Unbelievable that as I write this, we’re officially in the second half of the second decade of the 21st century. Wow. It’s going to be an amazing, exciting year, from the presidential election on down. Fasten your seat belts, everyone! The year kicked off in high style around this year’s 24 Karat Club of the City of New York annual banquet—or “24 Karat weekend,” as most people refer to it. My weekend was made extra special by my participation in the meetings of two boards I’ve been asked to join, the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) and the Jewelers’ Security Alliance (JSA). First, the parties: Friday night featured Jewelers of America’s annual Gem Awards, considered to be the Academy Awards of the fine jewelry industry. It’s always a glamorous evening, and it’s the night when the trade and consumer sides of our business mingle. (Congratulations to director