OUR HISTORY
The CLUB’s Story
The Twenty Four Karat Club of the City of New York's origins can be traced back to a banquet held in 1900. At the banquet, a group of jewelry manufacturers gathered to celebrate the victory of the presidential team of William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt. The jewelers enjoyed themselves so much that they decided to create a social club and make the banquet an annual affair at the beginning of each year, after the busy holiday season concluded.
Enduring Tradition
The Club Thrives Through Timeless Values
The jewelers had lobbied hard for the McKinley-Roosevelt ticket because they favored keeping America on the gold standard, which in 1900 set gold at $20.67 per troy ounce. Today, jewelers grapple with gold prices that would make their ancestors weak at the knees.
But the Twenty Four Karat Club goes on. What gives it such longevity? Perhaps, like gold jewelry found in ancient tombs, the Club endures because its members' products endure. Or maybe its traditions have served it well. Changes in the Club's customs occur rarely, with great deliberation. Its leadership ensures that when change takes place, the past is respected while serving members' needs.
Club Celebrations
Gathering Around the Table Since 1902
From its earliest days, the Twenty Four Karat Club has understood that something special happens when people gather around a table. Meals are not merely meals—they are ceremonies of camaraderie, where stories are told, deals are toasted, and generations of jewelers come together to share more than just fine food.
Traditions & Legacy
A Boisterous Beginning
The Club's legendary annual Beefsteak Dinner, first held in 1908 at a boisterous Manhattan hotspot called Reisenwebers, has become an enduring springtime ritual—equal parts tradition and celebration. From the grandeur of the original Delmonico's to the refined splendor of the Waldorf Astoria, the Club has always chosen its venues with care, ensuring they reflected both the prestige of the event and the stature of those attending.
Tradition Meets Celebration
The Beefsteak Dinner continues as an enduring springtime ritual—equal parts tradition and celebration. While the venues have evolved over the decades, the spirit remains unchanged. This legendary gathering brings together generations of jewelers in celebration of their craft and community. The deeper purpose of the meal remains constant: to nourish the bonds that tie a distinguished community together through fine food, good company, and shared tradition.
A Storied Gathering
The Club’s Annual Banquet is among the longest-running gatherings in the fine jewelry industry. Since 1913, the Waldorf Astoria in New York City has served as the principal setting for this important evening, helping to shape a tradition that has endured for more than a century. More than simply a venue, the Waldorf has long reflected the sense of continuity, elegance, and shared history that define The 24 Karat Club.
Temples of Fine Dining
What started with iconic establishments like Le Cirque and Le Bernardin has now evolved to include modern hotspots like the Pool at the former Four Seasons. These temples of fine dining have returned the Club to its glory days of culinary splendor. While menus and venues may change, the deeper purpose of the meal remains: to nourish the bonds that tie a distinguished community together.
Sharing Club Camaraderie
Another notable club gathering is the annual summer outing. This tradition first started as the "shore dinner" and took place September 5, 1902, at Supper's Hotel in Bath Beach, Brooklyn. By 1908, the outing had moved to New Jersey, to the Port-au-Peck Hotel in Long Branch. The summer outing has evolved regularly over the years and is now hosted at the Refinery Hotel Rooftop in midtown Manhattan. This outing is the ideal opportunity for members to share the camaraderie of the Club with family, guests, and potential Club Members.
Writing Our Next Chapter
The Twenty Four Karat Club of the City of New York is preserved not just through the Club's annual gatherings but through the stories and records lovingly maintained by members, historians, and leaders who understand the importance of passing on this heritage. For generations, the Club has celebrated excellence, camaraderie, and shared values. As we look to the future, we welcome the next generation to uphold these values and help shape our next chapter.