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.
Designer Stephen Webster to Host 2017 Gem Awards
Jewelers of America has tapped the British jewelry designer to bring his specific brand of humor and flair as the host of its annual event.

New York--Jewelers of America announced that jewelry designer Stephen Webster will be the host of the annual Gem Awards, scheduled for Jan. 13 in New York.
With an eye for detail, flair and a wild imagination, Webster is widely thought to be one of the industry’s most accomplished and exciting designers, JA said. He has a workshop and design studio in London’s Mayfair neighborhood, a salon on the city’s tony Mount Street and a flagship store on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.
He draws his inspiration from English eccentricity and American iconography, wildlife, the high life, literature, theater and pop culture, the ocean and the animal kingdom, and combines a love of fine craftsmanship with a passion for music, fashion and art.
“Despite carrying the burden of a funny accent and a warped sense of unfiltered humor, the powers that be have asked me to host this year’s Gem Awards. I’m honored and looking forward to it. My wife is equally dreading it, but wouldn’t miss it,” Webster said. “Accepting that the engagement comes with responsibilities, the values of the awards committee and the nominees will be respected at all times. My name is Stephen Webster, and I endorse this message.”
The 2017 Gem Awards will honor Jim Rosenheim, chairman of Washington, D.C. retailer Tiny Jewel Box, with the Lifetime Achievement Award and present Gem Awards in four other categories, Jewelry Design, Marketing and Communications, Media Excellence, and Watch Excellence. Jewelers of America recently announced the nominees in those categories via Facebook Live.
The 2017 Gem Awards will be held at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York, but parts of the ceremony also will be broadcast via Facebook Live on the event’s Facebook page.
“We are thrilled that Stephen Webster has agreed to host the 15th annual GEM Awards,” Gem Award Chair Norman Miller said. “After Stephen presented the Gem Award for Jewelry Design last year, there was immediate consensus with the Gem Awards committee that (he) would be a terrific host for our milestone event. Trust me, you want to attend this event.”
For more information about the event or to order tickets, reserve a sponsorship, or secure an advertisement in the Gem Awards Journal, visit the Jewelers of America website.
National Jeweler is a for-profit subsidiary of Jewelers of America, though the two organizations act independently of each other.
The Latest

Retailers and manufacturers headed to the Capitol this week to discuss tariff exemptions for diamonds and gemstones, among other issues.

Our Piece of the Week is a pair of drop earrings from the “Sway” collection featuring Nanis’ first use of mirror-polished gold.

Experience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.

SynthDetect 2 can scan a full tray in less than five minutes, De Beers said, making it six times faster than its predecessors.


Two metal detectorists discovered the ring, which may have belonged to English noblewoman Matilda of Lancaster, in Suffolk.

The 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.

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

The “Chrysalis” capsule centers butterfly motifs representing growth, transformation, and the unfolding of who you are.

Two special guests join the podcast to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the designer advocate, mentor, and author’s untimely passing.

McCormack brings sea-inspired motifs from her “Beaches” collection to L’Objet’s tableware, vanity pieces, and first-ever cutlery set.

Nine New Jersey jewelers have been victims of smash-and-grab robberies this year, prompting JSA to circulate a list of recommendations.

Marlin “Brian” Hood, who has been with the store for 20 years, will succeed Ricky Bromberg, who died earlier this month.

The new bridal catalog features the latest jewelry collections and designs from timeless classics to modern silhouettes.

Stars wore either a necklace or earrings at 78th Primetime Emmy Awards but rarely both, Natalie Francisco notes.

Jennifer Shaheen compares this new era of AI-powered SEO to a video game: your website must clear one level before advancing to the next.

The program highlights “Made in Italy” fine jewelry with digital merchandising, sales education, and local marketing support.

Hilson, Signet’s chief operating and financial officer, discussed Q2, resurgent natural diamond demand, and why Blue Nile is a standout.

The stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.

The 22.09-carat fancy yellow “Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond” is part of the fall jewelry sale at Heritage Auctions.

“Adornos: Jewelry, Memory & What We Pass Down” honors the jewelry’s importance to New York City’s Latine communities.

The company’s managing director of sales said the results demonstrate “continued strong demand for commercial-quality emeralds.”

The nonprofit awarded a grant to the Gift of Sight initiative spearheaded by South African musician Black Coffee.

The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

The jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.

The recipients were recognized at the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States’ annual banquet.

Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.























