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.”
TrendsMar 03, 2016
Week in Photos--January 10, 2014
It’s a January tradition that members of the jewelry industry flock to New York following the holiday season for a flurry of events.
DEF’s Senior Strategic Director Dr. Benjamin Chavis, DEF board President Phyllis Bergman, Forevermark’s Charles Stanley, JCK’s Yancy Weinrich, Fred Meyer Jewelers President Peter Engel, DEF scholar Nadine Zoro, Standard Chartered Bank’s Ana Martins, JCK’s Mark Smelzer and DEF Executive Director Nancy Orem-Lyman at the DEF Awards.
It’s a January tradition that members of the jewelry industry flock to New York following the holiday season for a flurry of events.
This year was no exception, as retailers, designers and manufacturers braved the elements to travel to New York for the annual slate of events, beginning with the Diamond Empowerment Fund’s Good Awards Thursday night.
The Good Awards recognize individuals and companies for good corporate citizenship, sustainability and promoting opportunity in Africa. This year’s honorees were Fred Meyer Jewelers, Forevermark and JCK.
Friday afternoon was the Jewelers Vigilance Committee’s annual luncheon, which was followed by the industry equivalent of the Oscars, the Jewelry Information Center’s annual Gem Awards, that night.
On Saturday afternoon, industry players gathered at The Harmonie Club near Central Park for the Jewelers’ Security Alliance’s annual luncheon before heading back downtown for the week’s final event, the 24 Karat Club of New York City’s annual black tie gala at the Waldorf-Astoria.
Flip through this slideshow to relive the week that was in New York.
DEF’s Senior Strategic Director Dr. Benjamin Chavis, DEF board President Phyllis Bergman, Forevermark’s Charles Stanley, JCK’s Yancy Weinrich, Fred Meyer Jewelers President Peter Engel, DEF scholar Nadine Zoro, Standard Chartered Bank’s Ana Martins, JCK’s Mark Smelzer and DEF Executive Director Nancy Orem-Lyman at the DEF Awards.
Jewelers Vigilance Committee President and CEO Cecilia Gardner presents Brad Brooks-Rubin, who used to work for the U.S. State Department representing the United States in the Kimberley Process, with an award at the JVC luncheon held last Friday.
The 12th annual Gem Awards took place at Cipriani 42nd, across from Grand Central Terminal. Cipriani’s occupies the ground floor of the building, which is 110 E. 42nd St. Constructed in Italian Romanesque Revival style in the 1920s, the building was once the headquarters for the Bowery Savings Bank.
Puerto Rico retailer Marie Helene Morrow, who received this year’s Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement, with Jewelers of America President and CEO Dave Bonaparte, left, and David Yurman. The designer Yurman, a past Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, introduced Morrow on stage.
Among the evening’s attendees was 92-year-old businesswoman and interior designer Iris Apfel. The Queens, N.Y. native and fashion icon currently has a line of costume jewelry sold on HSN called Rara Avis.
Jewelry designer Alex Woo, far left, with Alexis Bittar and retailer Jen Gandia, who co-owns New York’s Greenwich Jewelers with her sister, Christina Gandia Gambale.
Decked out in Rina Limor, television personality Audrina Patridge, who got her start on The Hills and now hosts NBC’s 1st Look, presented the Gem Award for communications to Tiffany & Co.
Good Morning America’s Lara Spencer hosted the Gem Awards for the second year in a row, wearing a necklace of Zambian emeralds from Gemfields.
Gem Awards Committee Chair Rachel Branch, left, is joined on stage by the Jewelry Information Center’s Amanda Gizzi on Friday night.
Designer Alexis Bittar on stage before presenting the Gem Award for Design to Kara Ross. This year marked the first time that the names of winners were kept secret until the event.
The Gem Award for Media Excellence went to JCK Editor-in-Chief Victoria Gomelsky, far left, who mentioned her “other half,” her twin sister Julia (center), in her acceptance speech. The sisters, both wearing emerald jewelry from Gemfields, are pictured here with industry consultant Beth Ann Bonanno of The EAB Project.
Morrow shares a light moment with Yurman after receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award. In introducing the jeweler on stage, Yurman called her “the mother” of the industry for her long history of finding and developing new talent, including himself many years ago.
More on Trends
The Latest
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
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.
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.
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.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
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.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2026
Watches & Wonders Announces 2027 DatesThe week-long event in Geneva is slated for April 2027.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy BoardThe three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.
