Tickets are still available for the seventh annual Jewelry Information Center GEM Awards gala to be held Friday. The event will honor two individuals and one company that represent the best in the fine jewelry and watch industry. For more information regarding tickets, please contact Helena Krodel at 646-658-5819.

The honorees to be feted at the event are Glenda Bailey, editor-in-chief since 2001 of Harper’s Bazaar magazine, who will be recognized with a Gem Award for Excellence in Journalism. Chopard with its “Tradition of Excellence” will be presented with the GEM Awards for Corporate Communications. Hip-hop pioneer Russell Simmons will accept the GEM Award in the category of Jewelry Style.

“Each of the 2009 honorees adds a special dimension to our industry. In their own unique and qualified voice, each honoree raises the visibility and status of fine jewelry and watches as a gift of love directly to a wide range of consumers. This has been Jewelry Information Center’s mission for over 64 years,” says David Bouffard Jewelry Information Center board chairman. “We’re proud to recognize the contributions that the 2009 JIC honorees make to our industry.”

The event will be held at Cipriani 42nd Street. Samantha Harris (pictured) will be the new host and master of ceremonies. She is most well-known as the co-host with Tom Bergeron of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars.

JIC launched the GEM Awards in 2003 to honor leaders in our industry and in the media. Through the support of Jewelry Information Center and its fundraising gala, the GEM Awards, the venue has become one of the premiere events in the fine jewelry and watch industry.

JCK