(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK – Jewelers of America (JA), the national trade association for businesses serving the fine jewelry marketplace, announces the winners of the 21st annual GEM Awards that took place on Friday, March 17, 2023, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York. Steven Kaiser received the posthumous GEM Award for Lifetime Achievement. Gucci was honored with the inaugural GEM Award for High Jewelry Excellence and Hodinkee took home the GEM Award for Watch Excellence.
The winners in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence and Retail Excellence were revealed live to an audience of nearly 600 press and jewelry industry elite.
Anita Ko won the GEM Award for Jewelry Design. The other nominees in the Jewelry Design category were Kirsty Stone of Retrouvaí and David Rees and Ron Anderson of Ten Thousand Things. The award was presented by last year’s GEM Award for Jewelry Design winner Lauren Harwell Godfrey.
The GEM Award for Media Excellence was awarded to Michelle Graff of National Jeweler, presented by past GEM Award winner Melanie Grant. Amy Elliott and Sarah Royce-Greensill were the other talented Media Excellence nominees.
Greenwich St. Jewelers took home the award for GEM Award for Retail Excellence. The other nominees for Retail Excellence were Sotheby’s and Zadok Jewelers. The award was presented by 2022 GEM Award for Retail Excellence winner Jay Hartington of Marissa Collections.
Gucci was presented with the inaugural GEM Award for High Jewelry Excellence. Actress Jodie Turner-Smith presented the award to Susan Chokachi, Chief Brand Officer of Gucci. Upon accepting the award, Susan Chokachi explained, “The collection represents an imaginary journey around space and time, exploring various historical eras and evoking a kaleidoscopic universe where the past and present collide. This vision is emblematic of Gucci, a brand which started in Florence 102 years ago, and has gone on to build global and timeless appeal through its creative vision that celebrates our Italian heritage and incredible craftsmanship.”
Hodinkee was honored with the GEM Award for Watch Excellence. Eneuri Acosta, chief brand officer of Hodinkee, presented the award to Jeffery Fowler, chief executiveoOfficer of Hodinkee.
Steven Kaiser was honored with the posthumous GEM Award for Lifetime Achievement. In addition to serving on many industry boards, Steven Kaiser was also Chairman Emeritus of GEM Awards. Industry colleague and friend John Green of Lux Bond & Green presented the award saying, “The Gem Awards was one of Steve’s favorite nights of the year as he loved seeing the jewelry and watch industry celebrating, rewarding, and networking together. Steve was Mr. Optimistic, in his own quirky way, and would want us to take tonight’s event to build partnerships, elevating the watch and jewelry industry in the competitive world of luxury.”
For more information on GEM Awards or to view photos from the 2023 GEM Awards visit here.