Susan Jacques
(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 that Susan M. Jacques, President and CEO of GIA, will be the recipient of the GEM Award for Lifetime Achievement at the 22nd annual GEM Awards taking place on Friday, March 8, 2024, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
The GEM Awards gala honors the outstanding achievements of individuals or companies whose work raises the visibility and status of fine jewelry and watches. Jacques was selected by the GEM Awards Committee for her countless achievements, years of industry service, and her leadership over the course of her long career in the jewelry industry.
“We are elated to be able to present the GEM Award for Lifetime Achievement to Susan Jacques. Susan is a cherished member of the jewelry industry and her commitment to our industry’s success is unwavering. It has been a pleasure to serve alongside Susan throughout her career at Borsheim’s and now with GIA,” says JA President & CEO David J. Bonaparte.
Jacques was appointed GIA’s president and CEO in January 2014. Before joining GIA, she served as president and CEO of Borsheim’s Fine Jewelry and Gifts in Omaha, Nebraska, for 20 years and reported directly to Warren Buffett. She served as the honorary chair of the Friends of the Diamond Development Initiative, as a trustee of the Ethical Alliance, as a member of the board of advisors to the Black In Jewelry Coalition and on the boards of Jewelers of America, Jewelers for Children, Jewelers Vigilance Committee, the Omaha Chamber of Commerce and Creighton University in Omaha. She is also a member of the 24 Karat Club of New York and Jewelers of America.
In addition to the GEM Award for Lifetime Achievement, Jewelers of America will be announcing the other GEM Award categories and nominees in the coming weeks.
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For details on the 22nd annual GEM Awards, to purchase sponsorships, tickets or to show your support for Susan through journal ads in the GEM Awards Journal, visit www.jewelers.org/gemawards.
About Jewelers of America and GEM Awards
Jewelers of America (JA) is the national trade association for businesses serving the fine jewelry marketplace, with the primary purpose of improving consumer confidence in the jewelry industry. Visit www.jewelers.org for more information.
GEM Awards is the fine jewelry industry’s premier accolade gala, which recognizes the achievements of individuals and companies whose work raises the visibility and status of fine jewelry & watches. Proceeds from GEM Awards directly benefit valuable industry programs that enhance JA’s mission to improve consumer confidence in jewelry and watches. Visit www.jewelers.org/gemawards.
GIA – An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat Weight and, in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System which is recognized around the world as the standard for diamond quality. Through research, education, gemological laboratory services and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science and professionalism. Visit GIA.edu.
