Senior Editor Brecken Branstrator chooses the pieces she’d most want to see in person.
For the Industry, It Will Be a Quiet January in New York
Gem Awards was moved to July, while the 24 Karat Club has canceled its annual banquet, and JSA and JVC are taking their events virtual.

New York—It will be a quiet January in New York City for the jewelry industry, with all the usual start-of-the-year galas and luncheons canceled, postponed or happening online only in 2021.
Earlier this week, Jewelers of America said it was moving the 2021 Gem Awards from January to July in the hopes people will be able to safely gather indoors in large numbers by the summer.
The announcement followed news from the 24 Karat Club of New York City and the Jewelers Vigilance Committee about the status of their annual January events.
Early last month, the 24 Karat Club announced that for only the third time in its 118-year history, it was canceling its annual banquet because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The only other cancelations came during times of war, in 1918 and 1943.
Chairman Jeffrey Fischer said while the club was “incredibly disappointed” to have to cancel, it did so out of respect for the health and safety of members and guests.
“The club’s board looked at a variety of options, including a scaled-back event, but it was clear that canceling it altogether was the only responsible choice,” he said.
The 24 Karat Club also canceled its spring and summer events, including the Summer Celebration and Golf Outing, a first for the club, and will be holding its fall membership meetings virtually, also a first.
The Jewelers Vigilance Committee said in late August it was planning on a virtual event to replace its annual in-person luncheon in January.
The event is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 8, 2021, and will include the announcement of several new initiatives designed to support the industry.
“The annual event provides the opportunity for JVC to raise funds for the important industry initiatives we bring to our members and help continue our mission of encouraging ethics and integrity within our industry,” President and CEO Tiffany Stevens said.
“We’re excited to offer an event that will allow attendees to join together for an afternoon of celebration and networking as well as to honor someone deserving from our industry with our Stanley Schechter award.”
The JVC said registration details are forthcoming.
In addition, Jewelers’ Security Alliance President John J. Kennedy confirmed to National Jeweler his organization’s annual luncheon also will be virtual in 2021.
The usual awards will be presented—for law enforcement and for industry service—and there also will be one or more brief presentations on
The Latest

The actress joins Zendaya and others in a new advertising campaign.

Owner Steve Delzio shares his thoughts on retirement after nearly five decades in the jewelry industry.

When it comes to knowing the identity and quality of your pearls, count on GIA as your independent pearl experts.

“I Fear for This Boy” takes readers through the ups and downs of his business and is available for pre-order now.


“Today’s Wedding Jewelry Consumer” shares data about engagement ring market size, lab-grown and natural diamonds, and more.

Columnist Lilian Raji wants to walk you through the customer journey. But first, she’d like you to answer a few questions.

Advanced technology levels the playing field, helping jewelers give customers what they want.

The jewelry company is moving into bridal just a month after branching out into the watch world.

The 2008 economic crisis, COVID-19, and sanctions on Russian goods have set the stage for an interesting decade for natural diamond supply.

Kaiser, whose illustrious career spanned decades, died suddenly on Friday.

The family-owned jeweler is relocating its Braintree, Massachusetts, store to a new space.

He will step into the retailer’s newly created role of chief development officer.

GemIntro is meant to give a broad introduction to gems and gemology.

Three industry experts discuss “recycled” gold vs. mined, their challenges and benefits, and how jewelers can navigate the area.

Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Buccellati put on stellar performances.

The New York jeweler made this incredible, colorful Art Deco bracelet featuring tropical birds in 1927.

From a slowdown in sales growth to rising costs, Fruchtman Marketing outlines its expectations for the second half of the year.

Once a part of Julius Klein Group, the diamond company combines its direct supply and cutting expertise with a keen eye to the future.

One analyst cited rising diamond prices and the sanctions on Alrosa as contributing factors.

The two have partnered on a capsule collection.
John A. Green of retailer Lux Bond & Green and Niveet Nagpal of Omi Privé have joined the board of directors as of May 18.

The retailer also said demand for Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet watches continues to exceed its supply.

The auction house’s upcoming sale also includes collections from American heiresses.

The Connecticut jeweler reflected on five decades in the industry and what the future holds for the family business.

The chapter has organized a day trip to the Sterling Hill Mine and Museum in Ogdensburg on Saturday, May 21.

The stones come from a deposit close to Mahenge and have been on the market for several months.