Smyrna, GA – August 7, 2016 — The 24 Karat Club Southeastern United States (SEUS) hosted its 42nd annual black-tie banquet at the elegant Atlanta Country Club last night; Cumberland Diamond Exchange (CDE) received the coveted "Jeweler of the Year" award for the Southeastern United States. Each year, 24 Karat Club SEUS selects one store from a multitude of extremely qualified nominees. CDE was chosen for their dedication and love of the jewelry industry, and commitment to civic duties above and beyond their service as retail jewelry store.
The elite event was well attended with many leaders of the jewelry industry and their guests enjoying an evening of networking, recognition and entertainment. The awards presentation concluded with Michael E. Fallaize, Former President of 24 Karat Club SEUS and Owner of Fallaize Insurance Agency, Inc., introducing Mark and Rhonda Jacobson as the 2016 recipient of the coveted “Jeweler of the Year” Award. The Jacobson’s were recognized for their contributions to the jewelry industry, their community, and numerous non-profits.
During his introduction, Michael E. Fallaize said, “Our Jeweler of the Year for 2016 is a family who enhances the jewelry buying experience for anyone entering their store… Cumberland Diamond Exchange has embraced Smyrna, GA and the surrounding communities…The selection process for Jeweler of the year is very arduous as it represents the purpose and principals of the 24 Karat Club. With that said, it is truly an honor and a privilege to be able to introduce a couple who have battled the challenges of life, operating a jewelry store and being extremely active in their community. They are the first ones to step up when a request is made to support a worthwhile cause. I take great pleasure in introducing our Jeweler of the Year for 2016, Mark and Rhonda Jacobson.”
Photo by: Tim Wilkerson Photography, Pictured: Mike Fallaize, Fallaize Insurance Agency, Past President 24 Karat Club Southeastern United States, Rhonda Jacobson, Co-Owner and Vice President of Cumberland Diamond Exchange - "Jeweler of the Year", and Mark Jacobson, Founder and Owner of Cumberland Diamond Exchange.
Cumberland Diamond Exchange’s involvement in the community and partnerships with non-profits are key differentiators. The mission statement of CDE is “The benchmark of our success is not measured by the longevity of our business, but the relationships we establish with you and the impact we make in the community”. Their “Cufflinks + Charms 4 Charity” makes custom-designed jewelry for resale and recognition with proceeds benefiting the corresponding charity. In addition to their charitable outreach, Mark and Rhonda are very involved in the community. Their dedication to the community has earned CDE the following awards: 2015 Cobb Chamber Small Business of the Year, Dedicated Community Service Award from SafePath Children's Advocacy Center, The Sam Olens Business Community Service Award, and more.
Mark Jacobson, Founder and Owner of Cumberland Diamond Exchange, said, "Receiving this award was such an honor. As a company we feel it's our obligation to support the non-profits in our community. This award validates that we are doing the right thing. We love being considered as the Community Jeweler that gives back."
Rhonda Jacobson, Co-Owner and Vice President of Cumberland Diamond Exchange, added, “Serving the community where we live, work and play is a privilege. Receiving an honor of this magnitude is humbling to which we're incredibly thankful. We feel it's our responsibility to bless others when we have been blessed.” (View their acceptence speech here.)
In addition to their charitable outreach, Mark and Rhonda are involved as follows:
Mark Jacobson: City of Smyrna Visionary, Initiative Focus Group Participant, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Advisory Board, Cobb Chamber Chairman’s Club Ambassador and Gift Sponsor.
Rhonda Jacobson: WellStar Foundation Board of Trustees, Co-Chair for WellStar Foundation – Women in Philanthropy, YWCA NWGA – Tribute to Women of Achievement Board & 2014 Tribute Recipient, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Advisory Board, and Chairman’s Club Member. Additionally, Rhonda was part of the Southern Women’s Jewelry Association at its beginning and later served as President of the Georgia Chapter GIA alumni association.
Photo by: Tim Wilkerson Photography, Pictured: Randy Lindsey, Jeweler of the Year Committee Chairman & Treasurer 24K Club, Rhonda Jacobson, Co-Owner and Vice President of Cumberland Diamond Exchange - "Jeweler of the Year", and Mark Jacobson, Founder and Owner of Cumberland Diamond Exchange, Bill Newnam, President 24K Club
Media Contact:
Melissa Jacobson, Marketing Manager
Email: melissa@cumberlanddiamond.com
Note: photos available upon request
About Cumberland Diamond Exchange:
Cumberland Diamond Exchange (CDE) is a full-service, fine jewelry retailer specializing in loose diamonds, engagement/bridal, estate jewelry, pearls, colored gemstones, custom design, watches, repairs and appraisals.
CDE is a first generation, family owned jewelry store; which has been ranked in the top 5% of independent, specialty jewelers in the US. Our most important asset is our reputation and our customers are the focus of our genuine care. We are conveniently located right outside Atlanta and Vinings in Smyrna Georgia, near Cumberland Mall and the new Braves stadium.
CDE opened in 1982 as a loose diamond and engagement ring specialist, in a rented showroom with two employees. With each new lease (all within the same shopping center), the storefront, staff and inventory grew. A staple of Cobb County, CDE purchased its current building in 1999. In 2014, this location went under a renovation and expanded to over 4800 square feet. The showroom exemplifies Southern hospitality, where the warmth of welcome and sparkle of exceptional value have created a network of over 50,000 clients and friends.