Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenEvents & AwardsJan 20, 2026
These Are the 5 Finalists for the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant
The grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.
The finalists for the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant are (back row) Hiba Husayni, (second row from left) Johnny Nelson and Jules Kim, and (front row from left) Dorian Webb and Lorraine West.
New York—Jewelers of America and the Gem Awards Committee have announced the finalists for the inaugural David Yurman Gem Awards Grant.
The $50,000 grant and mentorship program was created specifically for emerging jewelry designers.
The five finalists are:
Hiba Husayni of Zahn-Z,
Jules Kim of Bijules,
Johnny Nelson,
Dorian Webb, and
Lorraine West.
Hiba Husayni of Zahn-Z blends her love for jewelry with her commitment to women’s empowerment.
She’s inspired by her background in architecture and aims to create jewelry that reflects her client’s style and individuality.
Jules Kim of Bijules, a former New York nightlife impresario, brings a fresh perspective to the jewelry world, inspired by culture, creative exchange, and community building.
Her work features silhouettes that challenge jewelry norms, pairing traditional materials with sculptural forms. She was featured as part of “The Radiance by Couture” project, which celebrated BIPOC jewelry designers.
Johnny Nelson of Johnny Nelson Jewelry has a love for jewelry as well as raw talent and creative vision.
With a focus on statement pieces, Nelson is inspired by the arts and culture surrounding punk, hip-hop, and spirituality.
His work was featured in the “Ice Cold: An Exhibition of Hip-Hop Jewelry” exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History in New York.
Dorian Webb celebrates women and Black culture, calling attention to social justice issues. Her work is inspired by the belief that beauty and a sense of connection can have a societal impact.
Webb was a member of the inaugural class of the Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative.
Lorraine West of Lorraine West Jewelry is known for her handcrafted contemporary and fine jewelry pieces.
Her work honors her Caribbean roots, mixing bold and minimalist designs to showcase inner beauty and power.
Related stories will be right here …
The $50,000 grant and mentorship program was created specifically for emerging jewelry designers.
The five finalists are:
Hiba Husayni of Zahn-Z,
Jules Kim of Bijules,
Johnny Nelson,
Dorian Webb, and
Lorraine West.
Hiba Husayni of Zahn-Z blends her love for jewelry with her commitment to women’s empowerment.
She’s inspired by her background in architecture and aims to create jewelry that reflects her client’s style and individuality.
Jules Kim of Bijules, a former New York nightlife impresario, brings a fresh perspective to the jewelry world, inspired by culture, creative exchange, and community building.
Her work features silhouettes that challenge jewelry norms, pairing traditional materials with sculptural forms. She was featured as part of “The Radiance by Couture” project, which celebrated BIPOC jewelry designers.
Johnny Nelson of Johnny Nelson Jewelry has a love for jewelry as well as raw talent and creative vision.
With a focus on statement pieces, Nelson is inspired by the arts and culture surrounding punk, hip-hop, and spirituality.
His work was featured in the “Ice Cold: An Exhibition of Hip-Hop Jewelry” exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History in New York.
Dorian Webb celebrates women and Black culture, calling attention to social justice issues. Her work is inspired by the belief that beauty and a sense of connection can have a societal impact.
Webb was a member of the inaugural class of the Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative.
Lorraine West of Lorraine West Jewelry is known for her handcrafted contemporary and fine jewelry pieces.
Her work honors her Caribbean roots, mixing bold and minimalist designs to showcase inner beauty and power.
The five finalists were selected from the 90 submissions received during the nomination period.
Each of the finalists delivered an in-person presentation to David and Sybil Yurman and the other members of the Gem Awards Grant Committee.
“When we started out, we were two artists and we learned, step by step, what it takes to merge art and craft into a business. Those early days were very challenging, which is why we believe so deeply in mentorship and in giving emerging designers real tools and capital to help their growth and development,” Sybil Yurman said.
“The David Yurman Gem Awards Grant is our commitment to the next generation of extraordinary talent. It serves as a clear expression of our long-term vision and belief in nurturing what’s next.”
The David Yurman Gem Awards Grant committee also includes: Marion Fasel, Sam Broekema, Annie Doresca, Jennifer Gandia, Amanda Gizzi, Lauren Harwell Godfrey, and Jill Newman.
The grant was created in partnership with JA to support an emerging fine jewelry designer who has been in business for at least three years and shows exceptional promise.
One designer will receive the grant as well as access to mentoring meetings with David Yurman executives and consultative meetings with other industry leaders.
The number of entries submitted and the talent on display makes selecting just one winner difficult, Gem Awards Chair Marion Fasel said.
“However, we look to the Gem Awards community and the industry at large to uplift all of the finalists as we shed light on their stories, collections, and their talent. We remain grateful to the team at David Yurman, especially David and Sybil, for their partnership on this incredible grant program.”
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
7.52-Carat Unheated Paraíba Tourmaline Sells for $1.3M at Sotheby’s The top lot of the auction house’s Hong Kong jewelry sale was an Art Deco Mauboussin necklace with ruby beads, which sold for $2 million.
Policies & IssuesSep 18, 2026
Tariffs, Retail Crime Top of Mind at JA’s Annual Fly-In Retailers and manufacturers headed to the Capitol this week to discuss tariff exemptions for diamonds and gemstones, among other issues.
CollectionsSep 18, 2026
Nanis Transforms Its ‘Boule’ Into a Mirror Our Piece of the Week is a pair of drop earrings from the “Sway” collection featuring Nanis’ first use of mirror-polished gold.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
GradingSep 18, 2026
De Beers Introduces Faster Version of Diamond Screening Machine SynthDetect 2 can scan a full tray in less than five minutes, De Beers said, making it six times faster than its predecessors.
Weekly QuizSep 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
Noonans To Auction Medieval Gold Seal Ring Recovered By 2 FriendsTwo metal detectorists discovered the ring, which may have belonged to English noblewoman Matilda of Lancaster, in Suffolk.
Policies & IssuesSep 17, 2026
Tariffs on India Could Increase as Russian Sanctions Bill Heads to Trump’s DeskThe bill has a provision that allows the president to raise tariffs on countries that import Russian oil and gas to as much as 100 percent.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
CollectionsSep 17, 2026
Cynthia Erivo, Zoë Chicco’s Jewelry Collab Is an Ode to TransformationThe “Chrysalis” capsule centers butterfly motifs representing growth, transformation, and the unfolding of who you are.
PodcastsSep 16, 2026
Episode 9: Remembering Cindy EdelsteinTwo special guests join the podcast to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the designer advocate, mentor, and author’s untimely passing.
CollectionsSep 16, 2026
Jessica McCormack, L’Objet Collab on Homewares CollectionMcCormack brings sea-inspired motifs from her “Beaches” collection to L’Objet’s tableware, vanity pieces, and first-ever cutlery set.
CrimeSep 16, 2026
JSA Issues Warning to NJ Jewelers After Rash of Smash and GrabsNine New Jersey jewelers have been victims of smash-and-grab robberies this year, prompting JSA to circulate a list of recommendations.
IndependentsSep 16, 2026
Bromberg & Co. Names New PresidentMarlin “Brian” Hood, who has been with the store for 20 years, will succeed Ricky Bromberg, who died earlier this month.
MajorsSep 16, 2026
Midas Chain Releases ‘House of Midas’ Bridal CatalogThe new bridal catalog features the latest jewelry collections and designs from timeless classics to modern silhouettes.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
2026 Emmys Jewelry: An Either/Or Proposition Stars wore either a necklace or earrings at 78th Primetime Emmy Awards but rarely both, Natalie Francisco notes.
ColumnistsSep 15, 2026
The Levels Your Website Must Clear Before AI Recommends YouJennifer Shaheen compares this new era of AI-powered SEO to a video game: your website must clear one level before advancing to the next.
IndependentsSep 15, 2026
Armadani Launches Retail Support Program for Holiday SeasonThe program highlights “Made in Italy” fine jewelry with digital merchandising, sales education, and local marketing support.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
Q&A: Signet Jewelers’ Joan Hilson on Diamond Demand, the HolidaysHilson, Signet’s chief operating and financial officer, discussed Q2, resurgent natural diamond demand, and why Blue Nile is a standout.
ColumnistsSep 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
AuctionsSep 14, 2026
22 Carats of ‘Sunshine’ Are Up for AuctionThe 22.09-carat fancy yellow “Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond” is part of the fall jewelry sale at Heritage Auctions.
IndependentsSep 14, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers to Unveil Photography Exhibition“Adornos: Jewelry, Memory & What We Pass Down” honors the jewelry’s importance to New York City’s Latine communities.
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Gemfields Sells All Lots at First Emerald Auction in 9 MonthsThe company’s managing director of sales said the results demonstrate “continued strong demand for commercial-quality emeralds.”
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Pledges Support for Eye Care ProgramThe nonprofit awarded a grant to the Gift of Sight initiative spearheaded by South African musician Black Coffee.
CollectionsSep 11, 2026
A Sapphire ‘Stardust’ Ring From Greenwich St. Jewelers The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
MajorsSep 11, 2026
The Wishing Place by JTV OpensThe jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.
Events & AwardsSep 11, 2026
The Edge Awards Scholarships to 2 Young Jewelry ProfessionalsThe recipients were recognized at the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States’ annual banquet.
MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.
