The Jewelry Information Center held its Ninth Annual GEM Awards gala Jan. 7 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York.
The event featured Hollywood, jewelry, and sports icons including Jennifer Hudson, Neil Lane, and Boomer Esiason.
Jennifer Hudson and Neil Lane (Photo courtesy of JIC)
JIC's GEM Awards recognizes outstanding achievements of individuals and companies whose work raises the visibility of fine jewelry and watches. Lloyd Boston, a style expert, author, and Emmy-nominated host of HDTV’s Closet Cases, hosted the gala.
Academy Award and Grammy winner Jennifer Hudson presented the GEM Award for Jewelry Style to celebrity jeweler Neil Lane. Hudson came to the event wearing Lane’s fancy-colored diamond and platinum chandelier earrings, white and fancy-colored diamond and platinum cuff, and a white and fancy-colored diamond and platinum cocktail ring.
Actress Cynthia Nixon, star of Sex and the City, presented the GEM Award for Journalistic Excellence to Marie Claire magazine editor in chief Joanna Coles, in honor of the magazine’s reporting on fine jewelry and watches.
Cynthia Nixon and Joanna Coles (Photo courtesy of JIC)
Breitling USA president Marie Bodman accepted the GEM Award for Corporate Communications on behalf of the international watch company. Breitling was recognized for its marketing and cohesive brand messaging. Former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason, a Breitling ambassador, presented the award via video.
Martin Gatins, Cartier; Marie Bodman, Breitling; Steven Kaiser, Kasier Time (Photo courtesy of JIC)
Dr. Jeffrey E. Post, curator of the U.S. National Gem and Mineral Collection at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, received the GEM Award for Lifetime Achievement from Jewelers of America president & CEO Matthew A. Runci.
Matthew A. Runci, Jewelers of America; Dr. Jeffrey E. Post, The Smithsonian (Photo courtesy of JIC)
The program ended with a special video honoring Dr. Post from former Secretary of State Dr. Madeleine Albright, the recipient of the 2010 GEM Award for Style.