (Canada) Inc. In 2012 Adom purchased the remaining shares from Vartkess. The focus of the business diversified to fine quality diamond jewellery in the late ‘80’s and continued to be the strength of the company, until Adom’s retirement in June 2023.  During these years Adom and B & S (Canada) Inc. held many positions within the industry.  On June 30th, 2023, on his seventieth birthday, Adom retired to enjoy his family and ‘the fruits of his labour’.

Courtney Gold Company, Vancouver, B.C.

Established in 1987, Courtney Gold is a leading importer of fine quality international jewellery, serving dealers throughout Canada.  Travelling the world and hand selecting their jewellery, Courtney Gold presents clients with the very best quality and exciting new styles.

Justin Opert, Sorbet Sapphire, Thornhill, ON

Founder of Sorbet Sapphire, Justin Opert has served as a valued volunteer on the CJA Membership and Member Benefits Committee since 2021. Justin consistently provides insights that help the CJA better serve our members.  Justin is a champion for the association, sharing insights with members and non-members alike. Justin’s participation as a CJA volunteer has and will continue to create a positive impact on the association.