Jewelers of America Unveils GEM Award Nominees

RAPAPORT… Jewelers of America (JA) has revealed the nominees for its 20th annual GEM Awards.

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 Tuesday. Winners in Jewelry Design, Media Excellence and Retail Excellence will be announced during a ceremony on January 14 in New York.

The gala returns to a live format, following last year’s event, which took place virtually to ensure the safety of attendees amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

JA will also honor Stephen Lussier, chairman of De Beers Jewellers and De Beers Forevermark, with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

The nominees in full are:

Jewelry Design:

Lauren Harwell Godfrey, owner of Harwell Godfrey

Brent Neale Winston, owner of Brent Neale

Beth Bugdaycay, owner of Foundrae

Media Excellence:

Annabel Davidson, editor of Vanity Fair on Jewellery, jewelry expert for Telegraph Luxury and regular contributor to Vogue.co.uk.

Melanie Grant, author of Coveted: Art and Innovation in High Jewelry and luxury editor of 1843 magazine, The Economist’s lifestyle publication.

Daisy Shaw-Ellis, Vanity Fair accessories director and Vogue jewelry director.

Retail Excellence:

Marisa Collections

MUSE

Saks Fifth Avenue

Image: The nominees for jewelry design (left to right): Lauren Harwell Godfrey, Brent Neale Winston and Beth Bugdaycay. (Jewelers of America)