Due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, Jewelers of America has moved its glitzy Gem Awards ceremony from January to July.
The event is now due to take place on July 16, 2021, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. It will kick off a week of industry events in the city, including Jewelers of America’s annual convention, which will be held July 18–19.
The Gem Awards honor the achievements of individuals and companies whose work raises the visibility of fine jewelry and watches.
Randi Udell Alper (pictured), vice president of London Jewelers, has been appointed as the Gem Awards chair. She replaces Olivier Stip of Chanel, who completed his term earlier this year.
The Gem Awards ceremony is one of a number of events that regularly comprises 24 Karat Weekend, the industry’s annual kickoff to the year.
Just about every event scheduled for the weekend has been rescheduled or rethought.
The weekend’s cornerstone, the 24 Karat Club of New York City’s annual banquet, has been canceled for 2021. Jewelers Vigilance Committee and the Jewelers’ Security Alliance plan to hold their annual awards ceremony and luncheon but will conduct their events online.
In a statement, Amanda Gizzi, Jewelers of America’s director of public relations, said that she hopes that the events will “kick off a week of long-awaited reunions and celebrations in New York.
“We plan to host Gem Awards in person, proving it is safe to do so,” she added. “We look forward to bringing some red carpet glamour back to our industry next summer.”
The group has yet to announce its annual honorees. More information on the event can be seen here.
Members of the event committee are Sarin Bachmann, JCK and Luxury, Reed Jewelry Group; David Bonaparte, Jewelers of America; David Bouffard, Signet Jewelers; Gannon Brousseau, Jewelry Group, Emerald Expositions; Tanya Dukes; Dorit Engel, Chanel; Marion Fasel, The Adventurine; Michelle Graff, National Jeweler; Will Kahn; Matthew Rosenheim, Tiny Jewel Box; and Steven Kaiser, chairman emeritus.
(Image courtesy of Jewelers of America)
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