Designer Finalists Selected for First David Yurman Gem Awards Grant

By Karen Dybis | January 22, 2026

The Gem Awards committee has named the five finalists for the inaugural David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, which was created to foster emerging fine jewelry design talent.

The finalists are Hiba Husayni of ZAHN-Z, Jules Kim of Bijules, Johnny Nelson, Dorian Webb, and Lorraine West. The grant award will be presented at the 24th annual Gem Awards, March 13 in New York City (the winner will be announced earlier).

Jewelry brand David Yurman established the grant program in partnership with Jewelers of America, the trade association that runs the Gem Awards, to support a designer who has been in the jewelry business at least three years and shows exceptional promise, according to a statement from the Gem Awards committee.

In addition to a $50,000 grant, the recipient will gain access to mentoring by David Yurman executives and consultations with other industry leaders, the statement said.

David Yurman and the Gem committee selected the finalists from a pool of 90 submissions. Each of the five finalists gave an in-person presentation to committee members, Yurman, and company cofounder Sybil Yurman.

“When we started out, we were two artists—and we learned, step by step, what it takes to merge art and craft into a business,” Sybil Yurman said in the statement. “Those early days were very challenging, which is why we believe so deeply in mentorship and in giving emerging designers real tools and capital to help their growth and development.

“The David Yurman Gem Awards Grant is our commitment to the next generation of extraordinary talent. It serves as a clear expression of our long-term vision and belief in nurturing what’s next,” she said.

Gem Awards chair Marion Fasel said in the statement that the committee was impressed with both the number of submitted entries and the finalists, whom she called a group of extraordinary designers.

“Selecting just one winner will be difficult. However, we look to the Gem Awards community and the industry at large to uplift all of the finalists as we shed light on their stories, collections, and their talent,” Fasel said. “We remain grateful to the team at David Yurman, especially David and Sybil, for their partnership on this incredible grant program.”

Here is more about the five finalists, from the Gem committee’s statement.

Hiba Husayni
Husayni’s lifelong passion for jewelry is deeply intertwined with her commitment to women’s empowerment, and to the joy that lights up a woman’s face when she discovers the perfect piece that reflects her style and individuality. Husayni founded the jewelry brand ZAHN-Z after training as an architect, experience that fuels her creativity.

Jules Kim
Kim is a former New York nightlife impresario who brings a cross-disciplinary perspective to jewelry, shaped by culture, creative exchange, and community building. Her work, including designs for her Bijules brand, is recognized for innovative silhouettes that challenge traditional jewelry and fashion norms, pairing precious metals and gemstones with sculptural, often subversive forms.

Johnny Nelson
Focusing on statement pieces that spark conversation among consumers, Nelson has the raw talent and creative vision to match his passion for jewelry. In his designs, Nelson draws inspiration from his diverse artistic and cultural experiences that merge punk, hip-hop, and spirituality.

Dorian Webb
With a belief that beauty and a sense of connection have societal impact, Webb creates jewelry that celebrates women and African American culture and brings awareness to social justice issues and organizations. Her pieces mark collective and individual presence while fostering conversation and greater mutual understanding.

Lorraine West
West’s handcrafted contemporary and fine jewelry is inspired by an affinity for connecting with people on an intuitive and authentic level. The designer pays homage to her Caribbean roots, mixing bold and minimalist design sensibilities to reflect inner beauty and power.

Top: David Yurman at right, with, clockwise from far left, Dorian Webb, Johnny Nelson, Hiba Husayni, Jules Kim, Marion Fasel, and Lorraine West (photo courtesy of the Gem Awards)