NEW YORK, Jan. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Jewelry Information Center (JIC) – the consumer education arm of Jewelers of America – held its 12th Annual GEM Awards gala on January 10, 2014 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York. The evening – considered the Academy Awards of the jewelry industry – gathered over 500 of the jewelry and watch industry’s elite as well as jewelry and watch adorned celebrities. GEM Awards were given to recognize the outstanding achievements of individuals whose work raises the visibility of fine jewelry and watches.
The first award of the evening was presented by Marion Fasel, contributing editor of fine jewelry and watches for InStyle and past GEM Award winner. The GEM Award for Media Excellence was given to Victoria Gomelsky, editor in chief of JCK, whose freelance work has appeared in the International Herald Tribune, the New York Times and WSJ Magazine among others. The two other nominees for Media Excellence were Benjamin Clymer and Beth Bernstein.
Audrina Patridge, host of NBC’s “First Look”, presented the GEM Award for Communications to Tiffany & Co. With a commitment to quality, craftsmanship and excellent customer service, the masterpieces of Tiffany & Co. have defined style, celebrated the world’s great love stories and graced major events for more than 175 years. The two other nominees for Communications were LoveGold, an initiative for the World Gold Council, and Tacori.
Alexis Bittar, jewelry designer, presented the GEM Award for Design to Kara Ross. Kara’s designs are known for their bold and unique use of exotic skins and gemstones across several jewelry lines, handbags and belts. The two other nominees in the Design category were Irene Neuwirth and Monica Rich Kosann.
The evening concluded with the presentation of the GEM Award for Lifetime Achievement to Marie Helene Morrow, owner of Reinhold Jewelers in Puerto Rico. Morrow’s passion for cultivating talent and building relationships with artists and luxury brands has made Reinhold Jewelers a name to be reckoned with in the industry for more than 35 years.
Lara Spencer, co-host of “Good Morning America,” hosted the gala wearing a one-of-a-kind Gemfields Zambian emerald bead necklace created by Marina B. Set with 652.15 carats of emeralds and 1.72 carats of diamonds.