With a new coronavirus variant and its impact on infection rates, a variety of major jewelry events will move their previously scheduled dates from mid-January to March.

On Wednesday, Jewelers of America (JA) and the Gem Awards Committee announced that the 20th annual Gem Awards, originally scheduled for Jan. 14, 2022, will be postponed due to the rapidly spreading omicron variant of COVID-19.

JA and the Gem Awards Committee said the new date for the awards ceremony is now March 18. The event will take place at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City, organizers said in a statement.

This change also affects another major industry event: The 24 Karat Club banquet, previously set to take place on Jan. 15, will now be held on March 19 at its same New York City venue, Cipriani South Street, organizers said.

Other industry events traditionally taking place the same weekend, including the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) and Jewelers’ Security Alliance (JSA) annual luncheons, have also been postponed. To date, both the JVC and JSA have said they will hold their respective luncheons in person on Friday and Saturday, March 18 and 19.

“In light of the rapid increase in COVID cases due to the omicron variant, JVC has decided to put health and safety first and postpone our annual event. The event, which was previously scheduled for Friday, January 14, 2022, will now be held on Friday, March 18, 2022, at the Pierre hotel,” JVC said on its website.

The annual Gem Awards gala traditionally honors the outstanding achievements of individuals and companies whose work raises the visibility and status of fine jewelry and watches, organizers said.

“With omicron moving quickly through the United States, the Gem Awards Committee and the Jewelers of America board of directors had to make a quick and tough decision to move the Gem Awards,” JA president and CEO David Bonaparte said in a statement. “The health and safety of our guests is our top priority. We look forward to getting everyone together in March to celebrate our incredible honorees and nominees and thank everyone for their understanding,”

In a statement released Wednesday, 24 Karat Club chairman Bobby Kempler echoed his group’s concern for the well-being of attendees: “While we had all hoped the pandemic would be behind us by now and we could again gather to celebrate, the safety of our members and guests is paramount. For this reason, the board felt it prudent to postpone the banquet by two months.”

Kempler also noted this is the first time in 100 years that the historic banquet would be held at a time other than its traditional January weekend.

“The boards of both organizations closely aligned to ensure the jewelry industry can continue to come together during one celebratory weekend when it is safe to do so,” the Gem Awards statement said.

All Gem Awards sponsorships and tickets will be automatically transferred to the new March date.

Previously, JA announced that as of Aug. 17, 2021, proof of COVID-19 vaccine is required to attend the Gem Awards due to New York City’s Key to NYC vaccine mandate. All guests must also complete a COVID-19 liability waiver prior to attending the awards ceremony. These guidelines are subject to change.

The 2022 Gem Award nominees in Jewelry Design are: Lauren Harwell Godfrey of Harwell Godfrey, Brent Neale Winston of Brent Neale, and Beth Bugdaycay of Foundrae. Media Excellence nominees are Annabel Davidson, Melanie Grant, and Daisy Shaw-Ellis. Retail Excellence nominees are Marissa Collections, Muse, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

The 2022 Gem Awards will also honor Stephen Lussier of De Beers with its Lifetime Achievement Award.

Top: Although it had to move its Gem Awards ceremony, Jewelers of America says the rescheduled event will be “worth the wait” (image courtesy of Jewelers of America).

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