California Jewelers Association Elects James Orloff As President

Feb. 9, 2011 - PRLog -- LOS ANGELES — (February 7, 2011) — James Orloff of Orloff Jewelers in Fresno, has been elected President of the California Jewelers Association (CJA) for 2011, succeeding Stuart Benjamin of Stuart Benjamin & Co. Jewelry Designs in San Diego, as the head of the organization which serves retail jewelers, suppliers and designers throughout the state.

Other officers elected for 2011 include David Hayman, of David Hayman Jewellers, Yorba Linda, President-Elect; Brenda Newman, of The Jewelry Source, El Segundo, First Vice President; Sarah Ashoori, of Ashoori & Co. Jewelers, Visalia, Second Vice President; and Robert Marks, of Rogers Jewelry Co., Modesto, Treasurer.
   
“We are pleased to announce that James Orloff of Orloff Jewelers in Fresno has been elected as President of the California Jewelers Association in 2011.  Orloff Jewelers is one of the Central Valley’s oldest family-owned businesses, and James is recognized throughout the United States as one of the most experienced jewelry appraisers,” said CJA Executive Director & CEO Rossana Aguilar.

James began his training at the age of five, under his father, Paul “Prince” Orloff at Prince Orloff Crown Jewelers, taking apart watches and polishing jewelry. When he was only eight years old, Orloff was grading diamonds; and, by age 15, Orloff had passed the Gemological Institute of America’s diamond grading test!

While attending school in Southern California, Orloff managed Cartier Jewelers in Costa Mesa and was later employed by Neiman Marcus Fine Jewelry in Beverly Hills. He earned his Graduate Gemologist designation from the Gemological Institute of America in 1970; and returned to Fresno in 1980 to join his father at Prince Orloff Crown Jewelers. By 1985, Orloff was a senior member of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers, and in 2005, he received his Certified Gemologist title from The American Gem Society.
                                                                   
Today, James and Mary Ann Orloff meet the challenges of the economy with integrity, quality and customer service, as their family has for over 50 years. Orloff Jewlers is also committed to giving back to the community, donating thousands of dollars to local nonprofits, hosting fundraising events at their store and providing jewelry as auction items.  They currently support numerous charities including: Children’s Hospital of Central California, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, Girl Scouts of America, and others.

“I’m thrilled to assume my new post and am most excited about CJA’s new consumer-based website, the CaratDiet.com, that features the best of celebrities and their red-carpet jewelry styles and trends, a diamond-buying guide and, best of all for CJA members, a store locator,” said Orloff.  “The association needed to find a way to stimulate business in California, and CJA’s cool new initiative was designed to educate consumers and to help them with their jewelry buying needs.”    

Founded in 1933, the California Jewelers Association (CJA) represents the interests of jewelry professionals and is the largest state association of retail jewelers, suppliers and designers in the United States.  The California Jewelers Association advocates high ethical standards and aims to provide valuable resources for members and consumers.  In October 2010, CJA introduced their new consumer website: www.theCaratDiet.com
and re-launched their trade website: www.CaliforniaJewelers.org.

For more information on the California Jewelers Association or the Carat Diet call (213) 623-5722 or visit www.CaliforniaJewelers.org or www.theCaratDiet.com.

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Founded in 1933, the California Jewelers Association (CJA) represents the interests of jewelry professionals and is the largest state association of retail jewelers, suppliers and designers in the United States.