Events & AwardsFeb 29, 2024
Symposium ’24 Announces Speaker LineupEvents & AwardsFeb 29, 2024
JVC Announces Luncheon Speakers
Ukrainian jewelry designer Valeriya Guzema will be the focus of a live interview segment.
Victoria Gomelsky (right), editor-in-chief of JCK, will host a discussion with jewelry designer Valeriya Guzema at the JVC Annual Luncheon next Friday.
New York—The JVC Annual Luncheon, slated for next week, has announced the speakers and topic for its live interview segment.
The event will be held at the New York InterContinental Barclay on March 8, beginning with cocktails at noon, followed by lunch at 12:30 p.m.
It will feature a live interview, “A Conversation with Valeriya Guzema,” hosted by Victoria Gomelsky, editor-in-chief of JCK.
Gomelsky will sit down for a discussion with Ukrainian businesswoman, jewelry designer, and philanthropic activist, Valeriya Guzema to explore the human impact of the Russian sanctions through Guzema’s eyes.
Guzema is the founder and creative director of the Guzema Fine Jewelry brand and the Guzema Foundation. Before getting into the jewelry business in 2015, she worked as a fashion editor for Elle Ukraine and as a fashion journalist for HD Fashion TV channel.
The designer began her journey with $500 in savings, and received, from her mother, gold teeth that belonged to her grandfather. She sold the gold, and with the capital, created her first pieces. Her first collection was stolen, but she continued creating.
In March 2016, she founded Guzema Fine Jewelry and has since created more than 50 collections and opened three boutiques in Ukraine.
In 2021, she established the Guzema Foundation, a charitable endeavor initially formed to help children receiving heart treatments at the Chernihiv Regional Children’s Hospital. In 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the foundation expanded its efforts to support the Ukrainian army and civilians affected by the war.
Guzema has been included in the “Top 30 Under 30” list by Ukrainian media company Kyiv Post in 2020, and in 2021, appeared on Ukrainian Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list and was named “Best Accessory Designer” by Best Fashion Awards.
She is also a graduate of the Aspen Institute, an educational and policy studies organization based in Washington, D.C.
Host Gomelsky specializes in jewelry and watch writing and her freelance work has appeared in the New York Times, Robb Report, AFAR, the Hollywood Reporter, WSJ Magazine, and Waking Up American: Coming of Age Biculturally, an anthology published by Seal Press.
She graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from UCLA with a Bachelor of Arts in political science in 1995 and earned her MFA in nonfiction writing from Columbia University in 2002.
Related stories will be right here …
The event will be held at the New York InterContinental Barclay on March 8, beginning with cocktails at noon, followed by lunch at 12:30 p.m.
It will feature a live interview, “A Conversation with Valeriya Guzema,” hosted by Victoria Gomelsky, editor-in-chief of JCK.
Gomelsky will sit down for a discussion with Ukrainian businesswoman, jewelry designer, and philanthropic activist, Valeriya Guzema to explore the human impact of the Russian sanctions through Guzema’s eyes.
Guzema is the founder and creative director of the Guzema Fine Jewelry brand and the Guzema Foundation. Before getting into the jewelry business in 2015, she worked as a fashion editor for Elle Ukraine and as a fashion journalist for HD Fashion TV channel.
The designer began her journey with $500 in savings, and received, from her mother, gold teeth that belonged to her grandfather. She sold the gold, and with the capital, created her first pieces. Her first collection was stolen, but she continued creating.
In March 2016, she founded Guzema Fine Jewelry and has since created more than 50 collections and opened three boutiques in Ukraine.
In 2021, she established the Guzema Foundation, a charitable endeavor initially formed to help children receiving heart treatments at the Chernihiv Regional Children’s Hospital. In 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the foundation expanded its efforts to support the Ukrainian army and civilians affected by the war.
Guzema has been included in the “Top 30 Under 30” list by Ukrainian media company Kyiv Post in 2020, and in 2021, appeared on Ukrainian Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list and was named “Best Accessory Designer” by Best Fashion Awards.
She is also a graduate of the Aspen Institute, an educational and policy studies organization based in Washington, D.C.
Host Gomelsky specializes in jewelry and watch writing and her freelance work has appeared in the New York Times, Robb Report, AFAR, the Hollywood Reporter, WSJ Magazine, and Waking Up American: Coming of Age Biculturally, an anthology published by Seal Press.
She graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from UCLA with a Bachelor of Arts in political science in 1995 and earned her MFA in nonfiction writing from Columbia University in 2002.
Also at the luncheon, Matthew G. Stuller Sr., founder and CEO of Stuller, Inc., will receive the 2024 JVC Stanley Schechter Award, which honors individuals who exemplify industry ethics.
The award was established in 2002 and pays tribute to Schechter’s legacy of integrity and courage, JVC said, recognizing his contribution to JVC and the jewelry industry over the course of 50 years.
“Matt’s commitment to customer service, staying ahead of market trends, and his significant philanthropic efforts, including the Stuller Family Foundation, Parish Proud, and Love Our Schools, truly align with the values celebrated by the Stanley Schechter Award,” JVC writes of the honoree.
“His leadership, both in business and philanthropy, embodies the spirit of the Stanley Schechter Award, recognizing those individuals who go above and beyond in upholding industry ethics and making a positive impact on the community.”
Stuller has “consistently upheld the highest standards of industry ethics,” JVC said, starting from when he began his entrepreneurial journey at 19 years old. Over 54 years, Stuller Inc. has produced 340,000 jewelry-related products while remaining committed to integrity.
Stuller’s leadership is shown through the company’s CAD/CAM software, Matrixgold and CounterSketch, as well as through his dedication to ethical business practices, said JVC.
His legacy is not just in Stuller, Inc.’s success, the committee said, but in his “profound commitment to ethical business practices that resonate throughout the jewelry industry and beyond.”
JVC’s website said that at the event, it will also be announcing several new initiatives to “support our industry’s success into 2024 and beyond.”
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
IndependentsMay 09, 2025
Lugano Diamonds CEO Resigns Amid Internal InvestigationMoti Ferder stepped down Wednesday and will not receive any severance pay, parent company Compass Diversified said.
CollectionsMay 09, 2025
Pieces of the Week: Marie Lichtenberg’s Collaborations for Mother’s DayLichtenberg partnered with luxury platform Mytheresa on two designs honoring the connection between mothers and daughters.
SourcingMay 09, 2025
Gemfields Resumes Emerald Mining in ZambiaThe miner announced plans to recommence open-pit mining at Kagem.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeMay 08, 2025
Former NYC Jewelry Store Employee Arrested in 2017 Choking Death of Boss Michel Desalles allegedly murdered Omid Gholian inside World of Gold N Diamond using zip ties and then fled the country.
Weekly QuizMay 08, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsMay 08, 2025
5 ‘Superfine’ Met Gala Jewelry MomentsAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore shares her favorite looks from a night of style inspired by Black dandyism.
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2025
Instappraise Introduces Game-Changing Trifold Appraisal FormatSponsored by Instappraise
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
FinancialsMay 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth Notes an Uptick in Engagement Ring Sales in Q1CEO Beth Gerstein discussed the company’s bridal bestsellers, the potential impact of tariffs, and the rising price of gold.
IndependentsMay 08, 2025
Margot McKinney Lands in the U.S. With New BoutiqueThe brand’s first independent location outside of Australia has opened in Beverly Hills, California.
IndependentsMay 08, 2025
Verragio Announces New Regional Sales ManagerCathy Marsh will lead the jewelry company’s efforts in the upper Midwest and western United States.
FinancialsMay 07, 2025
Pandora Posts Strong Q1, Plans for TariffsThe company has multiple strategies for dealing with tariffs, though its CEO said moving manufacturing to the U.S. is not one of them.
ColumnistsMay 07, 2025
The Smart Lab: Building a Seasonal Marketing Strategy for Mother’s Day and BeyondConnecting with your customers throughout the year is key to a successful holiday marketing push.
SourcingMay 07, 2025
Gemfields Says Emerald Sales Improved in Latest AuctionIts commercial-quality emerald sale held last month totaled more than $16 million, up from about $11 million in September 2024.
TechnologyMay 07, 2025
Punchmark’s Latest Podcast Features a Very Special Guest National Jeweler Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff joined Michael Burpoe to talk tariffs, consumer confidence, and the sky-high price of gold.
AuctionsMay 06, 2025
Harwell Godfrey Reimagines 10-Carat Blue Diamond for Met Gala-Ready BroochDesigner Lauren Harwell Godfrey made the piece as an homage to the 2025 gala’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
IndependentsMay 06, 2025
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens New StoreLocated in Fort Smith, it’s the Mid-South jeweler’s first store in Northwest Arkansas.
IndependentsMay 06, 2025
Gunderson’s Jewelers to Be Featured on ‘World’s Greatest’ TV SeriesThe episode about the family-owned jeweler will premiere May 17.
IndependentsMay 05, 2025
Zadok Jewelers Opens Store in AustinThe Houston-based jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot showroom will include a Rolex boutique.
AuctionsMay 05, 2025
Nancy Astor’s Cartier Tiara Heads to AuctionThe turquoise and diamond tiara hasn’t been on the market since it was purchased by Lord Astor in 1930.
SourcingMay 05, 2025
Crater of Diamonds Yields 4-Carat Brown Diamond“The Duke Diamond” is the largest diamond registered at the Arkansas park so far this year.
TrendsMay 02, 2025
Ring Concierge, Kraft Partner on Mother’s Day Macaroni Necklace The childhood craft of making dried pasta necklaces for Mother’s Day is all grown up as the 14-karat gold “Forever Macaroni” necklace.
CollectionsMay 02, 2025
Piece of the Week: Angely Martinez’s Emerald Promise RingSet with May’s birthstone and featuring an earthworm, this ring is a perfect celebration of spring.
MajorsMay 02, 2025
Stuller’s New Bridal Catalog Is Here“Bridal 2025–2026” includes popular styles and a dedicated section for quick pricing references of lab-grown diamond bridal jewelry.
SourcingMay 01, 2025
Tariffs & Colored Gemstones: Relying on Stock, Considering the Ripple EffectThough currently paused, high tariffs threaten many countries where gemstones are mined. Dealers are taking measures now to prepare.
MajorsMay 01, 2025
Peek Inside David Yurman’s New Miami Flagship StoreLocated in Miami’s Design District, the 4,000-square-foot store is an homage to David and Sybil Yurman’s artistic roots.
TrendsMay 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: 20 Pieces of Emerald Jewelry for MayMay babies are lucky indeed, born in a month awash with fresh colors and celebrated with one of the most coveted colored gemstones.
