Press Releases

Stephen Webster to Host 2017 GEM Awards

Published

7 years ago

November 16, 2016

INSTORE Staff

(Press Release) New York, NY – Jewelers of America announced that jewelry designer Stephen Webster will host the 15th Annual GEM Awards on Jan. 13.

The event will be held at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York.

The trade association’s GEM Awards gala recognizes the achievements of individuals and companies whose work raises the visibility and status of fine jewelry and watches.

“We are thrilled that Stephen Webster has agreed to host the 15th Annual GEM Awards,” says GEM Award Chair Norman Miller. “After Stephen presented the GEM Award for Jewelry Design last year, there was immediate consensus with the GEM Awards Committee that Stephen would be a terrific host for our milestone event.”

Inspirations and influences for Webster’s creativity include English eccentricity, American iconography, wildlife, the high life, literature, theater, pop culture, the ocean and the animal kingdom.

The designer has a workshop and design studio in Mayfair, a flagship store on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and a salon on London’s super chic Mount Street. In recent years his company has expanded globally with close to 200 points of sale worldwide including the United Kingdom, U.S., Russia, Dubai, Japan and Hong Kong.

“Despite carrying the burden of a funny accent and a warped sense of unfiltered humor, the powers that be have asked me to host this year’s GEM awards,” Webster says. “I’m honored and looking forward to it. My wife is equally dreading it but wouldn’t miss it. Accepting that the engagement comes with responsibilities, the values of the awards committee and the nominees will be respected at all times. My name is Stephen Webster, and I endorse this message.”

Portions of the GEM Awards program will be available via Facebook Live on the GEM Awards Facebook Page. The 2017 GEM Awards will also honor Jim Rosenheim, chairman of Tiny Jewel Box, with the prestigious GEM Award for Lifetime Achievement award and present GEM Awards in other categories including Jewelry Design, Marketing and Communications, Media Excellence and Watch Excellence.

For more information about GEM Awards, visit www.jewelers.org/gemawards.

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”