Events & Awards

Debra Messing To Receive a Gem Award

Events & AwardsSep 06, 2017

Debra Messing To Receive a Gem Award

The “Will & Grace” star, who hails from a jewelry manufacturing family, will receive the award for Jewelry Style.

20170906_DebraMessing.jpg
Debra Messing (Photo credit: Abbey Drucker)

New York--Next year’s Gem Awards will honor a face made familiar from years on television and in film.

Actress Debra Messing, best known for her Emmy Award-winning role on “Will & Grace,” will receive the award for Jewelry Style, which honors public figures who raise consumer awareness of fine jewelry.

“Jewelry has been a passion of mine since my father produced the Tiffany heart in his factory in the ‘70s,” Messing said. “My father taught me that jewelry is wearable art, and I have spent countless hours learning about the evolution of design.

“A piece of jewelry can make me feel strong, feminine, royal, edgy, demure--I can transform every day. My love for jewelry is deep and true, and I am beyond honored to be acknowledged in this way.”

Past recipients of the award include former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Diamond Empowerment Fund co-founder Russell Simmons and fashion designer Daphne Guinness.

Messing will accept her honor in person at the Gem Awards, scheduled for Friday, Jan. 19, 2018, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York.

The awards show, produced by Jewelers of America, also will honor Sally Morrison with its Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Jewelers of America is delighted to present the Gem Award for Jewelry Style to Debra Messing,” said Amanda Gizzi, JA’s director of public relations and events. “Debra has undoubtedly inspired women to seek out specific jewelry styles and explore how jewelry can make them feel beautiful, strong and confident. Her passion for jewelry and eye for jewelry style has been showcased on red carpets around the globe, at her personal appearances and throughout her widely followed Instagram.”

Messing will reprise her role as Grace of “Will & Grace” when the show returns to the air this month on NBC.

For information on purchasing tickets to the Gem Awards, sponsorships or advertisements in the Gem Awards Journal, see the Jewelers of America website.

Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

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