Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
JA Names 2019 Recipient of Gem Lifetime Achievement Award
It goes to a gentleman who heads the U.S. market for a major luxury watch brand and whose retirement was just confirmed.
New York—Jewelers of America and the Gem Awards Committee announced Wednesday their pick for the 2019 Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement.
And the honor goes to … Stewart Wicht, the president and CEO of Rolex Watch U.S.A. Inc.
Held annually, the Gem Awards gala honors individuals or companies whose work “raises the visibility and status of fine jewelry and watches,” with the Lifetime Achievement award given to those who have done so over the course of a career.
Recent honorees have included watch journalist Joe Thompson, retailer Jim Rosenheim and, last year, marketer Sally Morrison.
In selecting Wicht, Gem Awards Chair Olivier Stip of Chanel described him as a “bigger-than-life personality and an astute businessman” who elevated Rolex’s partnerships with its dealers during his eight years heading the U.S. market.
Wicht is also very generous with his time. He supports several trade organizations, making him an undisputed leader in the watchmaking world, Stip said, noting: “We are honored to be presenting Stewart with the 2019 Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement.”
A native of London who spent his formative years living in England, Pakistan and India, Wicht’s career at Rolex spans more than 40 years, beginning in 1975 with Rolex SA in Geneva.
While working in Switzerland, he oversaw markets in Asia and the South Pacific for the luxury watch brand, and established and managed the intellectual property department. In 2011, Wicht relocated to New York to become the president and CEO of Rolex Watch U.S.A. where he heads a team of more than 500 people.
He has served on the boards of a number of industry and cultural organizations, including the American Gem Society, the American Swiss Foundation and the International Tennis Hall of Fame. In addition, he has been the chairperson of the Jewelers Security Alliance for the past three years.
He resides in New York City with his wife, Susan, and his daughter, Fiona.
Although the longtime Rolex executive is slated to retire in December, Wicht will remain on the board of the directors of Rolex Watch U.S.A.
The 2019 Gem Awards gala will take place Friday, Jan. 11 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
JA and the Gem Awards committee will be announcing additional honorees and nominees in the near future.
For more details on the 2019 gala, including tickets and sponsorships, visit Jewelers.org/GemAwards.
The Latest
The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
The money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
The 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
NDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
B&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
It’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
Emily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
Its updated book for mountings is also now available.
She has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
Joyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.