The traditions and prestige of the Canadian Jewellers Association can be traced back over 100 years to 1918.
The Canadian Jewellers Association Awards, CJA Awards, were founded to honour the incredible achievements of individuals and companies involved in all areas of the jewellery industry across Canada.
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 these 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.
Industry Community Award
Presented to a company that consistently demonstrates a commitment to supporting and uplifting our jewellery community.
CJA Volunteer of the Year Award
Presented to a CJA volunteer who has gone above and beyond dedicating their time and expertise to support the CJA and its initiatives.
The 2024 CJA Award Winners
were be announced LIVE at the CJA Awards Dinner sponsored by De Beers Group
on Monday October 21, 2024 at The St. Regis Toronto.
2024 CJA Award Winners
Erol Paylan Lifetime Achievement Award
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.
Canadian Supplier of the Year Award
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.
Industry Community Award

Citizen Watch Canada Ltd.| Markham, ON
CJA Volunteer of the Year Award

Outlier Solutions Inc. & Alex Barcados| Toronto, ON
Previous CJA Award Winners
Erol Paylan Award Recipients
Adom Knadjian, 2023
Duncan Parker, 2022
John Minister/Corona Jewellery Co., 2019
Tanya Parrish, 2018
John Lamont, 2017
Sonja Sanders, 2016
Phyllis Richard, 2015
Jewelers Mutual/Darwin Copeman, 2014
Alex Barcados, 2013
Chairman’s Award Recipients
Carmen Rivet, 2022
John Vaccaro, 2019
Alex Barcados, 2018
Ernest Epp, 2017
Adom Knadjian, 2016
Pierre Akkelian, 2015
Paul Mara, 2014
Kevin Kaye, 2013
Garo Baler, 2012
Judy Richards, 2011
Dan Panos, 2010
William Stoner, 2009
Peter Myerson, 2008
Harold Weinstein, 2007
President’s Award Recipients
Roy Katsuyama, 2006
Abby Evenchick, 2005
Toni Cavelti, 2004
Marvin Gerstein, 2003
Jonathan Birks, 2002
John Nash, 2001
Bruce Smellie, 2000
Bing Levinter, 1999
Canadian Retailer of the Year Recipients
Mitton’s Jewellers, 2023
Canadian Supplier of the Year Recipients
Courtney Gold Company, 2023
CJA Volunteer of the Year Recipients
Justin Opert, 2023