CrimeAug 11, 2025
Man Convicted of First-Degree Murder in Death of Colorado JewelerPeter Damian Arguello, a jeweler in the Denver suburb of Wheat Ridge, was found dead inside his store in November 2023.
Events & AwardsMar 31, 2021
Gem Awards, JA National Convention Will Be Virtual This Summer
The events won’t be held in person until 2022.
New York—Jewelers of America has announced this summer’s Gem Awards and the Jewelers of America National Convention will happen virtually.
The Gem Awards’ virtual edition is slated for Thursday, July 15, 2021. The annual awards gala, typically held every January, honors individuals and brands whose work raises visibility of the jewelry and watches industry.
This year marks the 19th annual gala.
The Jewelers of America National Convention, meanwhile, is only in its third year. The educational conference, open to JA members and their staffs, is also scheduled to happen virtually on July 19 and 20, 2021.
In a statement, JA said it wasn’t confident in the timing of GEM Awards and the National Convention due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
JA President and CEO, David J. Bonaparte, said, “We have been carefully evaluating how COVID-19 will impact the National Convention and GEM Awards this summer. While it was not an easy decision, our board and committees have decided that hosting the events virtually is in the best interest of our attendees and staff."
“We are hard at work producing two incredible virtual events that the entire industry will now have front row seats for. We hope you will all join us, from the comfort of your homes and businesses, to celebrate, network and learn."
Both virtual events will be free to attend. Convention attendees must be employed at an active JA member, though non-member companies can access special, limited time membership deals to gain entry.
In addition to educational presentations, the convention will feature special keynote speakers and interactive networking opportunities.
2022’s Gem Awards are already scheduled for Friday, January 14, 2022 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
JA’s Director of PR and Events, Amanda Gizzi, added, “We were looking forward to seeing everyone dressed up in their finest jewels and celebrating together. While that is not possible this summer, the virtual Gem Awards will be calling for everyone to get dressed up, grab a cocktail, and get immersed in the celebration.”
Gizzi noted this summer’s convention marks a special JA anniversary.
“The National Convention will be the culmination of our celebrations for our 115th anniversary so guests will be encouraged to register early to be part of the celebrations.”
More information on the Gem Awards is available online at jewelers.org/gemawards, and more information on the JA Virtual National Convention at jewelers.org/convention.
The Gem Awards’ virtual edition is slated for Thursday, July 15, 2021. The annual awards gala, typically held every January, honors individuals and brands whose work raises visibility of the jewelry and watches industry.
This year marks the 19th annual gala.
The Jewelers of America National Convention, meanwhile, is only in its third year. The educational conference, open to JA members and their staffs, is also scheduled to happen virtually on July 19 and 20, 2021.
In a statement, JA said it wasn’t confident in the timing of GEM Awards and the National Convention due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
JA President and CEO, David J. Bonaparte, said, “We have been carefully evaluating how COVID-19 will impact the National Convention and GEM Awards this summer. While it was not an easy decision, our board and committees have decided that hosting the events virtually is in the best interest of our attendees and staff."
“We are hard at work producing two incredible virtual events that the entire industry will now have front row seats for. We hope you will all join us, from the comfort of your homes and businesses, to celebrate, network and learn."
The JA National Convention will also be held virtually again this year.
Both virtual events will be free to attend. Convention attendees must be employed at an active JA member, though non-member companies can access special, limited time membership deals to gain entry.
In addition to educational presentations, the convention will feature special keynote speakers and interactive networking opportunities.
2022’s Gem Awards are already scheduled for Friday, January 14, 2022 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
JA’s Director of PR and Events, Amanda Gizzi, added, “We were looking forward to seeing everyone dressed up in their finest jewels and celebrating together. While that is not possible this summer, the virtual Gem Awards will be calling for everyone to get dressed up, grab a cocktail, and get immersed in the celebration.”
Gizzi noted this summer’s convention marks a special JA anniversary.
“The National Convention will be the culmination of our celebrations for our 115th anniversary so guests will be encouraged to register early to be part of the celebrations.”
More information on the Gem Awards is available online at jewelers.org/gemawards, and more information on the JA Virtual National Convention at jewelers.org/convention.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
IndependentsAug 11, 2025
Lisa Bridge to Depart Ben Bridge JewelerThe retailer, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, is becoming part of the Berkshire Hathaway Jewelry Group with Helzberg.
EditorsAug 11, 2025
The Colors Expected to Be On-Trend in a Couple YearsAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore recently attended a fabrics trade show where a trend forecaster shared her predictions for summer 2027.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
FinancialsAug 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 3% as Engagement Ring Sales RiseThe company raised its full-year sales guidance while noting it has not yet assessed the potential impact of the latest tariff news.
Weekly QuizAug 08, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsAug 08, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rahaminov Diamonds’ Bezel BangleThe brand’s latest iteration of a bezel-set diamond bangle features clean lines and a timeless design for a new modern silhouette.
WatchesAug 07, 2025
Bulova’s New Collection Honors Tony BennettThe first watch in the series commemorates his participation in the Civil Rights movement, marching from Selma to Montgomery in 1965.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
Lab-GrownAug 07, 2025
Chatham Releases Catalog for Loose Lab-Grown GemstonesThe catalog contains a complete listing of all the loose gemstones in stock, as well as information about the properties of each stone.
TechnologyAug 07, 2025
Rembrandt Charms Debuts New Website, Bird CharmsThe company added a retailer dashboard to its site and three new birds to its charm collection, the cardinal, blue jay, and hummingbird.
Policies & IssuesAug 06, 2025
Tariff on India to Rise to 50%, Trump Says An additional 25 percent tariff has been added to the previously announced 25 percent.
MajorsAug 06, 2025
Claire’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe jewelry and accessories retailer plans to close 18 stores as part of the proceedings.
IndependentsAug 06, 2025
Smith & Son Jewelers to Close 107-Year-Old Location Its Springfield, Massachusetts, store is set to close as owner Andrew Smith heads into retirement.
CollectionsAug 06, 2025
Zahn-Z Swims With Whales in ‘Beluga’ CollectionDesigner Hiba Husayni looked to the whale’s melon shaped-head, blowhole, and fluke for her new chunky gold offerings.
TrendsAug 06, 2025
Paola De Luca to Release Trendbook 2027+She will present the 23rd edition of the trend forecasting book at Vicenzaoro on Sept. 7.
CrimeAug 05, 2025
Report: Suspect Arrested in 1992 Murder of Miami JewelerOmar Roy, 72, was arrested in connection with the murder of jeweler Dionisio Carlos Valladares.
CollectionsAug 05, 2025
Mignon Faget Commemorates 20th Anniversary of Hurricane KatrinaThe New Orleans-based brand’s “Beyond Katrina” jewels honor the communities affected by the storm.
ColumnistsAug 05, 2025
The PR Adviser: Affiliate Marketing Is the Cost of CoverageLilian Raji explains why joining an affiliate network is essential for brands seeking placements in U.S. consumer publications.
Events & AwardsAug 05, 2025
JA Announces Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship WinnersThe organization has awarded a total of $42,000 through its scholarship programs this year.
Events & AwardsAug 04, 2025
Gem Awards, David Yurman Introduce $50K Grant for Emerging DesignersThe winner of the inaugural David Yurman Gem Awards Grant will be announced live at the 2026 Gem Awards gala.
TrendsAug 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: August’s Bright BaublesAs summer winds down, celebrate the sunny disposition of the month’s birthstones: peridot and spinel.
CrimeAug 04, 2025
‘The Watch King’ Assaulted, Robbed in QueensMoshe Haimoff, a social media personality and 47th Street retailer, was robbed of $559,000 worth of jewelry by men in construction outfits.
MajorsAug 04, 2025
Borsheims Welcomes New Assistant Facilities ManagerXavier Dibbrell brings more than a decade of experience to the role.
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Helzberg President Julie Yoakum Moves Over to Signet JewelersThe addition of Yoakum, who will lead Kay and Peoples, was one of three executive appointments Signet announced Thursday.
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names Mike Alexander as President The insurance company’s previous president and CEO, Scott Murphy, has split his role and will continue as CEO.
SourcingAug 01, 2025
Gemfields’ Auction Revenue Drops 50% in H1The nearly six-month pause of operations at its Kagem emerald mine earlier this year impacted the miner’s first-half results.
CollectionsAug 01, 2025
Piece of the Week: Hernsdorf’s ‘Tears of Aphrodite’ NecklaceThe necklace uses spinel drops to immortalize the moment Aphrodite’s tears mixed with her lover Adonis’ blood after he was fatally wounded.
