Events & Awards

John Kennedy to Receive 2021 Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement

Events & AwardsMay 24, 2021

John Kennedy to Receive 2021 Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement

He’s been with the Jewelers’ Security Alliance for nearly 30 years, dedicating himself to the safety of the industry.

20210524_John-Kennedy.jpg
Jewelers’ Security Alliance President John Kennedy will be honored with the Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement this summer.
New York—This year’s recipient of the Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement is none other than Jewelers’ Security Alliance President John Kennedy. 
 
JA and the Gem Awards committee chose the longtime head of JSA as the 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award honoree for his commitment to the health and safety of the industry, JA said. 
 
An attorney by trade, Kennedy became president of JSA in January 1992. 
 
Prior to that, he served as assistant commissioner and deputy general counsel of the New York City Department of Investigation and as assistant counsel of the New York State Commission of Investigation. 
 
He’s the coauthor of JSA’s Manual of Jewelry Security and also has served as secretary of the 24 Karat Club of the City of New York since 2002.
 
Kennedy received the 2021 Stanley Schechter Award from the Jewelers Vigilance Committee earlier this year in recognition of “his tireless dedication, hard work and support of JVC’s mission to maintain ethics and integrity through legal compliance.”
 
Founded in 1883, JSA currently has 20,000 member locations. 
 
The organization works closely with the FBI and police departments throughout the United States to help members avoid burglaries, robberies, and thefts. 
 
“I have known John Kennedy for 23 years, and there is no one more deserving of receiving the Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement than him,” said JA President and CEO David J. Bonaparte. 
 
“He has made a positive impact for retailers and manufacturers and continues to strive to make the industry a safe place for all. While security is John’s main focus, he has truly established himself as a key resource and an industry leader for others to rely on. John is a true Gem and is the essence of what makes our industry so special.”
 Related stories will be right here … 
As previously announced, the 19th annual Gem Awards will be virtual this year. It is scheduled to take place on Thursday, July 15.  

The Gem Awards honors the outstanding achievements of individuals or companies whose work raises the visibility and status of fine jewelry and watches.
 
Registration is now open for the complimentary event.  
 
In addition to honoring Kennedy and the other winners—whose names will be announced soon, JA said—the 2021 Gem Awards will pay tribute to the life and legacy of Elsa Peretti, who died in March at the age of 80, and the strength of the industry over the past year. 
 
Prior to the presentation of the awards, event sponsors will treat guests to drinks in private digital “circles” for a personalized Gem Awards cocktail hour, allowing them to connect and network in the spirit of the event’s usual cocktail hour. 
 
For details, to register, or to support John Kennedy through sponsorships and the Gem Awards Journal, visit GemAwards.Jewelers.org. 

The Latest

Harwell Godfrey Granny Square Eleanor Necklace
CollectionsJun 06, 2025
Piece of the Week: Harwell Godfrey’s ‘Granny Squares Eleanor’ Necklace

As an homage to iconic crochet blankets, the necklace features the nostalgic motif through a kaleidoscope of cabochon-cut stones.

Jack Abraham The Royal Ruby Collection
SourcingJun 05, 2025
A Rare Suite of Rubies Has Arrived in Las Vegas

The “Royal Ruby” Collection is a quintet of untreated rubies curated by collector Jack Abraham.

Daymond John
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las Vegas

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

DCA-student-cert-NJ1872x1052-2.png
Brought to you by
The True Power Behind the Counter: Why Sales Associates Are the Heart of the Jewelry Business

When investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.

Vaishali Banerjee and Pallavi Sharma
MajorsJun 05, 2025
Platinum Guild International Updates Leadership Team

Two existing executives have been given new roles.

Weekly QuizJun 05, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Meredith Tiderington
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Zillion Announces 'Women in STEM' Scholarship Recipient

Meredith Tiderington, an electrical engineering student, was selected for the award.

The Gemological Institute of America’s logo
Lab-GrownJun 04, 2025
GIA Reverting to More General Terminology for Lab-Grown Diamonds

It will quit assigning the stones specific color and clarity grades in favor of applying “new descriptive terminology.”

Article Image 1.png
Brought to you by
Clienteling Isn’t a Buzzword. It’s an Essential Business Model.

More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.

Exterior of the Venetian and the Las Vegas Sphere
Events & AwardsJun 04, 2025
As JCK Talks Returns, Don’t Miss These 12 Sessions

From design trends to sustainability, here’s a roundup of can’t-miss education sessions at JCK Las Vegas.

JCK show
CrimeJun 04, 2025
10 Safety Tips for the Las Vegas Shows

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance offers advice for those attending the annual trade shows.

Amy Curran
MajorsJun 04, 2025
Amy Curran Promoted at Hill & Co.

Her new role is director of strategic initiatives.

The eight rings in Viviana Langhoff’s AU79 jewelry collection
CollectionsJun 03, 2025
In Her Latest Collection, Viviana Langhoff Is Leaning Into Gold

The designer is embracing bold pieces with weight to them in “AU79,” a collection she celebrated with a creative launch party.

Gold and diamond bangles on a pair of jeans
FinancialsJun 03, 2025
Signet Jewelers Sees Turnaround in Q1 With Sales Ticking Up 2%

On an earnings call, CEO J.K. Symancyk discussed what’s working for the company and how it’s preparing for the potential impact of tariffs.

Woman’s hand holding shopping bags
SurveysJun 03, 2025
Consumer Confidence Improves in May

The index partially rebounded after months of decline, due in part to the U.S.-China deal to temporarily reduce import tariffs.

Dakota Johnson as Roberto Coin Brand Ambassador
CollectionsJun 03, 2025
Dakota Johnson Is Roberto Coin’s New Brand Ambassador

The actress stars in the latest campaign set in Venice, Italy, and is set to participate in other creative initiatives for the jeweler.

Mason Kay Jade necklace
GradingJun 03, 2025
Mason-Kay Jade Adds ‘Fei Cui’ to Jade Reports

The company has joined other labs, including GIA and Lotus Gemology, in adopting the Chinese term for "jadeite jade."

Gemfields ruby
SourcingJun 02, 2025
Gemfields’ June Auction to Include 36-Carat Ruby

The large stone will be offered at its June sale along with a selection of secondary-type rubies from a new area of the Montepuez mine.

Adobe Stock image of skyline of Bangkok, Thailand
GradingJun 02, 2025
GSI Opens New Lab in Thailand

Located in Bangkok, the laboratory is Gemological Science International’s 14th location worldwide.

Seaman Schepps pearl earrings
TrendsJun 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Three Gems for June

Those born in June have a myriad of options for their birthstone jewelry.

David Allouche
SourcingJun 02, 2025
David Allouche Joins Grandview Klein Diamonds

The diamond industry veteran has been named its senior sales executive.

Movado Connect 2.0 watches
FinancialsMay 30, 2025
Movado’s Q1 Sales Slip Amid ‘Challenging’ Retail Environment

The company plans to raise the prices of select watches to offset the impact of tariffs.

Zoë Chicco Bracelets
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Tariffs & Designers: Navigating Pricing in an Unstable Environment

Between tariffs and the sky-high cost of gold, designers enter this year’s Las Vegas shows with a lot of questions and few answers.

Renato Cipullo Hematite Blaze Necklace
CollectionsMay 30, 2025
Piece of the Week: Renato Cipullo’s ‘Hematite Blaze’ Necklace

Designed by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Trade Court Declares Trump’s Tariffs Invalid

However, the tariffs remain in effect in the short term, as an appeals court has stayed the U.S. Court of International Trade’s decision.

Britney Spears
CollectionsMay 29, 2025
Britney Spears Files Trademark for New Jewelry Line

The pop icon is one step closer to launching her “B Tiny” jewelry collection, a collection she first began posting about last fall.

Inoveo Platinum Grain image.jpg
Supplier BulletinMay 29, 2025
Inoveo Platinum Grain, Exclusively Distributed by Stuller

Sponsored by Stuller

Grizzly Mining Pilala emerald
SourcingMay 29, 2025
Grizzly Auctions 6,620-Carat Emerald

It was featured in the miner’s latest sale, which brought in $24.8 million.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy