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, 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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
