2005 GIA League of Honor Dinner
Record Number of Donors Inducted into GIA League of Honor
It was a veritable who’s who of industry philanthropists, as a record number of companies –16 in all – were honored at the annual League of Honor dinner for their support of GIA’s ongoing nonprofit mission to ensure the public trust in gems and jewelry. The event, which marked the 10th anniversary of the dinner, was held at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York City Sept. 19. More than 750 industry leaders from across the globe attended to congratulate and show their respect for the honorees.
“As I stand before you tonight, I am overwhelmed and gratified by the familiar faces I see across this crowded ballroom,” said William E. Boyajian, president of GIA. “We recognize that the decision to make a large financial donation is not done casually or spontaneously. It is the result of a lot of hard work and is a testament to each donor’s personal achievement.”
In addition to the recognition before their peers, those honored were formally inducted into the GIA League of Honor and received a handcrafted 18K yellow gold and sterling silver medallion. There are 82 League of Honor members who have given $100,000 or more, and 13 Million Dollar Roundtable members who have given $1 million or more, to support GIA’s nonprofit mission.
“Because of you, we have been able to pursue our critical research and education programs and grow our important Endowment Fund,” Boyajian said as he addressed the audience, which included many longtime League of Honor members. “This will ensure GIA is able to pursue its vital mission of service to the individual, the industry, and consumers around the globe.”
Edward Asscher, general managing director of Royal Asscher Diamond Company, Ltd. and Stanislas de Quercize, president and CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels International, were the event’s co–chairs.
Million Dollar Roundtable
Dimexon Eurostar – Pankaj K. Mehta and Kaushik K. Mehta
The Steinmetz Group – Daniel Steinmetz and Beny Steinmetz
League of Honor
ColorMasters Precious Jewelry – Joseph Mardkha and David Mardkha
Fancy Collection – Avi Nathanel
Hasenfeld-Stein, Inc. – Alexander Hasenfeld
Hirsh London – Anthony Hirsh
JCK Publishing Group – Mark Smelzer
Jewelry.com, a division of Andin International, Inc. – Ofer Azrielant
K. Girdharlal / ASPECO N.V. – Rashmi Shah and Nitin Shah
Mikimoto (America) Co., Ltd. – Mitsuhiro Mitsui
S.H. Silver Company, Inc. – Stephen H. Silver
Shrenuj & Company Limited – Kirtilal Doshi and Shreyas Doshi
Supergems – Rajesh V. Mehta
The William Goldberg Family – Saul Goldberg
Yahalomei Espeka International Ltd. – Philippe Zivan Süssholz
Zale Corporation – Mary L. Forté
Special thanks to the Benefactor Level sponsors of the League of Honor dinner journal:
Beaudry
Condé Nast Publications, Inc.
Cora Diamond Corporation
D. Swarovski & Co.
Fancy Collection
Hasenfeld-Stein, Inc.
Hearts On Fire
Mikimoto (America) Co., Ltd.
Movado Group, Inc.
SAFDICO USA INC
Sotheby's
Tiffany & Co.
