Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.
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

Yood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.

The New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

Set in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.


The jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.

Take luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

In its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.

Starting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.

The 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.

The new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.

The filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.

The new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.

Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.

“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.

The sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.

Most customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

The collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.

MatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.

The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.

Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.

Billed as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.

Don’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.

The new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.

A choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.

The manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.





















