Events & AwardsAug 19, 2021
JVC’s Annual Luncheon Will Be In-Person Again in JanuaryEvents & AwardsSep 14, 2021
And the Winner of the 2022 Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement Is …
A longtime De Beers executive will receive the honor at the next Gem Awards, scheduled to take place in person in January 2022.
De Beers Executive Vice President Stephen Lussier will receive the Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement at the 2022 gala, scheduled to take place in January. Lussier, who started working at De Beers in 1985, has been integral in marketing diamonds to consumers over the past four decades.
New York—A De Beers executive described as being “at the heart of” diamond marketing for four decades will receive the 2022 Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement.
Stephen Lussier, chairman of De Beers Jewellers and De Beers Forevermark and executive vice president of Brands & Consumer Markets for De Beers Group, will receive the award at the 20th annual Gem Awards, set to take place in January 2022.
Lussier has been with De Beers since 1985.
Ten years after joining the company, he was appointed a director of the Diamond Trading Co. (or DTC, the name once used for De Beers’ sales and marketing arm) and in 2002 joined the DTC Executive Committee.
In 2005, Lussier was appointed to De Beers Group’s executive committee with responsibility for overseeing external and corporate affairs.
Four years later, he became CEO of Forevermark and executive vice president of marketing for De Beers Group.
In 2019, Lussier stepped back from day-to-day operations of Forevermark to focus on his role as executive vice president of Brands & Consumer Markets, a role in which he helps to shape De Beers’ strategy at the consumer level.
He also serves as chairman of the Natural Diamond Council and is a Responsible Jewellery Council board director.
“For over 40 years, Stephen Lussier has been at the heart of De Beers and diamond marketing worldwide,” Jewelers of America said in a press release. “His achievements and accolades exemplify the defining characteristics of a Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement recipient.”
After taking place virtually in 2021, the Gem Awards are slated to return in person on Friday, Jan. 14, 2022 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York.
Now marking its 20th year, the Gem Awards gala celebrates individuals or companies that raise the visibility of fine jewelry or watches through their work, as Lussier has done for decades in marketing diamonds.
“Stephen has done so much for the diamond business and, in turn, for the jewelry industry as a whole,” JA President and CEO David Bonaparte said. “We look forward to bringing the industry together in total celebration this January as we honor Stephen.”
In addition to the Lifetime Achievement award, JA will be announcing other Gem Awards categories and nominees in the coming weeks.
For more information, to purchase tickets, or to show support for Lussier via a sponsorship, visit the Gem Awards website.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
