Jewelers of America Unveils GEM Award Nominees

Jewelers of America (JA) has announced the nominees for the 2025 GEM Awards, as well as its choice for a Lifetime Achievement Award.

JA will hand out the awards — which honor individuals and brands whose work raises the visibility and status of fine jewelry and watches — in three categories, it said Wednesday. It will announce the winners in Jewelry Design, Media Excellence and Retail Innovation during a ceremony on March 14 in New York.

Additionally, JA will present Lux Bond & Green CEO John A. Green with the award for Lifetime Achievement.

The nominees in full are:

Jewelry Design:  

• Sophie Bille Brahe 

• Beth Hutchens of FoundRae 

• Selim Mouzannar 

Media Excellence: 

• Sam Broekema, editor in chief at Only Natural Diamonds, former fashion editor at Vanity Fair, former executive accessories editor at Harper’s Bazaar, and former market and accessories director at InStyle.  

• Paige Reddinger, former Forbes writer and current watch and jewelry editor at Robb Report.  

• Trace Shelton, editor in chief at Instore and former editor in chief at InDesign, InStyle’s sister publication.

Retail Innovation: 

• Bernard James

• CD Peacock Mansion 

• Reinhold Jewelers

Images: Clockwise from left: Beth Hutchens, Sam Broekema, Paige Reddinger, Trace Shelton, Sophie Bille Brahe, Selim Mouzannar. (Jewelers of America)