Events & AwardsJul 31, 2025
These Are the 2025 CASE Award WinnersEvents & AwardsAug 04, 2025
Gem Awards, David Yurman Introduce $50K Grant for Emerging Designers
The winner of the inaugural David Yurman Gem Awards Grant will be announced live at the 2026 Gem Awards gala.
The application period for the new David Yurman Gem Awards Grant is open now through Oct. 7. The grant will go to an emerging fine jewelry designer and includes a $50,000 financial award plus mentorship opportunities.
New York—Jewelers of America and the Gem Awards committee announced the launch of the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, a $50,000 grant and mentorship program created specifically for emerging jewelry designers.
The application period for the grant opened today, Aug. 4, and will close Oct. 7.
The grant recipient will be revealed live at the 24th annual Gem Awards, scheduled for March 13, 2026, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York.
“Everyone involved in creating this grant passionately believes supporting emerging talent is a great path to strengthening our jewelry community in the future,” Gem Awards Chair Marion Fasel said.
“We are all looking forward to the selection process and the presentation of the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, which promises to add another memorable moment to the always moving and emotional Gem Awards ceremony.”
Related stories will be right here …
The application period for the grant opened today, Aug. 4, and will close Oct. 7.
The grant recipient will be revealed live at the 24th annual Gem Awards, scheduled for March 13, 2026, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York.
“Everyone involved in creating this grant passionately believes supporting emerging talent is a great path to strengthening our jewelry community in the future,” Gem Awards Chair Marion Fasel said.
“We are all looking forward to the selection process and the presentation of the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, which promises to add another memorable moment to the always moving and emotional Gem Awards ceremony.”
JA and David Yurman created this new grant to support and foster an emerging fine jewelry designer who has been in business for at least three years and shows “exceptional promise,” JA said.
The recipient of the grant will receive a one-time financial award of $50,000, mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman, and consultative meetings with other industry executives.
To qualify for the grant, applicants must demonstrate “unique talent” in fine jewelry design and have a solid business plan for expansion; have operated their own jewelry design company for at least three years; and be based and manufacture in the United States.
A selection committee will review all applications and select five finalists, who will be notified in December.
The finalists must deliver in-person presentations to the committee, after which the committee will select the grant recipient. The winner of the grant will be announced publicly at the 2026 Gem Awards.
For more information on the Gem Awards and the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, visit the event’s website.
Information on the grant is listed under “The Event.”
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
TechnologyJul 10, 2026
There’s a New Blind Box for Luxury Watches Collectibles platform Arena Club’s new Time Boxes could contain a Rolex or Patek Philippe watch.
TrendsJul 10, 2026
Jade Trau Creates a Constellation of DiamondsThe “Constellation Plié” collar, our Piece of the Week, features diamonds arranged in a constellation of shining stars.
SourcingJul 10, 2026
CFO of De Beers’ Consumer-Facing Division Leaves Company Shaun Wills joined the company in 2024 and was chief financial officer of the De Beers Brands and Consumer Markets division.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
WatchesJul 10, 2026
Brilliant Earth Expands Into WatchesIn honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.
Weekly QuizJul 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & MercierRichemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
AuctionsJul 09, 2026
Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Hires Former Bonhams Exec to Head New Watch DivisionNate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
