Allen Kessler, founder of Kessler Jewelers in Burbank, Calif., has been selected as the 2008 recipient of the Robert B. Westover Distinguished Service Award by the California Jewelers Association. CJA celebrated its 75th anniversary and presented the award at its Black & Diamond Gala Dinner Aug. 17 during the West Coast Jewelry Show.

Kessler learned the business from his father, who founded the first Kessler Jewelers in Hollydale, Calif., and worked for Kay Jewelers until he opened his own store in Burbank in 1967. Kessler served as president of CJA from 1993 to ’94 and has held the post of CJA treasurer since ’97. He also served as chairman of the 1993 Western Jewelers Conference and president of the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California from 1992 to ’93.