Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
More Gem Awards nominees announced
Rob Bates, Kyle Anderson and Rachel Garrahan are in the running to be recognized in the event’s media excellence category.
New York--Rob Bates, Kyle Anderson and Rachel Garrahan are the nominees in the media excellence category of Jewelers of America’s 2016 Gem Awards.
Anderson is the market and accessories director of Marie Claire magazine, and is featured as a trendsetter, style expert and fashion personality. He is the former senior accessories editor at Elle magazine and also has contributed to international publications and his own website, KyleEditor.com.
A freelance journalist specializing in jewelry and watches, Garrahan’s work has been featured in publications including the Financial Times, The New York Times, T Magazine, The Jewellery Editor and Condé Nast Traveller. A London native based in New York, her most recent stories have covered the red carpet, consignment and wholesale comparisons, and interviews with industry professionals.
The Gem Awards honor individuals and brands whose work raises the visibility and status of fine jewelry and watches. This year’s event will recognize individuals in four categories: media excellence, watch design, jewelry design and lifetime achievement.
Just last week, Temple St. Clair, Sevan Bicakci and Caroline Scheufele were announced as the nominees in the jewelry design category, while the nominees for watch design and the winner of the lifetime achievement award have yet to be announced.
The winners for media excellence, watch design and jewelry design will be announced live during the Gem Awards ceremony, scheduled for Friday, Jan. 8 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York.
Tickets for the Gem Awards, as well as sponsorship and advertising opportunities, are available for purchase on the JA website.
The Latest

The credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.

Kimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.

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

The “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.


“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.

Founded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”

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

The jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.

The singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.

The nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.

As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.

The trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.

January’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.

The annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.

Footage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.

The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.

The Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”

Linda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.

The governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.

Sparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.

The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.

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

Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.

Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.

Shekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.

This year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.




















