Jewelers of America Reveals 2024 Gem Award Winners

Jewelers of America (JA) presented accolades to Gemological Institute of America (GIA) CEO Susan Jacques, actress and singer Cynthia Erivo, and Tiffany & Co at the 22nd annual Gem Awards last week in New York.

Jacques, who has led GIA for 10 years and spent the prior 20 as CEO of jewelry retailer Borsheims in Omaha, Nebraska, received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

“I have been truly blessed to have had two dream jobs — at Borsheims and now at GIA — in an industry that I am passionate about…this is truly a dream come true,” Jacques told guests during the March 8 event at Cipriani 42nd Street.

Taking home the Jewelry Style Award was Erivo, who has won Emmy, Grammy and Tony awards and is a two-time Oscar nominee, JA said Sunday. Meanwhile, Tiffany received a Special Recognition honor for the renovation of its flagship store in New York, now known as The Landmark.

JA revealed the winners in the remaining categories live during the black-tie gala.

New York-based jewelry designer Marla Aaron won the Gem Award for Jewelry Design. The other nominees were Marie Lichtenberg and Jean Prounis.

The prize for Media Excellence went to freelance writer and editor Tanya Dukes. Also nominated were British Vogue luxury editor Milena Lazazzera Martins Alexandre and Elle’s fashion and accessories market director, Alexis Wolfe.

Ben Bridge Jeweler picked up the Gem Award for Retail Excellence. Lisa Bridge, president & CEO of the luxury retail chain, accepted the tribute. Irene Neuwirth, who founded the eponymous independent fine-jewelry brand, and Ylang23, a jewelry retailer owned by Joanne and Charles Teichman and their daughter Alysa, were also nominated in that category.

Main image: Cynthia Erivo. (Rupert Ramsey BFA.com)