24th Annual GEM Awards Celebrate Industry Excellence and Emerging Talent

The highly anticipated 24th annual GEM Awards, hosted by Jewelers of America (JA), brought together the fine jewelry industry to honor exceptional achievements and emerging talent. The sold-out event, held on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City, celebrated both established figures and rising stars.

Lifetime Achievement and High Jewelry Honors

Mark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers received the prestigious GEM Award for Lifetime Achievement. The couple, whose London Jewelers is celebrating its centennial in 2026, were introduced by Jim Haag of Verdura, who spoke of their warmth and integrity. In their acceptance speech, Candy Udell emphasized their focus on people and relationships, stating, 'We didn’t build this company thinking about recognition—we built it thinking about people and relationships.' Mark Udell highlighted the pride in welcoming the fourth generation into the business, bringing fresh ideas while honoring foundational principles.

Ana Khouri was presented with the GEM Award for High Jewelry Excellence by supermodel Linda Evangelista. Evangelista praised Khouri's ability to redefine the boundaries of design, noting, 'It is very rare to meet an artist who doesn’t just dance within a medium, but also redefines its boundaries.' Khouri, who aims to create objects that embody artistic periods while remaining intimate to the wearer, expressed her admiration for artists who blur boundaries.

Recognizing Design, Media, and Innovation

Sylvia Furmanovich was awarded the GEM Award for Jewelry Design. The Brazil-based jeweler's work often brings together diverse cultures and traditions, transforming materials and techniques with the help of artists from around the world. 'I believe creativity has a quiet but powerful way to bring people together,' Furmanovich remarked, highlighting art's role in transforming differences into dialogue.

The GEM Award for Media Excellence was presented to Thomas Waller, senior fashion market editor of accessories at WWD. Waller acknowledged the importance of his sources—retailers, designers, and executives—in his success, thanking them for trusting him with their stories.

Jessica McCormack earned the GEM Award for Retail Innovation. The London-based jeweler, who recently opened its first U.S. boutique, was recognized for a vision that challenges conventional ideas of a jewelry house, emphasizing warmth, personality, and unexpected elements. The award was accepted by Leonie Brantberg.

Nurturing Future Talent with the David Yurman Grant

A significant development at this year's awards was the inaugural David Yurman GEM Awards Grant. David Yurman presented the grant, which includes $50,000 and mentorship from the Yurman team, to Johnny Nelson. Yurman expressed his commitment to nurturing emerging talent, stating, 'The David Yurman GEM Awards Grant is our commitment to the next generation of extraordinary talent. It reflects our long-term vision and belief in nurturing what’s next for innovative jewelry design.' He specifically noted Nelson's ability to embed meaning and heritage into his designs, creating pieces that invite conversation.

Event Leadership and Committee

The 2026 GEM Awards were chaired by Marion Fasel of The Adventurine. The committee comprised industry leaders from prominent organizations including JCK & LUXURY, Jewelers of America, COUTURE, CHANEL, Greenwich St. Jewelers, National Jeweler, De Beers Group, and others.