David Yurman Announces 5 Finalists for Inaugural Gem Awards Grant

Emerging Talent Recognized with $50,000 Grant and Mentorship

Jewelers of America (JA) and the Gem Awards Committee, in partnership with David Yurman, have revealed the five finalists for the inaugural David Yurman Gem Awards Grant. This significant grant program, valued at $50,000, is designed to support and foster emerging fine jewelry designers who have demonstrated exceptional promise and have been in business for at least three years. The program also includes a crucial mentorship component, offering recipients access to guidance from David Yurman executives and other industry leaders.

The five talented designers selected as finalists are: Hiba Husayni of Zahn-Z, Jules Kim of Bijules, Johnny Nelson, Dorian Webb, and Lorraine West. These designers were chosen from a competitive pool of 90 submissions. Each finalist presented their work in person to David and Sybil Yurman and the Gem Awards Grant Committee.

A Commitment to Nurturing the Next Generation

Sybil Yurman emphasized the program's roots in her and David Yurman's own early career challenges. “When we started out, we were two artists — and we learned, step by step, what it takes to merge art and craft into a business. Those early days were very challenging, which is why we believe so deeply in mentorship and in giving emerging designers real tools and capital to help their growth and development,” she stated. “The David Yurman Gem Awards Grant is our commitment to the next generation of extraordinary talent. It serves as a clear expression of our long-term vision and belief in nurturing what’s next.”

Marion Fasel, Chair of the Gem Awards, echoed this sentiment, noting the impressive quality and quantity of submissions. “We were blown away by the number of entries submitted and the finalists are a group of extraordinary designers who have a tremendous future ahead in fine jewelry. Selecting just one winner will be difficult,” Fasel commented. “However, we look to the Gem Awards community and the industry at large to uplift all of the finalists as we shed light on their stories, collections and their talent.”

Meet the Finalists

The five finalists represent diverse backgrounds and artistic approaches:

• Hiba Husayni of Zahn-Z: Blending her architectural background with a passion for jewelry, Husayni’s work is inspired by her commitment to women’s empowerment. She aims to create pieces that reflect a client’s individual style and bring them joy.
• Jules Kim of Bijules: A former New York nightlife impresario, Kim brings a cross-disciplinary perspective to jewelry. Her designs challenge conventional norms with innovative silhouettes, pairing precious materials with sculptural forms, and are influenced by culture and community building.
• Johnny Nelson of Johnny Nelson Jewelry: Nelson’s work focuses on statement pieces inspired by punk, hip-hop, and spirituality. His raw talent and creative vision have previously been recognized in the “Ice Cold: An Exhibition of Hip-Hop Jewelry” at the American Museum of Natural History.
• Dorian Webb: Webb creates jewelry that celebrates women and Black culture, while also drawing attention to social justice issues. Her designs are rooted in the belief that beauty and connection can foster societal impact.
• Lorraine West of Lorraine West Jewelry: Known for her handcrafted contemporary and fine jewelry, West draws inspiration from her Caribbean roots. Her designs mix bold and minimalist aesthetics to express inner beauty and power.

Grant Presentation and Future Impact

The recipient of the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant will be announced during the 24th Annual GEM Awards ceremony on Friday, March 13, 2026, in New York City. This prestigious event celebrates outstanding achievements in the fine jewelry and timepiece industry.

The grant program, a collaboration between David Yurman and Jewelers of America, aims to provide emerging designers with not only financial support but also invaluable business acumen and industry connections, fostering sustainable growth and innovation within the fine jewelry sector.