New award recognizes excellence in antiques industry

New York--The organization that launched a program to draw talented youths into the antique jewelry world now has added an award to its offerings. 

U.S. Antique Shows, which introduced the Antiques Young Guns U.S.A. program this past spring, announced it will hand out the inaugural Antiques Young Gun of the Year Award during the Pier Antique Show in November. 

The award “celebrates the hard work, dedication and excellence displayed through a young gun’s work in the antiques industry,” and will be given to an individual who stands out in career development, social media, key contributions and their vision for the antiques industry.

“The goal of the Antiques Young Gun of the Year Award is to highlight the best and brightest young people working in the antiques trade today,” said Dan Darby, general manager of U.S. Antiques Shows. “Through this award, we look forward to developing influential leaders who will establish the future of our industry as well as guide others to their career success.”

Announced last April, the Antiques Young Guns U.S.A. program was founded with the intention to draw young talent into the antique jewelry industry. It is an extension of the same program originally founded in the United Kingdom in 2011. 

It gives people ages 39 and younger who are interested in working in antiques of any kind access to mentorship, exposure through the online Antique Young Gun marketplace, buying and selling events throughout the year and recognition in various publications, as well as the chance to connect with antique dealers in the U.S. and overseas. 

A panel of industry professionals will select the winner of the Young Gun of the Year Award, who will receive a prize package valued at $10,000, which includes complimentary booth space at U.S. Antique Show events and free educational opportunities. 

All award applications must be members of Antiques Young Guns U.S.A. and currently reside in the U.S. or Canada to be considered. The winner will be named during the Pier Antique Show on Nov. 14 at 9 a.m., and two runners-up also will be recognized. Details and the registration form, can be found on the Young Guns website.