The Jewelry Information Center’s fourth annual Gem Awards will be held Jan. 13, 2006, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. The event recognizes journalistic excellence by members of the consumer media who have given superior coverage to the fine jewelry and watch industries. In addition, an excellence in marketing and promotion award as well as a lifetime achievement award will be given to two outstanding industry corporations.

The lifetime achievement award will be presented to Helen Fortunoff of Fortunoff. The excellence in marketing award will be given to Roberto Coin for successfully building its brand awareness among consumers. Pamela Fiori of Town & Country will be accepting an award for journalistic excellence and coverage its staff. Katie Couric, co-anchor of Today, will accept the broadcast excellence award for continually increasing consumer awareness and excitement for fine jewelry.

Deborah Norville has signed on for the fourth time as the evening’s mistress of ceremonies.

The black tie evening will begin at 6:30 p.m. with cocktails, followed by dinner and the awards presentation and will conclude with a dessert hour.

Tickets, sold for $600, will go on sale soon. Anyone interested in sponsoring the event, purchasing a ticket, table, or an ad in the journal should contact Jewelry Information Center quickly at 646-658-0240 as space is limited and the event sells out quickly.

Steven Kaiser of Kaiser Time, Inc. is serving as the event chairman. Terri Eagle of John Hardy who is serving as the journal chair.

JCK