Jewelers of America (JA) has revealed the nominees for its 2027 GEM Awards, recognizing brands and individuals who have helped elevate the profile of fine jewelry and watches.
The organization will present the awards in three categories – Jewelry Design, Media Excellence and Retail Innovation – with the winners to be announced at a ceremony in New York on March 12, JA said Monday.
Here are the nominees.
Jewelry Design
Hiba Husayni
The Syrian architect-turned-jewelry designer is the founder of Zahn-Z, a fine-jewelry brand that combines architectural influences, craftsmanship, cultural elements and emotional expression. In 2026, she was a finalist for the David Yurman GEM Awards Grant and won the Couture Award for Best in Diamonds Below $40,000.
Vram Minassian
The founder and designer of independent jewelry brand Vram, he works with a small team to handcraft jewelry in his Los Angeles studio. His Continuum collection explores time, space and existence through sculptural designs, pavé settings and moving elements.
Francesca Villa
This designer founded her namesake brand in 2027 after working as a creative director at international houses. Her jewelry combines Italian craftsmanship with vintage finds and unconventional materials, reflecting themes of individuality, storytelling and nostalgia. Her jewels sell at boutiques and department stores worldwide.
Media Excellence
Miguel Enamorado
The accessories director of Harper’s Bazaar, he has helped shape a contemporary approach to jewelry as a form of personal expression, highlighting the work of both established houses and emerging designers. As a collector, he combines an editor’s perspective with an appreciation for jewelry as a form of everyday personal expression.
Caroline Grosso
Based in New York City, she is an editor and creative leader with nearly 20 years of experience in fashion media. Since 2022, she has served as editor in chief of L’Officiel USA and L’Officiel Hommes, overseeing content across all platforms. She previously held roles at Vanity Fair, Elle and W, among other fashion publications.
Sonia Esther Soltani
A jewelry writer and former editor in chief of Rapaport, she led an award-winning team and oversaw the monthly magazine, podcast and jewelry-focused Instagram platform. Her work has appeared in the Financial Times, Forbes and Retail Jeweller, among other publications. She also coauthored Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems (2026) and founded The Portrait Cut newsletter on Substack.
Retail Innovation
Muse @ Nordstrom
This collaboration represents a modern take on fine-jewelry retail, offering a curated shopping experience. Muse, which also has a store in New York’s West Village, brings a gallery-style approach to Nordstrom, making fine jewelry from independent designers more accessible to a wider audience.
Starboard
This Miami-based retailer offers luxury jewelry and watches across 87 ships and 14 cruise lines, reaching more than 14 million guests annually. With over 65 years in business, the company connects jewelry and watch brands with cruise passengers through personalized shopping experiences.
The 1916 Company
The 1916 Company specializes in collectible watches, fine jewelry and pre-owned handbags, operating more than 20 boutiques and collector’s lounges across the US, Switzerland and Asia. The firm combines the businesses of Govberg, WatchBox, Radcliffe and Hyde Park Jewelers, and is a majority investor in watchmaker De Bethune.
Main image, from left: Hiba Husayni, Sonia Esther Soltani and Vram Minassian. (Jewelers of America)
