Events & AwardsApr 21, 2021
Meet the 3 Recipients of the Beyoncé x Lorraine Schwartz GIA ScholarshipEvents & AwardsJul 19, 2021
Even Online, Gem Awards Bring the Glamour
The industry dressed up for a virtual event honoring an image architect, security champion, agents for change, and a late, great designer.
Image architect Law Roach, left, accepted the Gem Award for Jewelry Style at Thursday night’s virtual event, while Jewelers Security Alliance President John Kennedy was presented with the Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement.
New York—It wasn’t a freezing Friday night in January at Cipriani 42nd Street, but it worked.
The 19th annual Gem Awards took place online Thursday night, with attendees watching pre-recorded speeches from the evening’s two award recipients—Jewelers Security Alliance President John J. Kennedy, the recipient of this year’s Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement, and image architect Law Roach, who took home the Gem Award for Jewelry Style.
Kennedy said he views the award not just as a personal honor, but also as a symbol of how the entire jewelry industry has come together to keep each other safe over the course of his career.
“When it comes to security, jewelers are not competitors,” he said. “We are all in this together.”
The year he joined the jewelry industry, 1992, a total of 37 jewelers were killed on the job.
Kennedy made it one of his career goals to bring that number down to zero.
Gradually, the number of industry homicides dropped into the 20s, then into the teens and, then, slipped down into the single digits.
In 2019, the number of jewelers killed on the job was zero.
While Kennedy said he recognizes it won’t always stay at zero, he takes great satisfaction in thinking about all the lives members of the industry have saved by working together.
“It’s a great achievement for a trade organization, and an industry, to make such a claim,” he said.
The 19th annual Gem Awards took place online Thursday night, with attendees watching pre-recorded speeches from the evening’s two award recipients—Jewelers Security Alliance President John J. Kennedy, the recipient of this year’s Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement, and image architect Law Roach, who took home the Gem Award for Jewelry Style.
Kennedy said he views the award not just as a personal honor, but also as a symbol of how the entire jewelry industry has come together to keep each other safe over the course of his career.
“When it comes to security, jewelers are not competitors,” he said. “We are all in this together.”
The year he joined the jewelry industry, 1992, a total of 37 jewelers were killed on the job.
Kennedy made it one of his career goals to bring that number down to zero.
Gradually, the number of industry homicides dropped into the 20s, then into the teens and, then, slipped down into the single digits.
In 2019, the number of jewelers killed on the job was zero.
While Kennedy said he recognizes it won’t always stay at zero, he takes great satisfaction in thinking about all the lives members of the industry have saved by working together.
“It’s a great achievement for a trade organization, and an industry, to make such a claim,” he said.
A screen shot of Law Roach, outfitted in Bulgari, accepting the Gem Award for Jewelry Style at Thursday night’s virtual event
In accepting his award, John Kennedy gave a speech that was pre-recorded at Cipriani 42nd Street, where the Gem Awards normally take place.
Jewelers of America’s Director of PR & Events Amanda Gizzi, left, and Gem Awards Chair Randi Udell Alper hosted the virtual event, also pre-recording their segments at Cipriani.
Roach, the Gem Award for Jewelry Style recipient, is the architect behind many of the most recent standout moments on the red carpet, and was just named “Stylist of the Year” by The Hollywood Reporter.
Remember Anya Taylor-Joy at the Golden Globes? That was Roach.
Zendaya channeling Beyoncé at the BET Awards? That was Roach too.
In accepting the Gem Award, Roach, a native of the Southside of Chicago who got his start running vintage clothing stores in New York and Chicago, said he considers jewelry to be the “cherry on top” of any outfit.
“Right after you zip the dress, it completes the look and it makes people feel even more beautiful.”
He said receiving an award from Jewelers of America was particularly special because jewelry means a lot to him.
“It’s very aspirational,” Roach said. “It’s that thing you’re able to obtain when you work hard.”
The virtual event also featured two tributes.
The first was for the members of the industry who stepped up to advocate for increased diversity and equity in fine jewelry in the midst of the racial reckoning in 2020, as well as those individuals and companies that donated time and money to help those impacted by COVID-19.
The second was for the late Elsa Peretti, the innovative and game-changing jewelry designer who died in March at the age of 80.
Peretti was remembered as a “shy and humble human being” who was passionate and driven, and gave to the world not only through her talent as a jewelry designer but also through her charity.
The Nando and Elsa Peretti Foundation focuses on giving to projects that work to defend human rights—particularly women’s and children’s rights—combat poverty, and conserve the environment.
Elsa created the charity in 2000, naming it after herself and her father Ferdinando, who died in 1977.
Over the years, the foundation has given €16 million to the various causes its supports.
The Gem Awards traditionally take place in January but was delayed because of COVID-19 concerns. The committee eventually opted to make this year’s event online only.
Plans call for the Gem Awards—which will mark its 20th anniversary next year—to return to Cipriani on Friday, Jan. 14, 2022.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CollectionsJul 17, 2025
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.
Supplier BulletinJul 17, 2025
The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025: Your Holiday Preparations, All Wrapped Up! Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025
SurveysJul 17, 2025
The Most Recommended Brands in the World, According to YouGovGlobally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.
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.
IndependentsJul 17, 2025
Gina Ferranti of GiGi Ferranti Jewelry Dies at 59The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.
Weekly QuizJul 10, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJul 17, 2025
Rio Tinto Names New CEO, Production Rises at DiavikProduction at the mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories topped 1 million carats in Q2, the third consecutive quarter of growth.
SurveysJul 16, 2025
Signet Jewelers Falls Lower on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListThe middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
FinancialsJul 16, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Up 7% in Q1It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.
WatchesJul 16, 2025
The Top-Selling Rolex Models of the Last 15 Years, According to Bob’s Watches The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.
AuctionsJul 16, 2025
Christie’s To Honor Dinh Van With ExhibitionThe auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.
IndependentsJul 16, 2025
Clyde Duneier Ushers In Fourth GenerationJake Duneier and Danielle Duneier-Goldberg have stepped into the roles of CEO and president, respectively.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Calls Attention to Nature’s ImpermanenceThe “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.
MajorsJul 15, 2025
James Avery Expands to 2 More StatesThe Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.
IndependentsJul 15, 2025
Ben Bridge Jeweler Acquires Olympic ManufacturingIn addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Guzema Debuts First Colored Gemstone JewelryThe “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.
MajorsJul 14, 2025
Nanis Opens First StoreThe seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.
IndependentsJul 14, 2025
It’s the Summer of Love at Long’s JewelersThe New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.
SourcingJul 14, 2025
Ethical Gem Fair Heads to SeattleThe trade-only event will host its debut fair in the Emerald City later this month.
Events & AwardsJul 11, 2025
The Edge’s Annual Conference Returns in SeptemberIts sessions will focus on inventory strategies, staff performance, retention and acquisition, emerging market trends, and more.
CollectionsJul 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: Miseno’s ‘Arco’ EarringsFor its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.
Policies & IssuesJul 11, 2025
James Avery to Donate $1M to Texas Hill Country Relief EffortsThe jewelry company is one of several contributing to relief efforts in the region after the recent floods.
TrendsJul 11, 2025
Kelly Osbourne’s Engagement Ring Is Sweet as HoneyInspired by fiancé Sid Wilson’s nickname for her, the white and yellow diamond ring features a unique honeycomb design.
CollectionsJul 10, 2025
Penny Preville Celebrates 5 Decades of Jewelry DesignThe brand is marking its 50th anniversary with a limited-edition bangle, high jewelry suites, new collections, and more.
IndependentsJul 10, 2025
Steven Goldfarb to Retire, Close Alvin Goldfarb JewelerGoldfarb said changes in the industry, coupled with his age and the updates needed to modernize his business, drove his decision.
MajorsJul 10, 2025
LVMH Names New Chairman, CEO of the AmericasLongtime LVMH executive Michael Burke has stepped into the role.
Events & AwardsJul 10, 2025
IAC Gold and Diamond Conference Returns to NYC Central topics of next week’s event include climate action, labor rights, artisan preservation, and value retention in producing countries.
