There are awards ceremonies, and then there are moments that define an industry.
The 2026 Awards of Excellence, hosted by Canadian Jeweller Magazine at the Grand Soirée Affair Gala inside Chambers Lounge in Toronto, became exactly that — a celebration of craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, family legacy and the future of Canadian jewellery itself.
Presented with the support of EDOX Watch Canada, Dioro Jewellery and Nova Diamond, the evening brought together the manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, designers, watch specialists and next-generation leaders shaping one of Canada’s most important luxury industries.
Originally launched in the mid-1970s, the Awards of Excellence have evolved into one of the country’s longest-standing jewellery honours — recognizing not only business success, but the people and companies helping preserve and evolve the culture of Canadian jewellery.
This year’s winners reflected both heritage and evolution.
Myerson’s Ltd., founded in 1883, earned Manufacturer of the Year for more than a century of craftsmanship and manufacturing excellence.
Dioro Jewellery captured Wholesaler of the Year, recognized for becoming a true strategic partner to independent jewellers across Canada.
Danny Sapir of Westrock Diamonds Inc. earned Entrepreneur of the Year for redefining modern luxury positioning for a younger generation of consumers.
Diamond by Sako captured Best Diamond Jewellery, while Leonardo Cameron of STG Diamonds earned Best Jewellery Designer for work blending craftsmanship with contemporary artistic identity.
The evening also highlighted categories reshaping the future of retail.
West Gold & Diamonds, led by Hijran Ali Boyaci, earned Best Hip Hop Jewellery as hip-hop culture continues becoming one of the most commercially influential movements in luxury jewellery worldwide.
Meanwhile, Ethos Steel by PAJ Canada Inc. captured Best Men’s Jewellery as the global men’s jewellery market continues surging toward an estimated USD $75.9 billion industry.
Perhaps the most emotional category of the night was Best Young Jeweller, awarded to Victor Commisso of Sabatini Jewellery.
Because without the next generation, there is no future.
The category became a powerful reminder that young jewellers are not abandoning the industry — they are modernizing it, evolving it and carrying its legacy forward.
Equally powerful was Keeper of the Craft, awarded to Knar Jewellery, honouring the businesses and families whose decades of commitment created the strong foundation Canadian jewellery continues standing upon today.
And finally, the evening’s highest honour — Grand Master 2026 — was awarded to Sako Krikorian of Diamond by Sako, recognizing a lifetime of contribution, mentorship and leadership inside Canadian jewellery.
But the Awards of Excellence are no longer simply about winning.
They are becoming the living archive of Canadian jewellery itself — preserving the stories, businesses and individuals shaping the future of luxury in Canada.
And after nearly five decades since the competition first began, the message from the 2026 gala was unmistakable:
Canadian jewellery is not standing still.
It is evolving, expanding and preparing for its next generation.
