IndependentsSep 29, 2025
Nina Pugliese, Longtime Henne Jewelers Employee, Dies at 65She was remembered as a creative and generous woman of faith, who also had a sweet tooth.
Events & AwardsOct 09, 2020
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.
This week’s announcement that the Gem Awards is moving to July means none of the usual industry event will take place in New York in January 2021. Pictured here is a shot from the 2020 Gem Awards, where Ed Bridge (center) was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. (Photo credit: Benjamin Lozovsky/BFA.com)
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 state of crime against the industry.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
MajorsSep 29, 2025
Overnight Releases New Bridal CatalogThe “Volume 7” bridal catalog features best-selling engagement rings, trending styles, and a new section highlighting anniversary bands.
IndependentsSep 29, 2025
Mark Henry Jewelry to Debut in CanadaThe New York-based brand is set to launch a limited-time offering for the holiday season at Holt Renfrew in Toronto.
TrendsSep 29, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Ear FocusMove over neck mess, the ear story is the way to make a layering statement today.
Weekly QuizSep 25, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysSep 26, 2025
Online Shopping, Influencers to Drive Holiday Spending, Mastercard SaysHoliday sales growth is expected to slow as consumers grapple with inflation and tariff-related uncertainty.
TrendsSep 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kwit Jewelry’s Square Signet Pinky RingThe red and azure colorway is one of many fun enamel pairings offered, bringing whimsy to the classic style of a monogramed signet ring.
Brought to you by
reDollar.com Is Rolling Out the Next Level Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Consignment ProgramWith their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.
Policies & IssuesSep 25, 2025
JA CEO Provides Tariff Update Following Annual Fly-InA trade deal with Switzerland seems probable, but reaching an agreement with India remains a challenge, David Bonaparte said.
SourcingSep 25, 2025
2 African Countries Aim to Take Stake in De Beers Botswana’s president said his country wants a controlling share, while Angola envisions multiple countries holding minority stakes.
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2025
Kira Jewels Expands Lab-Grown Diamond ProductionThe manufacturer is adding 1,400 chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactors to its growing facility in India.
IndependentsSep 25, 2025
Alex Moss’ New Flagship Brings Bold Jewels to SoHoThe jeweler to the stars has worked with Drake, A$AP Rocky, Tyler the Creator, and other celebrities.
WatchesSep 25, 2025
Wilson & Son Jewelers Donates to the Horological Society of New YorkThe Scarsdale, New York-based jeweler donated a professional-grade watch cleaning machine.
Policies & IssuesSep 24, 2025
Tariffs Throw Diamond Trade Into DisarrayThe 50 percent tariffs on diamonds shipped from India to the U.S. have pushed midstream manufacturers to the edge.
SourcingSep 24, 2025
De Beers Adopts New Strategies to Drive Natural Diamond Demand in IndiaDe Beers’ refreshed, multipronged approach, which includes generic promotions and retail partnerships, is delivering positive dividends.
Policies & IssuesSep 24, 2025
For Jewelry Manufacturers, Higher Tariffs Create Long-Term WorriesThey are trying to balance the need to sustain well-established relationships with the pressure higher tariffs have put on margins.
SourcingSep 24, 2025
A Helping Hand: An Effort to Boost Inclusivity in the IndustryJewelry manufacturer Jewelex has partnered with JOSH, an industry training center, on a program for people with disabilities.
CollectionsSep 24, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Goes Back in Time With First Estate CollectionThe collection includes pieces dating back to the Victorian and Art Deco periods as well as mid-century and late 20th-century designs.
Policies & IssuesSep 24, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Names Marcus ter Haar as President-ElectHe previously served as co-chair of the nonprofit’s beneficiary committee.
CollectionsSep 24, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s New Jane Goodall Collection Calls for PeaceIts second collaboration with the conservationist features jewelry with dove and olive branch motifs.
SourcingSep 24, 2025
SRK Launches Kriam PharmaThe diamond manufacturer’s new company will provide accessible and affordable high-quality medicines across India.
ColumnistsSep 23, 2025
Quiet Luxury: What Fall’s Top Trend Means for JewelersEmmanuel Raheb shares tips on how a jeweler’s showcases, marketing, and social media presence can whisper, instead of shout.
MajorsSep 23, 2025
Ames Watson Completes $140M Acquisition of Claire’sThe private equity firm has a plan to revive the mall staple.
SourcingSep 23, 2025
Super Smalls’ New Book Introduces Kids to Gems, Fine JewelryThe “Super Book of Gems” dives into the Mohs Hardness Scale, the Four C’s, and designs from jewelers like Cartier and Bulgari.
MajorsSep 23, 2025
Mattioli Names Kering Exec as New CEOClaudio Pasta will take the lead at the Italian fine jewelry brand, succeeding company founder Licia Mattioli.
CollectionsSep 23, 2025
Monique Lhuillier Adds Fashion Jewelry to Kay Jewelers LineThe new lab-grown diamond jewelry offering is the latest expansion of the designer’s “Bliss” collection.
SourcingSep 22, 2025
Rio Tinto Announces Final ‘Beyond Rare’ TenderThe miner is honoring the end of an era with an offering of 52 lots from the now-closed Argyle and the soon-to-close Diavik mines.
