It’s been a scorching summer in New York, and the week of this year’s summer JA Show was perhaps the hottest of all. Despite the heat (Dan Kisch and I were stuck on 10th Avenue in search of a cab in one lovely 120-degree moment), it was an exciting week.

The highlight for me was watching our very own Hedda Schupak get inducted into the Women’s Jewelry Association Hall of Fame on Sunday night. Hedda gave a speech that was warm, funny, and smart (like Hedda!).

I had the honor of introducing Hedda that night. For those of you not there, it was a great opportunity to recognize Hedda as someone who is talented, successful, and ultimately a very real, down-to-earth person. It’s my delight to work with her.

Congratulations, too, to Matt Stuller, who was honored with the American Gem Society’s 2006 Lifetime Achievement Award during the AGS Circle of Distinction Dinner. Matt also gave a speech that was heartfelt, emotional, and inspirational. With all of his success, Matt clearly has a balance of family, charity, friends, and business that makes for a fulfilling life.

I’m writing from São Paulo, Brazil (I’ve never been so happy to see winter), enjoying the August Feninjer show. The Brazilian people are among the warmest on Earth, and their jewelry is amazing. Many thanks to Edmundo Calhau of the IBGM and all our friends in the jewelry community here for their continued warm welcome.

This month has also been dominated by the Israel- Lebanon conflict, and having just attended the World Diamond Conference in Tel Aviv, I’m particularly concerned for our many friends there. Politics and history aside, our friends are living with the reality of war, and our thoughts are with them.