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And the 2020 Gem Award Nominees Are …
Jewelers of America has announced the nominees in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Excellence.
The Gem Awards ceremony will be held Friday, Jan. 10, 2019, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York.
New York—Jewelers of America has announced the nominees for the 2020 Gem Awards, the annual gala that recognizes top names in jewelry design, journalism and retail.
The trade organization will present awards in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Excellence, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award, which is going to Ed Bridge.
The winners in the other three categories will be announced live during the Gem Awards ceremony, scheduled for Friday, Jan. 10, 2019, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York.
And the nominees are …
Jewelry Design
Ana Khouri. Armed with a background in sculpting, Khouri launched her namesake line in 2013, which is created exclusively with 18-karat Fairmined and Fairtrade Gold or platinum and ethically and responsibly sourced gemstones. “The feeling I want to impart is one of radiance, in every sense—that of light, of emotion, of energy and, of course, that of beauty,” said Khouri.
Nikos Koulis. The Greek designer hails from an established family jewelry business, launching his own brand, Nikos Koulis Jewels, in 2006. Koulis’ atelier and two boutiques are in Greece, but his pieces can be found in 30 cities worldwide. The hands-on designer personally sources stones and oversees production. Koulis’ designs have garnered multiple honors, including four Couture Design awards and the 2017 VicenzaOro Best International Jewelry Designer Award.
Carlo Traglio. The Italian-born designer got his start in the jewelry industry fresh out of high school, learning from Italian jeweler and goldsmith Frattini. While working at his family’s Coca-Cola bottling plant, Traglio continued designing jewelry. In 2001, he left the family business and acquired Vhernier, where he serves as president. Traglio’s creative vision is inspired by his interest in modern and contemporary art.
Media Excellence
Anthony DeMarco. DeMarco’s jewelry industry journey began at JCK, where he spent nine years covering the ways technology was changing the industry while also managing the website and e-newsletter. His work approaches the industry from a business and marketing perspective as well as from a design and fashion standpoint. His Jewelry News Network blog and social media channels showcase luxury jewelry and watches and highlight the economic importance of the industry. His work has been featured in a variety of publications, including Forbes.com, Rapaport Magazine, The Financial Times, The Economist, 1843 Magazine and VO+.
Rachel Garrahan. Garrahan is the jewelry and watch director at British Vogue, credited with expanding the magazine’s industry coverage. She is based in London after spending a decade in New York and Los Angeles. She also writes for the International New York Times, highlighting design and craftmanship across the globe. Garrahan’s work has also been featured in Financial Times, The Times of London, Vanity Fair, Tatler, Conde Nast Traveller, Robb Report, Wallpaper, Town and Country and T Magazine.
Tanya Dukes. The New York City-based writer made her editorial debut 15 years ago when she joined private jet lifestyle magazine Elite Traveler. She was later named the publication’s first style editor. Dukes has served as accessories editor of Brides magazine and as senior editor at InDesign and InStore magazines. Her work has been featured in several publications, including Watch Journal, Four Seasons Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter, JCK, The Knot, The Business of Fashion and The Jewellery Editor.
Retail Excellence
Foundrae. Husband-and-wife duo Beth and Murat Bugdaycay founded Foundrae in 2015. The New York-based brand describes its pieces as “modern heirlooms, ones that allow the wearer to express something of oneself to the world.” That ethos is echoed in their downtown Manhattan storefront, which includes a library.
Hodinkee Shop. Started in 2008 by Ben Clymer, Hodinkee evolved into a media and retail platform, growing its retail segment while also producing a podcast and printing a magazine biannually. The brand’s goal is to “bring its readers and consumers the best in wristwatches in a way that is approachable, authentic and honest.”
Twist. West Coast retailer Twist has locations in Portland and Seattle as well as an ecommerce presence. Owners and professional artists Paul Schneider and Lauren Eulau have a background in pottery and weaving, lending that experience to their curation of contemporary jewelry design and wearable art.
Proceeds from GEM Awards directly benefit industry programs that bolster JA’s mission to improve consumer confidence in jewelry and watches.
To support the honorees, purchase sponsorships and explore advertising opportunities, visit Jewelers.org/GemAwards.
National Jeweler is a for-profit subsidiary of Jewelers of America, which purchased the publication in 2015. The two organizations act independently of each other.
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