The Jewelry Information Center (JIC) said today that its Gem Awards gala will take place the evening of Friday, January 10, 2003 in New York. The black-tie awards ceremony will be the first of an annual salute to journalistic excellence in coverage of jewelry and related issues.

The event will take place at Cipriani 42nd Street, and will reward consumer magazine, newspaper, and international journalists, as well as Tiffany & Co. for its outstanding marketing campaign, the JIC said. There will also be a Lifetime Achievement Award, live entertainment, and celebrity appearances.

The Gem Awards will be inclusive of all aspects of the industry, says Elizabeth Florence, executive director of the JIC.

“The JIC’s mission is to stimulate consumer desire for all kinds of fine jewelry and watches and to drive traffic to retailers’ doors,” Florence said in a statement. “It is appropriate—and an honor—for us to recognize the media outlets and talented individuals that enable us to effectively do just that.”

Steven Kaiser, JIC’s chairman of the board, said Jim Kerwin of Kerwin Communications will be “working pro bono with us to procure A-list celebrities and entertainment that will create the template for a tradition of Gem Awards evenings.”

The January date will allow those retailers, manufacturers, and other jewelry industry professionals in New York City for the 24 Karat Club event, held the following night, to attend the Gem Awardsm, the JIC said.

Co-chairs for the event are Koichi Takahashi of Mikimoto (America) Co. Ltd. and Lowell Kwiat of Kwiat Inc. The journal chairman is Steven Shonebarger of Bulgari Corp. of America.

JCK