Designers Hiba Husayni, Vram Minassian, and Francesca Villa are among the nine nominees for the 2027 Gem Awards, Jewelers of America announced Nov. 9.
In the jewelry design category, Husayni, founder and designer of ZAHN-Z, is nominated alongside Minassian, founder and designer of Vram, and Villa, founder and designer of her eponymous brand.
Husayni was a finalist for the 2026 inaugural David Yurman Gem Awards Grant. Minassian produces sculptural jewelry from his Los Angeles studio, and Villa is known for combining Italian craftsmanship with vintage finds and unconventional materials.
Competing for the retail innovation award are Muse @ Nordstrom, which brings independent fine jewelry to Nordstrom through a gallery-style retail concept; cruise retailer Starboard, which operates across 87 ships and 14 cruise lines; and The 1916 Company, whose more than 20 boutiques and lounges span the United States, Switzerland, and Asia.
The finalists for media excellence are Miguel Enamorado, accessories director at Harper’s Bazaar; Caroline Grosso, editor-in-chief of L’Officiel USA and L’Officiel Hommes; and Sonia Esther Soltani, former editor-in-chief of Rapaport and founder of The Portrait Cut.
Stuller founder and executive chairman of the board Matt Stuller will receive the 2027 Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement.
Jewelers of America also announced the return of the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, which will award an emerging fine jewelry designer $50,000 plus mentoring sessions with David Yurman executives and other industry leaders.
The program is open to designers who have operated their own businesses for at least three years and are based and manufacture in the United States. Applications are being accepted through Dec. 2.
A selection committee will choose five finalists to make in-person presentations before selecting the winner, who will be introduced at the March 12 awards ceremony. Johnny Nelson received the inaugural grant in 2026.
Established in 2002, the Gem Awards recognize achievements in the fine jewelry and watch industries. Winners will be announced at the 25th annual Gem ceremony on March 12, 2027, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
The JCK News Desk uses AI to help research and produce the first draft of articles. This story was then reviewed by staff writer David Blomquist.
(Top photo: courtesy of Jewelers of America)
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