SourcingOct 08, 2025
In ‘Storied Diamond,’ Jared Jewelers Is Emphasizing the Journey The retailer’s new collection of engagement rings and fashion jewelry is set with natural diamonds that are traceable via blockchain.
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.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Emily P. Wheeler Shifts Into Neutral for Latest ‘Ombré’ CollectionThe champagne colorway in her newest “Ombré” collection combines white and trendy brown diamonds, a departure from her usual vibrant hues.
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Tsuba Designs Inspire Monica Rich Kosann’s New CharmsKosann partnered with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, to create a set of necklaces inspired by the artwork on samurai sword handguards.
Brought to you by
JA New York Fall Is Right Around the CornerThe upcoming show provides savvy retailers with the opportunity to stock their cases with best sellers in advance of the holiday season.
CrimeOct 07, 2025
Men Who Posed as Utility Workers Found Guilty in Jeweler’s MurderCarlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo face life in prison for the October 2024 murder of 72-year-old Detroit-area jeweler Hussein Murray.
Weekly QuizOct 02, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsOct 07, 2025
Jessica McCormack Looks to Sea Spirits for ‘Tempest’ CollectionThe brand’s first high jewelry collection, “Tempest” plays with movement while calling to mind the folklore of the sea.
SourcingOct 07, 2025
Columbia Gem House Announces ‘Opals for Outback Heroes’ FundraiserProceeds from its jewelry raffle will go to a volunteer-run fire and rescue group in the Lightning Ridge area of New South Wales, Australia.
MajorsOct 07, 2025
Stuller Names Its S.E.R.V.E Stars for 2025Stuller said the recipients embody the company’s core values, which include community participation and personal and professional growth.
WatchesOct 06, 2025
This Fall, Citizen’s Forecast Calls for RainCitizen’s new “Rainell” women’s watch has a raindrop-shaped case and is available with a silver-, gold-, purple-, or green-colored dial.
AuctionsOct 06, 2025
The ‘Rolex That Made Rolex’ Heads to Auction at Sotheby’s The “Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster,” named for the British endurance swimmer who made it famous, will go up for sale next month.
GradingOct 06, 2025
GIA India Names Former De Beers Exec as New Managing DirectorAmit Pratihari was previously the managing director of De Beers India and Forevermark India.
SourcingOct 06, 2025
SoCal 24 Karat Club Integrates Into Diamond Club West CoastMembers of the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California will gain access to expanded services, resources, and connections, DCWC said.
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco Tie the Knot Wearing Diamonds, White MetalsGomez’s jewelry included Tiffany & Co. drop-style earrings while Blanco stacked diamonds from Jacob & Co. on his wrist.
GradingOct 03, 2025
Grading Lab HRD Antwerp Names New CEODiamond industry banking veteran Paul De Wachter will take on the role in January 2026.
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kallati’s Pink Sapphire RingTaylor Swift flaunts an Elizabeth Taylor-esque gemstone in promo for her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”
CollectionsOct 02, 2025
Boucheron Debuts Cuffs Crafted With 3D-Printed SandIts “Quantre Sand” capsule was made using a 3D sand printing technique borrowed from the automotive and aeronautics industries.
CrimeOct 02, 2025
$1M in Jewelry Stolen in Northern California Smash and Grab Four individuals have been charged in the “takeover-style” robbery of Heller Jewelers last month, and additional charges are expected.
MajorsOct 02, 2025
Neil Lane Jewelry Exhibition Coming to Toledo Museum of Art“Radiance and Reverie” will showcase more than 150 jewels from Lane’s personal collection by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and more.
TrendsOct 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Colorful ShowThe month’s birthstones, tourmaline and opal, complement the palette of autumn.
ColumnistsOct 01, 2025
Peter Smith: Why Vendor Success Starts With Self-ReflectionSmith shares the importance of looking at your company with openness and honesty to identify opportunities you may be missing.
EditorsOct 01, 2025
Playing Favorites: The Best Jewelry From VicenzaoroAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco visited Italy to spot jewelry trends at the September Vicenzaoro show and share her top finds.
SurveysOct 01, 2025
Consumer Confidence Hits 5-Month Low in September Respondents were concerned about job availability and rising prices.
SourcingOct 01, 2025
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Falls 47%Its latest interim financials revealed a challenging first half due in part to production troubles at its mines.
MajorsSep 30, 2025
Pandora CEO to Retire in 2026, Hand Reins to CMO Alexander Lacik has led Pandora since 2019. Berta de Pablos-Barbier will succeed him, the first woman to head the company.
CrimeSep 30, 2025
2 Suspects Charged in $300K Sleight-of-Hand Jewelry Store ScamTwo men allegedly used counterfeit bills to purchase luxury watches and jewelry from a North Carolina jeweler.
CollectionsSep 30, 2025
Billie Eilish, Finneas Partner with John HardyThe “Lovestruck” collection, designed with the Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings, is the brand’s first lab-grown diamond offering.
