Johnny Nelson Named Inaugural Recipient of David Yurman GEM Awards Grant

Johnny Nelson of Johnny Nelson Jewelry has been honored as the first recipient of the prestigious David Yurman GEM Awards Grant. The announcement was made in conjunction with the 24th annual GEM Awards, celebrating achievements in the fine jewelry industry. Nelson will receive a $50,000 grant, along with significant mentorship opportunities from David Yurman executives and consultations with other industry leaders.

Grant Details and Significance

The David Yurman GEM Awards Grant was established through a partnership between David Yurman, David Yurman Enterprises LLC, and Jewelers of America (JA), the national trade association for the fine jewelry marketplace. The grant aims to support and cultivate emerging fine jewelry designers who have established businesses. In its inaugural year, the grant received 90 submissions. Nelson was among a distinguished group of finalists, which included Hiba Husayni of Zahn-Z, Jules Kim of Bijules, Dorian Webb, and Lorraine West.

Nelson expressed his profound gratitude for the award, stating, “I am blessed, honored and grateful to receive the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant. To be recognized by David and Sybil Yurman, along with the esteemed Gem Awards Committee — leaders who have helped shape the landscape of American fine jewelry — is profoundly meaningful. This award affirms my commitment to amplifying culture and legacy through craftsmanship, art and design. I am excited for the doors this grant will open for Johnny Nelson Jewelry and for the invaluable mentorship opportunities with David Yurman and team, to whom I greatly respect and admire.”

About Johnny Nelson Jewelry

Born in London and now based in Brooklyn, Johnny Nelson's distinctive jewelry has gained significant recognition. His work has been featured in the American Museum of Natural History, and he has collaborated with brands like Adidas. Nelson's designs encompass a wide range of pieces, including hair beads, rings, bracelets, crowns, body armor, anklets, earrings, and neckpieces. He utilizes materials such as sterling silver, yellow gold, wax, resin, sandstone, and precious gems, skillfully blending his heritage, a conscious approach to sociopolitical themes, and expert craftsmanship.

The GEM Awards Ceremony

The 24th annual GEM Awards ceremony took place on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. The sold-out event honored key figures and emerging talents in the jewelry world. Gem Awards chair Marion Fasel lauded Nelson’s selection, noting, “Johnny Nelson has been charting his own course in the jewelry world from the moment he became a designer. We are all thrilled he is our inaugural grant winner.”

During the ceremony, other notable awards were presented:

• The GEM Award for Lifetime Achievement was presented to Mark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers.
• Ana Khouri received the GEM Award for High Jewelry Excellence.
• Sylvia Furmanovich won the GEM Award for Jewelry Design.
• Thomas Waller was honored with the GEM Award for Media Excellence.
• Jessica McCormack received the GEM Award for Retail Innovation.

David Yurman, in presenting the grant, highlighted Nelson's unique qualities: “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. What truly sets Johnny apart is the meaning embedded in his work. His designs fuse his own heritage, identity, and artistry, creating pieces that spark conversation and invite reflection.”