Events & Awards

Meet the 2022 Gem Award Nominees

Events & AwardsOct 26, 2021

Meet the 2022 Gem Award Nominees

They’re nominated in the jewelry design, media excellence, and retail excellence categories.

20211026_GemAwards1.jpg
The jewelry design nominees for the 2022 Gem Awards (from left to right): Lauren Harwell Godfrey of Harwell Godfrey, Brent Neale Winston of Brent Neale, and Beth Bugdaycay of Foundrae.
New York—The nominees for the 2022 Gem Awards have been announced.

The Gem Awards honor individuals, stores, and brands that raise the visibility of fine jewelry and watches.

Nine individuals and brands are nominated in three categories, as selected by a panel of judges. Winners will be announced live at the awards ceremony in January.

The jewelry design nominees are: Lauren Harwell Godfrey of Harwell Godfrey, Brent Neale Winston of Brent Neale, and Beth Bugdaycay of Foundrae.

Harwell Godfrey references ancient textiles and patterns of the African Diaspora, interpreting them in 18-karat gold and gemstones, including bold inlay and ethically sourced diamonds.

California-based designer Lauren Harwell Godfrey designs every piece with healing energy in mind. Her work alludes to block printing and weaving, bringing historical influence into modern pieces.

Harwell Godfrey has a philanthropic ethos. Its “Charity Hearts” series, launched in the early days of the pandemic, donates 100 percent of proceeds to nonprofit organizations important to the designer. 

Brent Neale has created a distinctive brand of playful luxury.

Designer Brent Neale Winston is proud to produce entirely in New York City, relying on her team of local gem dealers, cutters, and bench jewelers to collaborate on her pieces.

A rainbow of colors courtesy of unique gemstones complements Brent Neale’s signature chunky, bold gold aesthetic. Winston’s collection is a garden right out of a fairy tale, made of mushrooms, rainbows, and flowers that awaken one’s inner child.

Foundrae’s work is rooted in the timeless power of symbolism.

Co-founded by husband-and-wife team, Murat and Beth Bugdaycay, the brand distills life’s purest values—like harmony, wholeness, and true love—into heirloom-worthy keepsakes designed by Beth.

The personal nature of Foundrae’s motifs speaks to the universality of jewelry as totems to be carried through a lifetime.

Beth Bugdaycay also was nominated for the 2019 “Emerging Designer of the Year” by the CFDA and the Gem Award for Retail Excellence for the Foundrae store in 2020.

In the Media Excellence category, the nominees are: Annabel Davidson, Melanie Grant, and Daisy Shaw-Ellis.

20211026_GemAwards2.jpg
The nominees in the Media Excellence category (from left to right): Annabel Davidson, Melanie Grant, and Daisy Shaw-Ellis.

Annabel Davidson is editor of Vanity Far on Jewellery, a special issue of Vanity Fair produced annually in the United Kingdom.

She is also the jewelry expert for Telegraph Luxury and a contributor for Vogue.co.uk. She has also contributed to British Vogue, Robb Report, and The New York Times.

Davidson is one of the founders of the Jewellery Futures Fund, a nonprofit addressing racial inequality in jewelry. She is also a jewelry partner for the Fashion Minority Alliance, in which she mentors designers from minority backgrounds.

Melanie Grant is the luxury editor at The Economist’s 1843 Magazine.

A journalist with more than two decades of experience, Grant produced a book on jewelry as art, “Coveted: Art and Innovation in High Jewelry,” in 2020.

A guest lecturer at several leading institutions, she recently curated the Sotheby’s exhibition “Brilliant & Black: A Jewelry Renaissance.”

Daisy-Shaw Ellis is Vanity Fair’s accessories director and Vogue’s jewelry director.

Constantly embedded in the jewelry market, she presents the best and brightest talents in collaboration with world-renowned stylists, photographers, and celebrity talent.

Shaw-Ellis writes for Vanity Fair’s print edition and contributes digital features to both publications. She is also an annual contributor to Vanity Fair UK’s On Jewellery supplement.

The nominees in the Retail Excellence category are: Marissa Collections, Muse, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Marissa Collections opened in 1975 with a simple storefront with clothing, jewelry, and accessories that Marissa would personally select and style for individual clients.

The personal attention to each customer remains today, though the store has expanded its Naples, Florida location to a 10,000-square-foot space that is the jewel of the Gulf of Mexico.

Next up for the retailer is a second location planned in Palm Beach.

Muse has become a multi-faceted fine jewelry entity since originally launching as a sales showroom in 1999.

Founded by Jennifer Shanker, Muse currently operates an e-commerce site and New York City storefront that often doubles as an event space.

The company’s charitable initiative, Have a Heart, brings together some of the world’s greatest jewelry talents to benefit myriad causes.

Founded in 1924, Saks Fifth Avenue is a premiere destination for all things luxury.

Today’s customer interacts with Saks via a digital experience, as well as in-store at one of its 41 locations across North America.

In 2019, Saks created a world-class fine jewelry and watches destination with “The Vault” in New York City.

As previously announced, Stephen Lussier of De Beers will receive the Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement.

The ceremony taking place on Jan. 14 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City will mark the event’s 20th anniversary.

Proceeds help fund programs that aid Jewelers of America’s mission to increase consumer confidence in jewelry and watches.

For sponsorship and advertising opportunities, visit the JA website.

 Related stories will be right here …

The Latest

Gemist
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech Platform

The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.

Jeff Preolo, David Stout, Levi Higgs, David Benavides
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, Promotions

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

Buddha Mama Monstera Ring
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap Ring

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Cashier handing Rocksbox bag to customer
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers Downsizes

Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.

Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Penny Ruston
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

Stock image of woman shopping
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.

Jewelers of America logo with meetup, State of the Majors, giveaway and massages
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

Sorellina Playlist: Electric Dreams Campaign
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired Jewels

The “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.

Exterior of Marissa Collections’ new store in Nantucket, Massachusetts
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight Continues

The Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.

Counterfeit Cartier “Juste Un Clou” bracelet
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef Jewelry

Agents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.

Karine Choudhrie Big Splash Circus Starfish and Lantern Fish
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus Performers

The designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.

Jewelers of America
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund Recipients

The trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.

John Dyer Montana Sun Sapphire
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for Entries

The organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.

Khepri Jewels Luna collection fancy color fringe multi-shape drop diamond earrings
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.

Lori Tucker
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local Retailer

Lori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.

“Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch for the new The Fantastic Four movie
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super

The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.

XO Tacori diamond ring
MajorsJun 24, 2025
Tacori, QVC to Launch Exclusive Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry Collection

The “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.

Pritesh Patel
GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO

Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.

Graphic for Las Vegas recap episode of “My Next Question”
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.

Luanda Accord
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural Diamonds

Signatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.

Penny Preville, Maggie Hess, Stella Song, and Benjamin King
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry Designers

The winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.

24th Gem Awards Show Logo
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

Single Stone Bryn Ring and Grace Lee Marquise Demi Demi Ring
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Dua Lipa Stays On-Trend With Chunky Engagement Ring

The singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.

Yvonne Léon Python Gold Bracelet
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yvonne Léon’s ‘Python Gold’ Bracelet

The bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.

Stock image of handcuffs
CrimeJun 18, 2025
7 Men Indicted in $100M Brinks Jewelry Heist

The heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.

Marie-Thérèse Pink diamond and Blue Belle sapphire necklace
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
Historic ‘Marie-Thérèse Pink’ Diamond Fetches $14M at Christie’s

The 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week. 

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy