Events & Awards

Gem Awards Honor All Facets of the Industry

Events & AwardsMar 17, 2025

Gem Awards Honor All Facets of the Industry

From retailers to designers and the media, the fine jewelry industry recognized one another’s work and looked to the future.

The 2025 Gem Awards
The 23rd annual Gem Awards, hosted by Jewelers of America, took place on March 14 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. (Image credit: Matt Borkowski/BFA.com)
New York—Jewelers of America and the Gem Awards Committee recently hosted the 23rd annual Gem Awards, celebrating all facets of the industry.

The sold-out ceremony took place at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City on March 14.

The Gem Awards honor individuals and brands from around the world whose work has raised the visibility of the fine jewelry and watch industry.

Jewelers of America CEO Dave Bonaparte and CFO Annie Doresca took the stage to welcome guests and share that JA has been working on a new three-year strategic plan and mission statement to promote success, ethics, and professionalism in fine jewelry.

The Gem Award for High Jewelry Excellence was the first of the night, recognizing Chanel for its “Haute Joaillerie Sport” collection.

Olivier Kessler-Gay 2025 Gem Award for High Jewelry Excellence
Olivier Kessler-Gay, Chanel’s manager of watches and fine jewelry for the United States, accepted the 2025 Gem Award for High Jewelry Excellence on behalf of Chanel. He is pictured here with presenter Athena Calderone of EyeSwoon. (Image credit: Matt Borkowski/BFA.com)


The award was accepted by Olivier Kessler-Gay, Chanel’s manager of watches and fine jewelry for the United States, who took over the role earlier this month.

“I am incredibly honored to be able to join you all tonight for this award. Gabrielle Chanel and the house of Chanel have an audacious legacy of recognizing not only fashion but the way we think we dress,” said Kessler-Gay. 

“The Chanel Sport high jewelry collection employs that spirit.”

The night continued, revealing winners in the categories of media excellence, retail excellence, and jewelry design live at the event.

 Related stories will be right here … 

The 2025 Gem Award for Media Excellence was presented by last year’s winner in this category, New York City-based writer and editor Tanya Dukes.

She gave the award to Sam Broekema, the editor-in-chief of Only Natural Diamonds at the Natural Diamond Council.

Sam Broekema 2025 Gem Award for Media Excellence
2025 Gem Award for Media Excellence winner Sam Broekema with last year’s winner Tanya Dukes (Image credit: Matt Borkowski/BFA.com)


After giving thanks to the Gem Awards Committee, JA, the journalists he works alongside, and his family, Broekema said, “I always feel like the next issue is the best one.”

The other nominees were Paige Reddinger and Trace Shelton.

Next to take the stage was Lisa Bridge of Ben Bridge. As last year’s winner, she presented the Gem Award for Retail Excellence to Reinhold Jewelers.

Founder Marie Helene Reinhold was inducted into National Jeweler’s Retailer Hall of Fame in 2021.

The award was accepted on stage by Yael Reinhold and Mildred Marcano.

Reinhold Jewelers 2025 Gem Award for Retail Excellence
The 2025 Gem Award for Retail Excellence was accepted by Yael Reinhold (left) and Mildred Marcano (center). They are pictured here with last year’s winner Lisa Bridge of Ben Bridge. (Image credit: Matt Borkowski/BFA.com)


“Continuing her legacy is one of the biggest honors of all our lives,” said Reinhold about her mother Marie Helene.

“Tonight is a testament to the trust this industry has placed on us. It’s a privilege we deeply cherish and never take for granted. Thank you to the Gem Award judges, to our incredible partners, to our community in Puerto Rico, and, above all, to the Reinhold team whose passion for jewelry and unwavering dedication makes this moment possible.”

The other nominees in this category were Bernard James and CD Peacock.

The Gem Award for Jewelry Design followed. It was presented by last year’s winner Marla Aaron.

Beth Hutchens, co-founder and creative director of Foundrae, won the award.

Beth Hutchens 2025 Gem Award for Jewelry Design
2025 Gem Award for Jewelry Design winner Beth Hutchens of Foundrae (left) with last year’s winner Marla Aaron (Image credit: Matt Borkowski/BFA.com)


“I just feel that while everyone in this room knows the value of gold and the value of diamonds, my parents were the ones that really instilled in me that our greatest inheritance is our birth right to reach our full potential,” said Hutchens.

“For me that is really the foundation of Foundrae and if we can be any part of that unfolding in other people, if we can inspire other people, if we can nourish, if we can accelerate that process, then that is a day well spent.”

The other nominees were Sophie Bille Brahe and Selim Mouzannar.

The night concluded with a presentation of the Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement. The honor was presented to John A. Green, president and CEO of Lux Bond & Green, by Jeff Feero of Alex Sepkus.

John Green 2025 Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement
2025 Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement winner John A. Green (left) with presenter Jeff Feero (Image credit: Matt Borkowski/BFA.com)


Feero’s introduction detailed how Green really is “that great of a guy.”

In his acceptance speech, Green not only thanked his colleagues and family, but he also called for the industry to keep moving forward.

“My aspiration tonight is for more of us in this room to become educators and mentors, to keep [elevating] our luxury industry to compete with other luxury businesses,” said Green.

“The jewelry and watch stage is amazing, but we can’t rest on our success.”

For more information on the Gem Awards or to view photos from the event, visit the JA website.

The Latest

CCWW lifesaver necklace
CollectionsAug 26, 2025
Does Your Jewelry Stack Need a Snack?

Designer Christina Puchi, the creative force behind CCWW Designs, has created charms and pendants based on iconic candies and crackers.

Nick Jonas x Fossil Campaign
WatchesAug 26, 2025
Nick Jonas Gets Nostalgic in New Fossil Campaign

The Jonas Brothers star showed off new timepieces against the backdrop of his favorite spots in his home state of New Jersey.

Wally Hinkamp and Donna Hinkamp Warren
IndependentsAug 26, 2025
Hinkamp Jewelers Celebrates 70 Years

The family-owned jeweler in Fayetteville, North Carolina, is in the hands of the second generation.

japac-btyb.png
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key Issues

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsAug 26, 2025
Back to School, Back to Style: Why August is Prime Time for Self-Gifting

In his latest column, Emmanuel Raheb shares tips for encouraging customers to treat themselves to new jewelry.

Weekly QuizAug 22, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
London Jewelers Rolex East Hampton Boutique Exterior
WatchesAug 25, 2025
London Jewelers Brings Rolex to Historic Hamptons Home

The new stand-alone Rolex boutique is housed in the former Odd Fellows Hall, a landmark built in 1897.

Madison Keys
CollectionsAug 25, 2025
Tennis Star Madison Keys Has the Perfect Necklace for the US Open

The Brilliant Earth ambassador co-designed a diamond medallion featuring meaningful symbols.

rio-article photo-diamond.jpg
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine Jewelry

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Marie Lichtenberg emerald and diamond locket on the 18-karat gold “Rosa” chain
TrendsAug 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: That’s a Wrap

Wrap jewelry is more than just a trend; it’s the perfect motif for the coming season of layering, scarves, and pumpkin spice.

WatchTime New York
WatchesAug 25, 2025
WatchTime NY Show Returns for 10th Anniversary Edition

The three-day watch collector show, coming this October, will feature 44 exhibiting brands, as well as a new dinner experience.

Sriram “Ram” Natarajan
GradingAug 22, 2025
Former Head of GIA India Promoted to Oversee Global Operations

Sriram “Ram” Natarajan is now GIA’s senior vice president of laboratory operations and is based out of the lab’s headquarters in Carlsbad.

Retrouvaí Diamond Vein Bond Collar
CollectionsAug 22, 2025
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s ‘Diamond Vein Bond’ Collar

The one-of-a-kind collar represents the beauty of imperfection and the strength to rebuild.

Kendra Scott
MajorsAug 22, 2025
Kendra Scott Returns as CEO of Her Jewelry Empire

Three C-suite executives, including former CEO Tom Nolan, have resigned as part of what the company describes as a “transition.”

Claire’s storefront
MajorsAug 21, 2025
Claire’s Finds Buyer, Could Save up to 950 Stores

The retailer, which recently filed Chapter 11, inked a deal to sell its North American business and intellectual property.

Target CEO Brian Cornell and COO Michael Fiddelke
MajorsAug 21, 2025
Target Names New CEO as Sales Continue to Lag

Target CEO Brian Cornell will step down in February and be replaced by the company’s chief operating officer, Michael Fiddelke.

Jewelers of America in Washington DC
Policies & IssuesAug 21, 2025
JA, IDMA Talk Tariffs With Execs in DC

The group met with the president's senior trade advisor earlier this week to express the industry’s concerns about the effects of tariffs.

Tiffany & Co. Pop Up at U.S. Open
MajorsAug 21, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Pops Up at 2025 US Open

The pop-up will display this year's Tiffany & Co. Singles Championship trophies along with a diamond-encrusted tennis racket and ball.

Bellman’s Jewelers The Truthful Jeweler Alex Bellman
IndependentsAug 20, 2025
Bellman’s Jewelers Opens Second Store After COO's TikTok Takes Off

The New Hampshire-based store has expanded to Boston, propelled by the success of Alex Bellman’s TikTok page, “The Truthful Jeweler.”

Stock image of police cars with lights flashing
CrimeAug 20, 2025
Another CA Jewelry Store Rammed With Car, Robbed

The latest incident happened Monday at a store in Oakland, California, continuing a pattern JSA first warned about last month.

Oris New York Harbor Limited Edition II Watch
WatchesAug 20, 2025
Oris Launches Watch Benefiting NYC Harbor Oyster Restoration

The new aqua green New York Harbor Limited Edition II is the watchmaker’s second collaboration with the Billion Oyster Project.

Lulo Rose pink diamond
SourcingAug 19, 2025
Dubai’s Jemora Group Buys Diamond Miner Lucapa

The investment company, founded by Dev Shetty, has acquired the struggling miner and its assets, including the Lulo mine in Angola.

National Jeweler columnist and jewelry sales expert Peter Smith
ColumnistsAug 19, 2025
Peter Smith: The Arrival Fallacy and Jewelry Retail

Smith shares wisdom he gleaned from a podcast he was listening to one morning while being walked by his dog, a Malshi named Sophie.

Fake Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra earrings
CrimeAug 19, 2025
Customs Seizes 7,300 Pairs of Fake ‘Alhambra’ Earrings

The counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels jewels would have been worth more than $30 million if genuine.

MJSA Logo
MajorsAug 19, 2025
MJSA Apprenticeship Program Is Nationally Recognized

The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program received the Registered Apprenticeship Program designation by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Masaki Obu
WatchesAug 19, 2025
Casio America Names New Timepiece Division Manager

Casio executive and watch enthusiast Masaki Obu is the new general manager of its U.S. timepiece division.

Michael Barabash and husband Raymond Cuadrado
MajorsAug 18, 2025
Verragio’s Michael Barabash, a ‘Kind Soul,’ Dies at 58

Barabash, Verragio’s client relations representative, was a vital member of the team and is remembered as being warm and full of life.

John Hardy Dot Coil Necklace and Dot Hoop Earrings
CollectionsAug 18, 2025
John Hardy’s New ‘Dot’ Collection Is on Point

Originally introduced in 1992, the “Dot” collection is back with a capsule featuring five archival designs and three new creations.

×

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