Events & AwardsFeb 26, 2026
GIA Names 2026 Jewelry Design Contest Winner, Retires Annual AwardEvents & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards Grant
Nelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.
Johnny Nelson is the designer behind his line, Johnny Nelson Jewelry. His work is inspired by the art and culture surrounding punk, hip-hop, and spirituality.
New York—The Gem Awards Committee and David Yurman have named Johnny Nelson as the winner of the inaugural David Yurman Gem Awards Grant.
Nelson, the designer behind Johnny Nelson Jewelry, will receive $50,000, mentorship meetings with David Yurman executives, and consultative meetings with other industry leaders.
He will be honored on stage during the 24th annual Gem Awards gala, which will take place Friday.
Nelson said he is blessed, honored, and grateful to receive the grant.
“To be recognized by David and Sybil Yurman, along with the esteemed Gem Awards Committee—leaders who have helped shape the landscape of American fine jewelry—is profoundly meaningful. This award affirms my commitment to amplifying culture and legacy through craftsmanship, art, and design,” said Nelson.
“I am excited for the doors this grant will open for Johnny Nelson Jewelry and for the invaluable mentorship opportunities with David Yurman and team, to whom I greatly respect and admire.”
Nelson’s work is inspired by the art and culture surrounding punk, hip-hop, and spirituality.
His line offers a range of sculptural pieces that spark conversation, including hair beads, rings, bracelets, crowns, body amor, anklets, earrings, and necklaces.
Each piece is hand-sculpted from sterling silver, 14-, or 18-karat gold and features materials like wax, resin, sandstone, and precious gems like diamonds, emeralds, and garnets.
Johnny Nelson Jewelry pieces make a statement, fusing heritage, political consciousness, and artistry.
Nelson’s offerings branch out from just his core collection, with limited-edition collaborations with brands like Adidas and custom commissions.
His work was also featured in the “Ice Cold: An Exhibition of Hip-Hop Jewelry” exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.
“Johnny Nelson has been charting his own course in the jewelry world from the moment he became a designer,” said Marion Fasel, Gem Awards chair.
“His presentation for the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant had a wonderful combination of sharing his past achievements and a specificity of areas for potential growth he could achieve with additional funding, mentoring, and recognition. We are all thrilled he is our inaugural grant winner.”
Related stories will be right here …
Nelson, the designer behind Johnny Nelson Jewelry, will receive $50,000, mentorship meetings with David Yurman executives, and consultative meetings with other industry leaders.
He will be honored on stage during the 24th annual Gem Awards gala, which will take place Friday.
Nelson said he is blessed, honored, and grateful to receive the grant.
“To be recognized by David and Sybil Yurman, along with the esteemed Gem Awards Committee—leaders who have helped shape the landscape of American fine jewelry—is profoundly meaningful. This award affirms my commitment to amplifying culture and legacy through craftsmanship, art, and design,” said Nelson.
“I am excited for the doors this grant will open for Johnny Nelson Jewelry and for the invaluable mentorship opportunities with David Yurman and team, to whom I greatly respect and admire.”
Nelson’s work is inspired by the art and culture surrounding punk, hip-hop, and spirituality.
His line offers a range of sculptural pieces that spark conversation, including hair beads, rings, bracelets, crowns, body amor, anklets, earrings, and necklaces.
Each piece is hand-sculpted from sterling silver, 14-, or 18-karat gold and features materials like wax, resin, sandstone, and precious gems like diamonds, emeralds, and garnets.
Johnny Nelson Jewelry pieces make a statement, fusing heritage, political consciousness, and artistry.
Nelson’s offerings branch out from just his core collection, with limited-edition collaborations with brands like Adidas and custom commissions.
His work was also featured in the “Ice Cold: An Exhibition of Hip-Hop Jewelry” exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.
“Johnny Nelson has been charting his own course in the jewelry world from the moment he became a designer,” said Marion Fasel, Gem Awards chair.
“His presentation for the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant had a wonderful combination of sharing his past achievements and a specificity of areas for potential growth he could achieve with additional funding, mentoring, and recognition. We are all thrilled he is our inaugural grant winner.”
Nelson was selected following an in-person presentation to David and Sybil Yurman and the Gem Awards Grant Committee.
“With the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, we’re proud to support emerging designers at a pivotal moment—when resources and mentorship can help transform momentum into lasting impact,” said David.
“Made with intention, Johnny Nelson’s work feels personal—each piece reflecting his ongoing relationship with form, meaning, and material. We’re honored to invest in his next chapter through our grant and our ongoing mentorship.”
The finalists for the grant were Hiba Husayni of Zahn-Z, Jules Kim of Bijules, Dorian Webb, and Lorraine West.
These five finalists were chosen from 90 submissions received during the nomination period.
The finalists will receive mentoring support from the Grant Committee and attend the Gem Awards next week.
The David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Committee members are David, Sybil, Fasel, Sam Broekema, Annie Doresca, Jennifer Gandia, Amanda Gizzi, Lauren Harwell Godfrey, and Jill Newman.
The David Yurman Gem Awards Grant aims to support and foster an emerging fine jewelry designer who has been in business for at least three years and shows exceptional promise.
It was created in partnership with Jewelers of America, the trade association that operates the Gem Awards, and David Yurman Enterprises LLC.
For more information on the Gem Awards and the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, visit the Gem Awards website.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
CrimeMay 04, 2026
Pawn Shop Manager Shot, Killed in FloridaLazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower PreservationA portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.
Weekly QuizApr 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
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.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
AuctionsApr 30, 2026
Vintage Cartier Watch Crashes Through Records, Selling for $2MBelieved to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
CrimeApr 30, 2026
Masked Group Uses Hammers, Pepper Spray in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyOfficials are looking for a group that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers at an outlet mall in Round Rock, Texas, in broad daylight on April 21.
Supplier BulletinApr 30, 2026
OROAREZZO 2026: The B2B Event for Italian Excellence in Goldsmith, Jewelry and Silver ManufacturingSponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition
TechnologyApr 29, 2026
The Thought Process Behind the Mother's Day Email Opt-OutSome retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.
IndependentsApr 29, 2026
Dick Abbott to Retire From The EdgeThe Edge has announced its new CEO, as well as a new partnership with an investment firm focused on founder-led software businesses.
SourcingApr 29, 2026
De Beers’ Production Rises, Market Remains ‘Challenged’De Beers’ diamond production was up 17 percent in Q1, boosted by increased output at its mines in South Africa and Canada.
AuctionsApr 29, 2026
This'll Be the Day You Own John Wayne's RingA signet ring belonging to the Western film star of Hollywood’s Golden Age will be up for auction at Elmwood’s next month.
Policies & IssuesApr 28, 2026
Tariff Refunds: How to File, What to Expect Importers can submit claims now to receive money back for the IEEPA tariffs they’ve paid, with refunds expected to take up to 90 days.
IndependentsApr 28, 2026
This North Carolina Jeweler Is Passing the TorchThe owners of Gregory Jewelers in Morganton, North Carolina, are heading into retirement.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
Doug Hucker Retires From ICAThe colored gemstone industry leader is heading into retirement after four years as the association’s CEO.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
NDC Hires Tapestry Exec to Head Global Marketing Susie Dewey joins the Natural Diamond Council as its new chief marketing officer.
AuctionsApr 27, 2026
12 Years Later, the ‘Ocean Dream’ Diamond Resurfaces at Christie’sThe largest known fancy vivid blue-green diamond could fetch more than $12 million at its second auction appearance.
ColumnistsApr 27, 2026
Stop Treating Mother’s Day Like an AfterthoughtEmmanuel Raheb says jewelers need to start marketing early and make it easy for customers to pick a gift for mom.
IndependentsApr 27, 2026
Longnecker Jewelry Celebrates 30 YearsIn honor of the milestone, the Nebraska jeweler has debuted Leslie & Co., its new in-house jewelry brand.
MajorsApr 27, 2026
JBT Re-Elects Jeff Corey as Board ChairThe trade organization, which held its annual elections earlier this year, also added five new board members.
SurveysApr 24, 2026
Mother’s Day 2026 Jewelry Spending to Top $7B, NRF SaysNRF’s annual survey found that 45 percent of consumers plan to purchase jewelry for a loved one this Mother’s Day.
