CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
Events & AwardsSep 20, 2017
JA Announces 2018 Gem Award Nominees
And the categories are: Jewelry Design, Media Excellence and, new this year, Retail Innovation.
The nine nominees for the 2018 Gem Awards are, for Jewelry Design (top row, from left to right), Coomi Bhasin, Nikos Koulis and Irene Neuwirth; for Media Excellence, Benjamin Clymer, Marion Fasel and Michelle Graff; and for Retail Innovation, Govberg Jewelers, ByGoldGirl and Moda Operandi.
New York--Jewelers of America has announced the nominees for the 16th annual Gem Awards, which will take place this coming January in New York.
This year, the Gem Awards will recognize nominees in three areas: the traditional Jewelry Design and Media Excellence categories plus Retail Innovation, a new category added this year to recognize those businesses that are evolving along with the retail landscape.
The winners of each will be announced live at the Gem Awards, scheduled for Jan. 19, 2018, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York.
They will join this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Sally Morrison, and actress Debra Messing, a lifelong jewelry lover who’s receiving the Gem Award for Jewelry Style, in being recognized that evening.
And the nominees are …
Jewelry Design
Coomi Bhasin, Coomi. Bhasin launched her namesake line in 2002 and followed up with the launch of Coomi47AG, a silver collection, in 2012. Her hand-finished, hand-set pieces are imbued with her signature style, a blend of a modern and an ancient aura.
Irene Neuwirth, Irene Neuwirth Jewelry. Neuwirth’s leading independent jewelry brand is known for its one-of-a-kind pieces that appeal to a fashion-forward clientele. Her pieces also are a favorite among editors and have been donned by numerous celebrities, most recently “Black-ish” star Tracee Ellis Ross at the Primetime Emmy Awards.
Nikos Koulis, Nikos Koulis Jewels. Koulis, whose family has been in the jewelry business for generations, created his eponymous brand in 2006. His beloved pieces--which are quickly becoming red carpet favorites (hello, Oprah)--showcase his artistic spirt and the intricate craftsmanship derived from the Greek goldsmithing tradition.
Media Excellence
Benjamin Clymer, Hodinkee. Clymer is the founder and CEO of popular online watch magazine Hodinkee, which recently announced it was expanding offline with a biannual print edition. Dubbed “The High Priest of Horology,” Clymer is widely quoted in majors publications such as The New York Times, GQ and The Financial Times.
Marion Fasel, TheAdventurine.com. Fasel is founder and editorial director of TheAdventurine.com, an online magazine that is a reflection of two decades of work as a jewelry editor, author and expert. She has written a total of eight books on the history of 20th century jewelry, including “Bejeweled: Great Designers” and “Hollywood Jewels: Movies, Jewelry, Stars.”
Michelle Graff, National Jeweler. Graff started at National Jeweler in 2007 as the senior editor covering the diamond industry before being promoted to editor-in-chief in 2013. She oversees the content for the website’s daily newsletter and also has revived two of the publication’s popular print issues, “The State of the Majors” and the “Retailer Hall of Fame.”
Retail Innovation
ByGoldGirl. Lauren Kaminsky Goldman operates and curates the jewelry for ByGoldGirl, a unique retail space situated at the entrance of New York City hotspot Beauty & Essex, a restaurant and lounge operated by the Tao Group that now also has locations in Las Vegas and Hollywood.
Govberg Jewelers. Founded in Philadelphia in 1916, Govberg Jewelers has evolved to become one of the country’s most specialized purveyors of luxury timepieces today. Under Danny Govberg, the retailer has merged traditional brick-and-mortar charm with the interest of today’s tech-savvy luxury consumer.
Moda Operandi. A top online luxury retailer, Moda Operandi allows customers to preorder looks straight from the unedited runway collections of designers before they are available elsewhere. Moda is also the company that held the virtual trunk show during Couture this year, making designs available to consumers as soon as they were introduced at the show.
To purchase tickets or find more information about the nominees and sponsorship and advertising opportunities, visit Jewelers.org/GemAwards.
National Jeweler is a for-profit subsidiary of Jewelers of America, which purchased the publication in 2015. The two organizations act independently of each other.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and FriendsChandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK AirportThe boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.
Supplier BulletinDec 18, 2025
Cell Jammers Are Targeting Your Business. Here's How to Beat ThemSponsored by Digital Monitoring Products
CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé PendantThe special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week PicksAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday CampaignThe “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersTwo awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up EarlyBerta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.
AuctionsDec 16, 2025
Suzanne Belperron, JAR Shine in Sotheby’s First Auctions at New HQSotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
TJS Now Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2026Winners will receive free registration and lodging for its fourth annual event in Detroit.
