Recorded WebinarsMar 31, 2025
Watch: What Do We Mean When We Say ‘Recycled’ Gold?Three industry experts dive into the complexities of the material often marketed as an “ethical” alternative for metal in jewelry.
Events & AwardsSep 25, 2019
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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
TrendsMar 31, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Dripping in DiamondsDiamonds are not only one of the most prominent gemstones, but the birthstone for those born in April.
MajorsMar 31, 2025
Lashbrook Expands Into Luxury Golf Gifts With AcquisitionThe Utah-based company known for making wedding bands has acquired Doubloon Golf.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
WatchesMar 31, 2025
Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin Will Also Head LVMH WatchesThe longtime luxury executive led one of LVMH’s watch brands, TAG Heuer, for 12 years before taking over Bulgari in 2013.
Weekly QuizMar 27, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeMar 28, 2025
2 Suspects Arrested in $1.7M Smash-and-Grab Robbery of NY Jewelry StoreAuthorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.
SourcingMar 28, 2025
19th-Century Jade Book Now Available in EnglishLotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
CollectionsMar 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Löf’s ‘The Valentine’ RingThe ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.
SurveysMar 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls in March Amid ‘Gloomy’ OutlookThe Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.
AuctionsMar 27, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring Linked to Witch Trial Judge Goes Unsold at Auction However, two medieval jewels surpassed estimates at Noonans Mayfair’s recent jewelry auction in London.
WatchesMar 27, 2025
Austin Butler Joins Breitling as Brand AmbassadorThe Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.
SourcingMar 27, 2025
Susan Jacques, Gaetano Cavalieri to Headline 2025 ICA Congress The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.
IndependentsMar 26, 2025
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Acquires Fellow NC Independent JewelerThe family-owned retailer is the new owner of Morrison Smith Jewelers in Charlotte, North Carolina.
WatchesMar 26, 2025
Bulova Celebrates 150th Anniversary With Art Deco WatchesThe “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.
MajorsMar 26, 2025
QVC Group Appoints New PresidentAlex Wellen, formerly CEO and president of MotorTrend Group, has taken on the role.
AuctionsMar 25, 2025
Christie’s To Auction 35-Carat Sapphire, 13-Carat RubyThe ruby and the sapphire, which Christie’s calls a “once-in-a-generation masterpiece,” are part of the upcoming Hong Kong jewelry auction.
CrimeMar 25, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Earrings Swallowed Following Grab-and-Run Theft RecoveredThe two pairs of earrings, snatched from a Tiffany & Co. store in Orlando, Florida, are valued at a combined $769,500.
ColumnistsMar 25, 2025
The Smart Lab: Using Short-Form Videos to Sell More JewelryThe time to start experimenting with video content is now, writes columnist Emmanuel Raheb.
CollectionsMar 24, 2025
Pomellato’s Latest ‘Nudo’ Collections Revamp its Classic DesignFrom striking high jewelry to miniature fine jewelry, the new chapter continues to highlight gemstones featuring its signature 57-facet cut.
MajorsMar 24, 2025
4 Top Executives to Depart Signet Jewelers Amid TurnaroundThe jewelry giant is reducing its senior leadership by 30 percent as part of its new turnaround strategy.
WatchesMar 24, 2025
Sotheby's Now Offers Watch Repair ServicesThe auction house's partnership with online watch servicing platform WatchCheck makes repairs convenient and accessible, it said.
FinancialsMar 21, 2025
Swarovski Says Its Lab-Grown Diamond Sales Doubled in 2024The company also noted record sales in the United States and a strong performance in its jewelry category.
SourcingMar 21, 2025
BrankoGems To Hold Conference in MontanaThe event, set for June 13-15, will feature educational presentations and guided visits to the state’s sapphire mines.
TrendsMar 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Marrow Fine’s ‘Til Death’ RingAfter the black enamel band became a best-seller for the brand, it has now launched an enamel ring personalization program.
IndependentsMar 20, 2025
Korman Fine Jewelry’s New Store Is Double the Size The Austin, Texas, jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot store is set to open this summer.
TechnologyMar 20, 2025
Chris Ploof, Severine Ferrari Launch YouTube Video Series“Conversations with Chris Ploof” covers tips for men buying wedding bands, behind-the-scenes footage of Ploof in his studio, and more.
