(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK – Jewelers of America (JA), the national trade association for businesses serving the fine jewelry marketplace, and the GEM Awards Committee announce the winners of the 22nd annual GEM Awards that took place Friday, March 8, 2024 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. Susan M. Jacques, President and CEO of GIA, was the recipient of the GEM Award for Lifetime Achievement. Tiffany & Co. was presented with a Special Recognition Award and Cynthia Erivo was the recipient of the GEM Award for Jewelry Style. The winners in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence and Retail Excellence were revealed live during the event.
Marla Aaron won the GEM Award for Jewelry Design. The award was presented by the 2023 GEM Award for Jewelry Design winner, Anita Ko. The other nominees in the category were Marie Lichtenberg and Jean Prounis.
The GEM Award for Media Excellence went to Tanya Dukes. The other nominees were Milena Lazazzera Martins Alexandre and Alexis Wolfe. The GEM Award was presented by the 2023 winner in the category, Michelle Graff.
Ben Bridge Jeweler won the GEM Award for Retail Excellence, and the award was accepted on stage by their President & CEO Lisa Bridge. The other nominees were Irene Neuwirth and Ylang23. The award was presented by 2023 GEM Award for Retail Excellence winners Jennifer Gandia and Christina Gandia Gambale of Greenwich St. Jewelers.
Tiffany & Co. was presented with a Special Recognition Award for their historic and newly transformed flagship on 57th Street and Fifth Avenue, now known as “The Landmark”, that reintroduces the world to a new Tiffany & Co. The award was accepted by Tiffany & Co President & CEO – Americas Christopher Kilaniotis. It was presented by Aimee Song.
Cynthia Erivo lit up the GEM Awards Stage in her iconic jewelry style as she was presented with the GEM Award for Jewelry Style. “I know that jewelry for a lot of people is simply a sparkly luxury, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes we want to be sparkly and luxurious, but what I get from every piece I own is a time capsule, a moment crystalized, a conversation waiting to be had, a connection yearning to be made, a memory begging never to be forgotten, a power source – and what has struck me in this bejeweled journey, is that I have also been able to connect with some of the most incredible women I have ever met, some who have become like sisters,” said Cynthia Erivo. The award was presented by her friend Ben Platt.
The evening concluded with the presentation of the GEM Award for Lifetime Achievement to Susan M. Jacques, president & CEO of GIA. Susan received a standing ovation from the and gave a heartwarming speech, saying “I have been truly blessed to have had two dream jobs – at Borsheims and now at GIA – in an industry that I am passionate about, working with incredible teams of committed and dedicated colleagues – this is truly a dream come true.” The award was presented by Anna Martin.
For more information on GEM Awards or to view photos from the 2024 GEM Awards visit here.