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London Jewelers’ Mark and Candy Udell Receive GEM Lifetime Achievement Award

The annual ceremony also honored Ana Khouri, Sylvia Furmanovich, Thomas Waller and Jessica McCormack.

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1 month ago

March 16, 2026

INSTORE Staff

London Jewelers’ Mark and Candy Udell Receive GEM Lifetime Achievement Award

Photo by BFA/Matteo Prandoni

NEW YORK — Jewelers of America presented the 24th annual GEM Awards on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.

Mark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers received the GEM Award for Lifetime Achievement. Ana Khouri received the GEM Award for High Jewelry Excellence, presented by Linda Evangelista. Sylvia Furmanovich won the GEM Award for Jewelry Design, presented by 2025 winner Beth Hutchens of FoundRae; other nominees were Cece Fein-Hughes and Catherine Sarr. Thomas Waller received the GEM Award for Media Excellence, presented by 2025 winner Sam Broekema; other nominees were Nicole Martine Chapoteau and Emili Vesilind. Jessica McCormack won the GEM Award for Retail Innovation, with the award accepted on stage by Leonie Brantberg and presented by 2025 GEM Award for Retail Excellence recipients Yael Reinhold and Mildred Marcano of Reinhold Jewelers; other nominees were Day’s Jewelers and Emily Chelsea Jewelry. David Yurman presented the David Yurman GEM Awards Grant to Johnny Nelson.

“The David Yurman GEM Awards Grant is our commitment to the next generation of talent in innovative jewelry design,” said David Yurman. “What truly sets Johnny apart is the meaning embedded in his work. His designs fuse his own heritage, identity, and artistry, creating pieces that spark conversation and invite reflection.”

The Lifetime Achievement Award presentation included an introduction from Jim Haag of Verdura. “I always have gotten the feeling that their hearts prevail over all decisions,” Haag said of the Udells. “They just know what to do and when to do it.”

“We didn’t build this company thinking about recognition — we built it thinking about people and relationships,” said Candy Udell in her acceptance remarks. “Our relationships are built on mutual trust and respect, something we hold dearly in our hearts.”

The 2026 GEM Awards was chaired by Marion Fasel of The Adventurine. Committee members included Sarin Bachmann, JCK & Luxury; David Bonaparte, Jewelers of America; Sam Broekema, Natural Diamond Council; Gannon Brousseau, COUTURE; Annie Doresca, Jewelers of America/Diamond Council of America; Tanya Dukes; Dorit Engel, Chanel; Jennifer Gandia, Greenwich St. Jewelers; Michelle Graff, National Jeweler; Lauren Harwell Godfrey, Harwell Godfrey; Sally Morrison, De Beers Group; Rebecca Moskal, COMMUNIQUÉ; and Jill Newman.

For more information and event photos, visit jewelers.org/gemawards.

INSTORE Staff

Since launching in 2002, INSTORE has won 89 international journalism awards for its publication and website. Contact INSTORE's editors at [email protected].

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