SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
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
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
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
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.
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
