SurveysJul 27, 2026
Jewelry Leads Luxury Market Amid Stabilization, Bain SaysBain & Company delved into the trends shaping the luxury market, the impact of AI, and more in its recent study.
Events & AwardsSep 25, 2019
And the 2020 Gem Award Nominees Are …
Jewelers of America has announced the nominees in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Excellence.
The Gem Awards ceremony will be held Friday, Jan. 10, 2019, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York.
New York—Jewelers of America has announced the nominees for the 2020 Gem Awards, the annual gala that recognizes top names in jewelry design, journalism and retail.
The trade organization will present awards in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Excellence, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award, which is going to Ed Bridge.
The winners in the other three categories will be announced live during the Gem Awards ceremony, scheduled for Friday, Jan. 10, 2019, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York.
And the nominees are …
Jewelry Design
Ana Khouri. Armed with a background in sculpting, Khouri launched her namesake line in 2013, which is created exclusively with 18-karat Fairmined and Fairtrade Gold or platinum and ethically and responsibly sourced gemstones. “The feeling I want to impart is one of radiance, in every sense—that of light, of emotion, of energy and, of course, that of beauty,” said Khouri.
Nikos Koulis. The Greek designer hails from an established family jewelry business, launching his own brand, Nikos Koulis Jewels, in 2006. Koulis’ atelier and two boutiques are in Greece, but his pieces can be found in 30 cities worldwide. The hands-on designer personally sources stones and oversees production. Koulis’ designs have garnered multiple honors, including four Couture Design awards and the 2017 VicenzaOro Best International Jewelry Designer Award.
Carlo Traglio. The Italian-born designer got his start in the jewelry industry fresh out of high school, learning from Italian jeweler and goldsmith Frattini. While working at his family’s Coca-Cola bottling plant, Traglio continued designing jewelry. In 2001, he left the family business and acquired Vhernier, where he serves as president. Traglio’s creative vision is inspired by his interest in modern and contemporary art.
Media Excellence
Anthony DeMarco. DeMarco’s jewelry industry journey began at JCK, where he spent nine years covering the ways technology was changing the industry while also managing the website and e-newsletter. His work approaches the industry from a business and marketing perspective as well as from a design and fashion standpoint. His Jewelry News Network blog and social media channels showcase luxury jewelry and watches and highlight the economic importance of the industry. His work has been featured in a variety of publications, including Forbes.com, Rapaport Magazine, The Financial Times, The Economist, 1843 Magazine and VO+.
Rachel Garrahan. Garrahan is the jewelry and watch director at British Vogue, credited with expanding the magazine’s industry coverage. She is based in London after spending a decade in New York and Los Angeles. She also writes for the International New York Times, highlighting design and craftmanship across the globe. Garrahan’s work has also been featured in Financial Times, The Times of London, Vanity Fair, Tatler, Conde Nast Traveller, Robb Report, Wallpaper, Town and Country and T Magazine.
Tanya Dukes. The New York City-based writer made her editorial debut 15 years ago when she joined private jet lifestyle magazine Elite Traveler. She was later named the publication’s first style editor. Dukes has served as accessories editor of Brides magazine and as senior editor at InDesign and InStore magazines. Her work has been featured in several publications, including Watch Journal, Four Seasons Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter, JCK, The Knot, The Business of Fashion and The Jewellery Editor.
Retail Excellence
Foundrae. Husband-and-wife duo Beth and Murat Bugdaycay founded Foundrae in 2015. The New York-based brand describes its pieces as “modern heirlooms, ones that allow the wearer to express something of oneself to the world.” That ethos is echoed in their downtown Manhattan storefront, which includes a library.
Hodinkee Shop. Started in 2008 by Ben Clymer, Hodinkee evolved into a media and retail platform, growing its retail segment while also producing a podcast and printing a magazine biannually. The brand’s goal is to “bring its readers and consumers the best in wristwatches in a way that is approachable, authentic and honest.”
Twist. West Coast retailer Twist has locations in Portland and Seattle as well as an ecommerce presence. Owners and professional artists Paul Schneider and Lauren Eulau have a background in pottery and weaving, lending that experience to their curation of contemporary jewelry design and wearable art.
Proceeds from GEM Awards directly benefit industry programs that bolster JA’s mission to improve consumer confidence in jewelry and watches.
To support the honorees, purchase sponsorships and explore advertising opportunities, visit Jewelers.org/GemAwards.
National Jeweler is a for-profit subsidiary of Jewelers of America, which purchased the publication in 2015. The two organizations act independently of each other.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
SourcingJul 27, 2026
‘Rubies’ Goes on Display at Harvard MuseumThe exhibition reveals the gemology, geology, and cultural history of the iconic red gemstone.
Policies & IssuesJul 24, 2026
New Trump Tariffs: What They Mean for Jewelry The new sweeping slate of tariffs impacts 60 countries, including India, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ode to ‘The Odyssey’From coin pendants to diamond shields, these old world-inspired jewels are the perfect accessory for an epic journey.
Weekly QuizJul 23, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Courtney Leidy’s Silk Cord Pendants Center Unexpected Pairings Our Piece of the Week pairs a checkerboard-cut amethyst with an ivy green silk cord.
PodcastsJul 23, 2026
Episode 7: Reinhold Jewelers on the Power of RelationshipsMildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
SourcingJul 23, 2026
De Beers’ Production Jumps 88 Percent in Q2 Production also was up in the first half of 2026 but is expected to “substantially” decrease in H2 as two key mines undergo maintenance.
CollectionsJul 23, 2026
Silvia Furmanovich’s New Collection Travels Back to the 1920s“Art Deco” fuses ancestral techniques, rare materials, and modern perspectives as a tribute to the optimism and curiosity of the movement.
IndependentsJul 23, 2026
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens Casino StoreThe jeweler’s newest store is inside Arkansas’ Saracen Casino Resort.
WatchesJul 23, 2026
Movado Inks Licensing Deal With Kate Spade New YorkThe watch company will design, manufacture, and distribute Kate Spade New York watches.
Policies & IssuesJul 22, 2026
Trump to Put 50% Tariff on Canadian Goods The higher tax is set to go into effect in August and will apply to loose polished diamonds as well as precious and base metals jewelry.
CollectionsJul 22, 2026
Monica Rich Kosann’s High Jewelry Is FruitfulThe “Enchanted Garden” series features a cherry, lemon, and pear that each hold a little secret inside.
IndependentsJul 22, 2026
Liljenquist Beckstead Opens Rolex New BoutiqueIt’s located in Tysons Galleria, an upscale shopping center in the Washington, D.C., metro area.
ColumnistsJul 21, 2026
Sherry Smith: Shattering the Illusion of the ‘Either/Or’ Diamond MarketSmith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.
CollectionsJul 21, 2026
Graff’s New Butterfly High Jewelry Brooches MetamorphosizeThe 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.
SourcingJul 21, 2026
Anglo Reportedly Selects Gareth Penny’s Consortium as Top Bidder for De BeersA Botswana government official told lawmakers Anglo has selected The Global Diamond Consortium, an entity chaired by Penny, to buy De Beers.
Policies & IssuesJul 20, 2026
Tariffs on Brazil to Increase But Rough Gemstones ExemptThe new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.
CollectionsJul 20, 2026
Vhernier Transforms ‘Freccia’ Collection Into High JewelryThe collection from 2014 has been reinterpreted into high jewelry with its signature triangular-shaped elements.
MajorsJul 20, 2026
Krista Collins Walters Promoted to Publisher of InstoreShe will also take on the role of vice president of jewelry for SmartWork Media, a newly created position.
Events & AwardsJul 20, 2026
TJS Accepting Speaker Proposals for 2027 EventOrganizers are looking for presentations on topics like manufacturing, technology and research, bench work, gemstones, and sustainability.
CollectionsJul 17, 2026
HOWL Taps Shailene Woodley for ‘Home Sweet Home’ CampaignWoodley is seen in the campaign wearing our Piece of the Week, the “Frida” collar featuring 13 pieces of hand-carved Venetian glass.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
U.K. Woman Pays £5 for £15K Diamond Ring at Car Boot SaleA WeBuyVintage jewelry expert uncovered how much the flea market find was actually worth.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
Diamond Dealer Jeff Pancis Pens MemoirThe founder of natural colored diamond wholesaler Pancis Gems shares stories from his five decades in the industry.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
EditorsJul 16, 2026
Q&A: Guzema’s Co-Owners On Its US Expansion, 10-Year AnniversaryValeriya Guzema and Mariana Lenha look back on the last decade and discuss the Ukrainian brand’s first U.S. store.
