Jim Hartstein, of Jewels by Joseph, Newport Beach, Calif., has been selected as the 2006 recipient of the Robert B. Westover Distinguished Service Award by the California Jewelers Association.

The award, presented for outstanding service and contributions to the jewelry industry in general and to CJA in particular, is named in honor of CJA’s longtime executive vice president, Robert B. Westover.

Hartstein received the award during a reception Aug. 20 at the Anaheim Marriott Hotel, held in conjunction with the West Coast Jewelry Show, which took place Aug. 20–21.

Hartstein served as president of CJA in 2004 and part of 2005, following in the footsteps of his father, Joseph Hartstein, as head of the statewide jewelry organization.

Hartstein joined the family business in 1971 and has been active in numerous jewelry organizations, including the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California, where he served as president. He holds the title of Certified Gemologist of the American Gem Society. Hartstein is also active in several community organizations in Orange County.

He and his wife, Laurie, have two children, a daughter, Claire, who is working in the business and will attend GIA in January, and a son, Tom, who is enrolled at Irvine Valley College.