TrendsMar 17, 2023
Piece of the Week: Anita Ko’s Award-Ready EarringsEvents & AwardsMar 20, 2023
Gem Awards Shine Spotlight on Design, Dedication, and Family
The industry gathered to celebrate those who elevate the jewelry and watch industries.
The 21st annual 2023 Gem Awards were held at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City last weekend, gathering nearly 600 guests to celebrate the accomplishments of the jewelry industry’s finest. (Madison McGaw/BFA.com)
New York—At its 21st annual Gem Awards, Jewelers of America celebrated the industry’s brightest stars.
Held Friday night at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York, the 2023 Gem Awards welcomed nearly 600 guests, including a few famous faces, like actors Jodi Turner-Smith and Naomi Watts.
The Gem Awards ceremony honors individuals and brands whose work has bolstered the visibility and status of fine jewelry and watches.
Turner-Smith, decked out in a sparkly black and silver sequined jumpsuit, kicked off the award ceremony, presenting the first Gem Award for High Jewelry Excellence to Gucci.
Jodi Turner-Smith (left) presented the first Gem Award for High Jewelry Excellence to Gucci’s Susan Chokachi, executive vice president, chief brand and client officer. (Madison McGaw/BFA.com)
“There is no brand, in my opinion, more deserving of this award as Gucci continues to elevate the world of high jewelry and fashion with timeless creativity,” she said.
Turner-Smith appeared in the 2019 campaign for the launch of Gucci’s first high jewelry collection, “Hortus Deliciarum,” meaning “garden of delights” in Latin. There have since been two additions to the collection.
Susan Chokachi, Gucci’s executive vice president, chief brand and client officer, accepted the award.
“The collection represents an imaginary journey through space and time, exploring various historic eras and evoking a kaleidoscopic universe where the past and the present collide,” said Chokachi.
“This vision is emblematic of the Gucci brand, one that started in Florence 102 years ago, and has gone on to build global and timeless appeal through its creative vision that celebrates our Italian heritage and incredible craftsmanship.”
Melanie Grant, the 2022 winner of the Gem Award for Media Excellence, took the stage next to pass on the honor to this year’s recipient.
The pursuit of media excellence “is a demanding and rewarding endeavor,” said Grant.
“It requires a deep knowledge of design history combined with style insight for today’s trends, only matched by a passion for industry happenings and a firm grasp on language that can articulate everything from different cuts of stones to the mechanics of chronometers.”
Michelle Graff, editor-in-chief of National Jeweler, was this year’s winner.
Melanie Grant (right) presented the Gem Award for Media Excellence to National Jeweler Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff. (Madison McGaw/BFA.com)
She has led the trade publication for a decade, overseeing its daily news content as well as two legacy print issues, The State of the Majors and the Retailer Hall of Fame.
An active member of the industry, Graff serves on the board of advisors for the Black in Jewelry Coalition and is a member of the Women’s Jewelry Association NY Metro chapter’s Mentorship Committee.
She expressed her gratitude to her first editor, Whitney Sielaff, who hired her at National Jeweler in 2013.
“He hired me even though I did not know anything about jewelry,” she said.
Graff also shouted out Jewelers of America, who acquired the publication in 2015, and her team of editors, past and present.
“They work so hard, and they’re as deserving of this recognition as I am,” she said. “When you’re an editor, you’re only as good as the people who work for you.”
2023 Gem Award for Media Excellence winner Michelle Graff (left) poses with fellow nominees Amy Elliott and Sarah Royce-Greensill. (Madison McGaw/BFA.com)
Jay Hartington of Florida jeweler Marissa Collections was next up, presenting the Gem award for Retail Excellence, which he took home last year.
This year’s award went to Greenwich St. Jewelers, accepted by second-generation co-owners and sisters, Jennifer Gandia and Christina Gandia Gambale.
The pair’s acceptance speech centered around family, giving thanks to their parents, each other, their employees, and the jewelry industry family at large.
Gambale gave a special thanks to her mother, who, with their late father, passed the 46-year-old store down to her daughters.
“Your guidance, your love, and your trust in us has been incredible,” she said through tears.
Gandia added, “Our story is like so many other stories. I want us all to remember that there are lots of people who don’t have families to pass these businesses down to, and we have to, as an industry, support all of these young people, all of these people who want to break into this fabulous, glittering, sparkling industry, and bring them up.”
The store, which recently relocated to New York’s Tribeca neighborhood, also was inducted into National Jeweler’s Retailer Hall of Fame last year.
Greenwich St. Jewelers won the 2023 Gem Award for Retail Excellence, accepted by Christina Gandia Gambale and Jennifer Gandia (fourth and fifth from the left). The other nominees were Sotheby’s and Zadok Jewelers. (Madison McGaw/BFA.com)
Jewelers of America CEO Dave Bonaparte and CFO Annie Doresca took the stage to congratulate the winners of the night and to share what JA has in the works for this year.
The trade organization, alongside the Black in Jewelry Coalition, is planning to launch the Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program, which will support diverse business owners in the jewelry industry.
It also will relaunch the Bench Jewelers certification program and the Careers in Jewelry Initiative, as well as adding new scholarships, including one for bench jewelers.
JA is also looking for its second class of “20 Under 40” retail professionals, with applications open until March 25.
Jewelry designer Harwell Godfrey, last year’s winning designer, was up next to present the Gem Award for Jewelry Design.
Prior to delving into jewelry design, Godfrey was in culinary school, a pursuit she said was not so different to designing jewelry.
“Designers, and chefs, are all using the same ingredients: metals, stones, and a mix of ancient and new techniques. But like the best chefs, it’s how we, the designer, put these same ingredients together in our own special way that makes magic,” she said.
Jewelry designer Anita Ko of Anita Ko Jewelry took home the honor.
“My love of jewelry has started since I was a child and that love has brought so much back to me,” said Ko.
Anita Ko (second from left) won the 2023 Gem Award for Jewelry Design. The other nominees were Kirsty Stone of Retrouvai (left) and David Rees (third from left) and Ron Anderson of TenThousandThings. (Madison McGaw/BFA.com)
She gave a special thanks to London Jewelers, who brought her on when she had just one tray of jewelry to display, and West Coast retailer Twist.
Her eponymous L.A.-based jewelry brand showcases a delightful mix of everyday elegance and red-carpet glamour. Her jewels have been worn by Michelle Obama, Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan, Charlize Theron, and many other celebrities.
Next, Hodinkee Chief Brand Officer Eneuri Acosta presented the Gem Award for Watch Excellence to the watch platform.
Hodinkee Chief Brand Officer Eneuri Acosta (right) presented the Gem Award for Watch Excellence to CEO Jeffrey Fowler. (Madison McGaw/BFA.com)
“As someone who has had a front row seat over the last six years, it is incredibly gratifying to see what started as one young man’s love for his grandfather’s Omega Speedmaster become the global home for watch lovers,” he said.
Founder and former CEO Ben Clymer founded the platform in New York City in 2008, growing it into a news and e-commerce hub for horology enthusiasts.
“Hodinkee began telling stories about watches, [using] new, earnest, and human terms, and helped bring this wonderful world to a whole new category of consumers, over 100 million of them. Hodinkee was different then, just as it is now.”
The award was accepted by Hodinkee CEO Jeff Fowler.
“At Hodinkee, our goal has always been to meet the needs of a wider set of watch enthusiasts and to make the world of watches better,” he said, sharing his gratitude to the company’s founder and team.
Next on stage was John Green of Lux, Bond & Green, who presented the Lifetime Achievement Award posthumously to Steven Kaiser, the watch industry leader who died unexpectedly in May 2022.
“The Gem Awards was one of Steve’s favorite nights of the year,” said Green. “He loved seeing the jewelry and watch industry celebrated and rewarded and networking together.”
Kaiser was the Gem Awards Committee’s chairman emeritus at the time of his death.
Industry legend Steven Kaiser was honored posthumously with the Lifetime Achievement award, which was accepted by his family. (Madison McGaw/BFA.com)
In a tribute video, he was remembered as a longtime supporter of the jewelry and watch industry, an optimistic leader, a caring friend, and a loving father.
Kaiser also loved the New York Giants, his pet tortoise Mikey, and being in the know on industry gossip, said his friends.
John Kennedy of the Jewelers’ Security Alliance, Aida Alvarez of Roberto Coin, Michael Benavente of Bulova, and Diane James of WatchBox shared their fond memories.
Kaiser’s family, including his wife Vivian and children Emily and Jeff, accepted the award on his behalf and thanked the industry for their support.
“All of us in the Kaiser family extend our sincerest thanks and gratitude to all of you who are here tonight to celebrate and honor our dad,” said Jeff Kaiser.
“Thanks to all of you, our dad lived an intensely happy and very fulfilling life.”
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CollectionsOct 26, 2026
Bliss Lau’s ‘Vantage’ Point Is the Hawaiian HorizonIn her “Vantage” collection, Lau explores heritage, identity, and inner strength through designs featuring blue-green Guatemalan jade.
MajorsOct 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Takes Consumers Behind the ScenesThe jeweler gave the public backstage tours of its flagship store and its design and innovation workshop as part of LVMH’s open house.
MajorsOct 23, 2026
PGI USA Set to Close at Year’s EndThe closure is part of a global restructuring that also includes PGI winding down its operations in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
SourcingOct 23, 2026
Rachel Chalchinsky’s ‘Survivor Tribute’ RingThe ring, our Piece of the Week, was designed by eight-year breast cancer survivor Rachel Chalchinsky of Color Source Gems.
Weekly QuizOct 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TechnologyOct 23, 2026
JA Unveils New Website, LogoThe website offers enhanced member benefit access, industry directories, educational resources, a job board, and access to the MJSA Journal.
FinancialsOct 23, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Sales Up Double Digits in Q3Boucheron and Pomellato had a strong third quarter, with Kering looking at jewelry as an increasingly important part of its portfolio.
Brought to you by
Open an Account, Get $50 Off Your First Order. No Code Needed.Built on Relationships. Refined by Craft.
CrimeOct 22, 2026
Jeweler Shot and Killed in His Suburban Cincinnati Store Tara Sinchuri was the owner of Everest Jewels in Fairfield, Ohio, and a father of three. He was found dead in his store on Tuesday.
MajorsOct 22, 2026
Neiman Marcus Has Gifts for the Jewelry Lover Who Has EverythingBespoke experiences from Buccellati and Verdura are on the retailer’s 2026 “Fantasy Gifts” list.
CollectionsOct 22, 2026
Billie Eilish, Finneas Co-Design Collection for John HardyThe Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings have collaborated with John Hardy on a new jewelry line inspired by their personal style.
PodcastsOct 21, 2026
Episode 10: This Episode Is Haunted Diana Singer shared the stories of two “cursed” diamonds on this month’s podcast, which was inexplicably riddled with technical issues.
IndependentsOct 21, 2026
Gardner-Collier Jewelry to Close After 9 Decades in BusinessThe family-owned jeweler has three locations across Missouri and Iowa.
SourcingOct 21, 2026
Venetia Mines Final Carats Ahead of 2-Year ShutdownThe De Beers-owned diamond mine in South Africa is being put on ice as part of a round of previously announced cost-cutting measures.
CollectionsOct 21, 2026
Helzberg, Nordstrom Carrying New Jewelry Collection From Off-WhiteThe collection centers designs with clean geometric lines, chunky sculptural pieces, and recognizable details from the luxury fashion brand.
SourcingOct 21, 2026
Gemfields’ Mixed-Quality Ruby Auction Earns $52MThe miner said it saw particularly strong prices for larger, fine-quality rubies at the sale.
CrimeOct 20, 2026
Security Guard Charged With Murder in Shooting at Texas MallThe guard opened fire on a man who was smashing a jewelry display case at La Gran Plaza in Fort Worth last week, police said.
IndependentsOct 20, 2026
David Gardner’s Jewelers Unveils Newly Expanded, Revamped ShowroomThe Texas jeweler added 2,000 square feet to its reimagined showroom, complete with a new design studio and an event space.
SourcingOct 20, 2026
The $50M Victoria’s Secret ‘Fantasy Bra’ By The NumbersJacob & Co.'s diamond masterpiece is the most expensive Fantasy Bra ever worn on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway.
CollectionsOct 20, 2026
Mignon Faget’s Collection Chooses Handmade Over AIThe “Atelier” collection was inspired by the tools, rituals, and objects in an artist’s studio as a quiet rebuttal to an automated world.
MajorsOct 19, 2026
The Knot to Acquire Rival Wedding Planning Platform ZolaThe pending acquisition is an “exciting opportunity” for wedding vendors to grow their business, said The Knot Worldwide’s CEO.
SourcingOct 19, 2026
Jewelry Design Competition Show Airs in Thailand"The Secret Gems" features eight Thai jewelry brands paired with a team of young craftspeople who create jewelry together to win challenges.
CollectionsOct 19, 2026
John Hardy Enters the Medallion Chat With Talisman Collection The brand’s “Modern Talisman” capsule collection introduces pendants inspired by the mythology, natural world, and spiritual ethos of Bali.
IndependentsOct 19, 2026
The Stories of 5 Jewelers Celebrating Their Centennials in 2026Independent jewelers from New Mexico to New Jersey answer the question: What has kept your store in business for 100 years?
SurveysOct 16, 2026
How Inflation, Gas Prices Will Affect Holiday Sales The NRF is expecting holiday sales to increase this year, but consumers and retailers alike are facing Grinch-like headwinds.
CollectionsOct 16, 2026
Christina Puchi’s Earrings Hold the UniverseOur Piece of the Week gathers the planets, represented by a variety of colored gemstones, in a pair of 14-karat yellow gold earrings.
IndependentsOct 16, 2026
Reeds Jewelers Expands, Relocates FlagshipThe New York-based jeweler is moving its Amherst flagship store to a larger location in nearby Snyder.
