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
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. ExpansionSimon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99 A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessThe risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to NoncomplianceThe company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.
Weekly QuizApr 18, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to NonprofitThe organization also announced its board of directors.
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So CharmingCharms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in ItalyLocated in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to AuctionA platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen BrownThe basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine JewelryThe Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry CollectionThe 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of MouthLilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth OfficerGCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow IndependentThe Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 YearsVan Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise StrategyIndustry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host ConventionThe two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ PendantThe Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated StoreThe jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day CampaignThe “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.
CollectionsApr 17, 2025
John Hardy, Athena Calderone Partner on Art Deco Decor-Inspired CollectionInterior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.
FinancialsApr 17, 2025
Movado Group to Increase Prices to Offset Tariffs ImpactDuring a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
Lab-GrownApr 17, 2025
NDC Launches Its Diamond Learning CenterThe free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2025
Jewelers of America Requests Tariffs Testimonials from MembersThe feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.
