Jewelers of America Unveils 2026 Gem Awards Nominees and Honorees

Jewelers of America (JA) has announced the distinguished nominees for the 2026 Gem Awards, an event that recognizes individuals and brands significantly contributing to the appreciation of fine jewelry and watches. The prestigious ceremony is scheduled for March 13, 2026, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. This year, the industry is particularly excited to celebrate Mark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers, who will receive the Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Proceeds from the Gem Awards directly support JA’s mission to enhance consumer confidence within the jewelry and watch sectors. The event serves as a key industry gathering, bringing together leading professionals, designers, media figures, and luminaries.

Gem Award for Jewelry Design

The nominees for Jewelry Design showcase exceptional artistry and innovation:

• Cece Fein-Hughes (Cece Jewellery): Known for reimagining ancient enameling techniques with recycled 18k gold, pearls, and diamonds. Fein-Hughes’s work often incorporates fairy tale imagery, tattoo motifs, and timeless symbolism, drawing inspiration from art history and personal narratives. Her background includes study at Exeter University and experience at Christie’s and Sotheby’s.
• Silvia Furmanovich: A Brazilian designer celebrated for transforming global traditions and materials into wearable art. Descended from Italian goldsmiths, Furmanovich established her namesake brand in 1998, utilizing marquetry, lacquer, and natural materials like bamboo and silk, often in collaboration with her sons. Her work is featured in museum collections and she has partnered with institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
• Catherine Sarr (Almasika): The Paris-born founder and CEO of Almasika, a Chicago-based fine jewelry brand. Sarr’s designs are inspired by universal symbols and cultural connections, bridging art, heritage, and human experience. Her pieces have been worn by notable figures such as Michelle Obama and Alicia Keys. She is also recognized for her philanthropic work supporting emerging artists.

Gem Award for Media Excellence

This category honors outstanding contributions in jewelry and watch journalism:

• Nicole Martine Chapoteau: As the fashion director for Vanity Fair, Chapoteau is recognized for her creative vision, artistry, and narrative depth in editorial styling. Her career includes significant roles at publications like Marie Claire and InStyle, and she has styled numerous celebrities and collaborated with prominent photographers.
• Emili Vesilind: The current editor-in-chief of Gem + Jewel magazine and website, Vesilind has a long history of writing about the jewelry industry for nearly a decade as senior editor at JCK magazine. Her previous experience includes covering the fashion industry for the Los Angeles Times and WWD.
• Thomas Waller: The senior fashion market editor for accessories at WWD, Waller focuses extensively on watches and fine jewelry, exploring their craft, heritage, and innovation. He contributes collection critiques, business features, and trend analysis to WWD.

Gem Award for Retail Innovation

The nominees for Retail Innovation demonstrate forward-thinking approaches in the jewelry business:

• Day’s Jewelers: This employee-owned company, with nine locations across Maine and New Hampshire, is recognized for its commitment to quality, fair value, exceptional service, responsible sourcing, and community involvement. Day’s Jewelers aims to bring joy and connection through its offerings.
• Emily Chelsea Jewelry: Founded by Emily Phillippy in Philadelphia, this brand is noted for its inclusive, transparent, and values-driven approach, particularly with its gender-free fine jewelry and traceable sourcing. Phillippy is a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in the industry.
• Jessica McCormack: A London-based fine jewelry brand known for its blend of antique and modern aesthetics. The rapidly expanding, female-led company has seen significant growth and recently opened its first U.S. store on Madison Avenue, New York City, alongside a concession at London’s Harrods.

The annual Gem Awards not only celebrate individual and brand achievements but also underscore the industry's commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and consumer trust.