(SMYRNA, Ga.) – Mark and Rhonda Jacobson, owners of Smyrna, GA-based Cumberland Diamond Exchange, were presented with the prestigious 24 Karat Club Southeastern United States (SEUS) Jeweler of the Year Award. The couple was honored at the 24K Club’s 42nd annual black-tie banquet at the elegant Atlanta Country Club on August 6. Each year, 24 Karat Club SEUS selects one store from a number of highly qualified nominees. Cumberland Diamond Exchange was chosen for their dedication to and love of the jewelry industry, and commitment to civic duties above and beyond their service as a retail jewelry store.
Michael E. Fallaize, past president of 24 Karat Club SEUS and owner of Fallaize Insurance Agency introduced Mark and Rhonda Jacobson and presented the couple with the 2016 Jeweler of the Year Award.
Fallaize recognized the Jacobson’s for their contributions to the jewelry industry, their community and numerous non-profits. “Our Jeweler of the Year for 2016 is a family who enhances the jewelry buying experience for anyone entering their store,” he said in his introduction. “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 Jewelers of the Year for 2016, Mark and Rhonda Jacobson.”
Cumberland Diamond Exchange’s (CDE) involvement in their community and partnerships with non-profits are exemplary. The mission statement of CDE states: “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”. For example, CDE’s “Cufflinks + Charms 4 Charity” program makes custom-designed jewelry for resale and recognition with proceeds benefiting the corresponding charity.
In addition to their charitable outreach, Mark and Rhonda are deeply involved in their 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.
In his acceptance speech Mark Jacobson stated: “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.”
“Serving the community where we live, work and play is a privilege,” said Rhonda in her acceptance. “Receiving an honor of this magnitude is humbling for which we’re incredibly thankful. We feel it’s our responsibility to bless others when we have been blessed.”
First generation, family owned 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. CDE purchased its current building in 1999. In 2014, the location went under a renovation and expanded to over 4800 square feet. Their beautiful showroom exemplifies Southern hospitality, where the warmth of welcome and sparkle of exceptional value have created a thriving business.
