Though its website has been down for a week, Christie’s proceeded with its jewelry and watch auctions on May 13-14, bringing in nearly $80 million.
Here are the Winners of the 2017 Gem Awards
Kay Jewelers, Bulgari and Patek Philippe were the evening’s big winners alongside Lifetime Achievement honoree Jim Rosenheim.
New York--Cipriani 42nd Street was abuzz with jewelry industry executives, store owners, editors and designers Friday night when it played host to the 15th annual Gem Awards, organized by Jewelers of America.
Stephen Webster acted as this year’s emcee, and the gregarious designer proved himself a natural as presenters were called up on stage throughout the night to give out awards in four categories.
W Magazine’s Grace Fuller won the award for Media Excellence, Kay Jewelers took home the award for Marketing & Communications while Bulgari’s Lucia Silvestri won in the Jewelry Design category.
The Gem Award for Watch Excellence, meanwhile, went to Swiss watchmaker Patek Philippe.
As previously announced, Jim Rosenheim, chairman of Tiny Jewel Box in Washington, D.C., was the evening’s Lifetime Achievement Award winner, and he took the stage last.
Rosenheim spoke of his trouble crafting his acceptance speech, joking that Meryl Streep had just plagiarized it at the Golden Globe Awards.
On a more serious note, the longtime jeweler thanked his late parents, who opened Tiny Jewel Box during the Great Depression, for always setting the business apart from competitors.
Rosenheim recounted a conversation he had in his youth with his father: “I asked him, ‘Why didn’t you do what everybody else did?’ He said to me, ‘I want people to come to me not because I’m convenient but because I’m special.’ That’s what’s driven me throughout my career.”
He went on to thank his many colleagues and his family but also let the audience know that this Lifetime Achievement award did not signal the end of an era.
“I want to assure you that this is not intended to be the final chapter of my career in the jewelry industry,” Rosenheim said. “I intend to be around a long time to keep my eye on you guys.”
The Latest
Despite the absence of “The Allnatt,” Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction totaled $34 million, with 90 percent of lots sold.
Lilian Raji gives advice to designers on how to make the most of great publicity opportunities.
Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
The mining company wants to divest its 70 percent holding in the Mothae Diamond Mine in an effort to streamline its portfolio.
Why do so many jewelers keep lines that are not selling? Peter Smith thinks the answer lies in these two behavioral principles.
The “Argyle Phoenix” sold for more than $4 million at the auction house’s second jewels sale.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
Owner David Mann is heading into retirement.
While overall sales were sluggish, the retailer said its non-bridal fine jewelry was a popular choice for Valentine’s Day.
The mining giant also wants to offload its platinum business as part of an overhaul designed to “unlock significant value.”
Christie's is selling one of the diamonds, moving forward with its Geneva jewelry auction despite the cyberattack that took down its website.
The ad aims to position platinum jewelry as ideal for everyday wear.
Retailers can customize and print the appraisal brochures from their store.
The move follows a price-drop test run in Q4 and comes with the addition of a “quality assurance card” from GIA for some loose diamonds.
The site has been down since Thursday evening, just ahead of its spring auctions.
The late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.
Three fifth graders’ winning designs were turned into custom jewelry pieces in time for Mother’s Day.
Kimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
As a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
The company’s Easton location will remain open.
Brian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
Tobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shares how the exhibition came to be, and the pieces people may be surprised to see.
Stars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.