After 36 years in business, he plans to retire from the jewelry industry.Avi Raz, founder and owner of A&Z Pearls, is honored to be a 2017 recipient of the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California’s Excellence in Service award. He was recognized at the Club’s 73rd annual Dinner Dance, held at the Beverly Hills Hotel this past October.
Raz was chosen based on his leadership and the numerous contributions he’s made to the fine jewelry industry. He serves on several boards of trade organizations, including the AGTA board of directors, The Jewelers Board of Trade, and The JCK Advisory Board for all JCK shows.
Raz is also a member of the GIA Alumni Association, has donated a one-of-a-kind piece from A&Z Pearls to the GIA museum’s permanent collection, and participated in the review of pearl material developed for the GIA’s educational program.
This award comes at an especially meaningful time for Raz. After 36 years dedicated to the industry, he has decided to close A&Z Pearls and embark on a new chapter of his life. He is excited for what comes next, and thankful for his time in the business.
“I am very grateful to everyone in this industry, an industry and community that facilitated such a rewarding career filled with friendship, travel and adventure.”
Starting next year with AGTA GemFair Tucson, Raz will begin transitioning out of the business by offering A&Z Pearls inventory—including loose pearls and pearl strands in a range of sizes and pearl types, a variety of pearl jewelry in 14K and 18K gold, and special, one-of-a-kind pearl designs—at special pricing. He will exhibit at other major 2018 shows including both IJO conferences and JCK.
About A&Z Pearls
Avi Raz started A&Z Pearls in 1981 after falling in love with cultured pearls while working in Japan. It is a full-service cultured pearl house, has an incredible depth of inventory in finished pearl jewelry, and is recognized for creating distinctive designs around unique and unusual pearl shapes. A&Z Pearls has been the recipient of many prestigious awards within the industry, including The Jeweler’s of America Design Competition, the MJSA Vision Award, 1st place winner of the American Pearl Design Competition two years running, the AGTA Spectrum award, and numerous international competitions.
