Los Angeles–based A&Z Pearls is shutting down next year with the retirement of founder and owner Avi Raz.
“None of us lives forever,” Raz tells JCK. “I’d like to retire and devote time to some of the interests I have.”
He is particularly looking to travel and devote more time to volunteer work.
An engineer, Raz has served on the board of several trade organizations, including the American Gem Trade Association, Jewelers Board of Trade, and the JCK Las Vegas advisory board. In October, he was honored by the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California’s excellence in service award.
“I have no complaints,” he says. “I met a lot of wonderful people through this business. That is one of the beauties of this business. I cherish all the friends I’ve met.”
Raz plans to sell his remaining inventory, exhibit at the major 2018 shows, and then close down at the end of the year.
He founded A&Z Pearls in 1981.
(Photos courtesy of A&Z Pearls)
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