IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
OtherFeb 19, 2016
Here are the Winners of the 2016 Gem Awards
Rob Bates, Temple St. Clair and Cartier took home the awards for media, jewelry design and watch design, while WatchTime’s Joe Thompson was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
New York--Cartier, Temple St. Clair, Rob Bates and Joe Thompson all were recognized at Jewelers of America’s 14th annual Gem Awards Friday night, an event that is considered the jewelry industry equivalent of the Oscars.
An award-winning journalist with more than 40 years of experience, Thompson began his career in 1977 with Jewelers Circular-Keystone (now JCK), later taking a position with Modern Jeweler and becoming the founding editor of American Time magazine.
In 2000, Thompson joined consumer watch magazine WatchTime, and under his leadership the publication has developed a major global influence. In his acceptance speech, however, the longtime, well-known and well-respected scribe was humble.
“For journalists, the focus should be on the story, not the storyteller,” Thompson said. “That’s why headlines are big and bylines are small. And that’s the way it should be. So for JA to give me this recognition and this magical moment is an act so gracious, for which I am just so grateful.”
He also thanked Norma Buchanan, his partner and WatchTime executive editor. “We are a team for 29 years now … to Norma Buchanan, all I can say, is thank you darling, without you there’s no me. This is for you too. And so I, we, thank you all, from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you.”
Temple St. Clair was the winner in the Jewelry Design category. Her eponymous brand, recognized for signature elements such as rock crystal amulets and triple granulation, was founded in Florence, Italy and became part of Barneys New York’s inaugural fine jewelry department in 1986. St. Clair won out over Istanbul-born designer Sevan Bicakci and Chopard co-President and Artistic Director Caroline Scheufele.
In the category of Watch Design the Gem Award went to Cartier, with Mercedes Abramo, president and CEO of Cartier North America, accepting the accolade. Cartier, founded in 1847, has grown to become known for its excellence and creativity in jewelry and watchmaking, producing objects designed to mark milestones and stand the test of time. Cartier was up against Piaget and Roger Dubuis.
JCK News Director Rob Bates won in the Media Excellence category, beating out fellow nominees Kyle Anderson of
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
Marie Claire and freelance journalist Rachel Garrahan. Bates, who has won numerous awards in his more than 20 years of covering the diamond and jewelry industries, has been interviewed and quoted for his analysis by The New York Times, the Chicago Tribune and on National Public Radio.
More on Other
The Latest
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
