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Los Angeles and Newport Beach, CA—Erica Courtney of Erica Courtney, Inc., Los Angeles, and Lula Halfacre (left) of Traditional Jewelers, Newport Beach, CA, will be honored this fall by the 24 Karat Club of Southern California. Both women will receive the Club’s annual Excellence in Service Award.

The award has been presented annually to deserving jewelers since 1998. This year’s presentation will be made at the Club’s annual dinner dance, Saturday, October 22, 2011 at the Montage Resort in Beverly Hills, CA.

“We are thrilled to honor both Erica Courtney and Lula Halfacre with our 'Excellence in Service Award' for their exceptional leadership and contributions to the fine jewelry industry," said Steve Weiss, president of the 24 Karat Club. “Erica and Lula have the qualities of being exceptional leaders. Having worked with them on the 24 Karat Board, they are also extraordinary people.”

Erica Courtney, founded in 1984, has built one of the most recognized and successful fine jewelry brands in the industry. Inspired by the history and glamour of Hollywood, the designer strives to “create jewelry that is treasured and remembered.” Her jewelry is a favorite on the red carpet and in the media, having been worn by such celebrities as Madonna, Julia Roberts, Johnny Depp, and many more. Her jewelry also has been featured in Vogue, InStyle, People, andThe New York Times. She also has won numerous awards from the industry, including the Women’s Jewelry Association, AGTA’s Spectrum Award, and United Brand and Town & Country.

Designer Erica Courtney

Lula Halfacre is the CEO/CFO of Traditional Jewelers, located in Fashion Island in Newport Beach, and Cross Creek Road in Malibu, California.  Lula and her late husband, Marion Halfacre, opened their first store in 1975 in Mississippi and moved to Newport Beach four years later.  This move allowed Traditional Jewelers to grow into one of the top independent fine jewelers of the Unites States. In 1991, they relocated to the prestigious Fashion Island center, where their store remains today.

When founder Marion Halfacre sadly passed away in 2007, Lula appointed five family members to continue the expansion of the company. Since that time, the family has successfully maintained the traditions, service, quality, and integrity that have become synonymous with Traditional Jewelers, and in 2008, the firm opened a second location in Malibu’s premier retail center, Country Mart Plaza. 

That same year, Lula Halfacre was named “Citizen of the Year for Newport Beach.” Today, Traditional Jewelers continues to give back to the community with donations to more than 100 charities per year, and continues its involvement with the Newport Beach and Orange County communities.

For tickets and sponsorship information, please contact info@jewelers24karatclub.com or call (310) 741-3646.