The 2025 Gem Awards, an annual event recognizing excellence in fine jewelry, took place Friday night at Cipriani 42nd Street. Jewelry historian, author, and this year’s Gem Awards chair and emcee, Marion Fasel, opened the ceremony by reflecting on its legacy.
“Over 23 years ago, the Gem Awards were created to celebrate talent in various areas of fine jewelry. That goal remains the same today, though the awards have evolved to reflect the changing industry,” Fasel said.
Hosted by Jewelers of America, the sold-out event felt like a close-knit gathering for designers, executives, media, and creatives who return each year to support and celebrate one another.
Fasel announced two key changes to the awards. “One looks to the future, and the other embraces our past,” she said. The first change is the introduction of the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, established with the support of David, Sybil, and Evan Yurman. The grant will provide $50,000 and mentorship to an emerging fine jewelry designer who demonstrates the potential to make a unique impact. The second change expands the voting body to include honorees, winners, and nominees from the past five years. “This voting body is an assemblage of extraordinary talent,” Fasel noted.
Chanel Wins High Jewelry Excellence Award
The evening began with Chanel receiving the High Jewelry Excellence Award for its “Haute Joaillerie Sport” collection. Interior designer and EyeSwoon founder Athena Calderone presented the award to Olivier Kessler-Gay, Chanel’s new U.S. general manager for watches and fine jewelry.
“Chanel has always been a house of reinvention, blending heritage and modernity in perfect harmony,” Calderone said. Kessler-Gay praised the brand’s legacy of innovation, calling the sport collection a perfect embodiment of its pioneering spirit.
Media Excellence Award Goes to Sam Broekema
The nominees for the Media Excellence Award included Paige Reddinger of Robb Report, Trace Shelton of Instore, and Sam Broekema of Only Natural Diamonds. Broekema, who won the award, joked, “I haven’t been this nervous since my wedding vows, and at least then I knew the outcome.”
He thanked his team for their dedication, drawing cheers from the audience.
Jewelry Design Award Recognizes FoundRae
One of the night’s most anticipated moments was the presentation of the Jewelry Design Award. Nominees Sophie Bille Brahe and Selim Mouzannar traveled from overseas to attend, while American designer Beth Hutchens of FoundRae was also in contention. The award went to Hutchens, who emphasized the impact of creative work.
“If we can inspire and nourish people, then that is a day well spent,” she said.
The win capped a significant year for FoundRae, which expanded with three new stores in the U.S.—one in Miami, one in Los Angeles, and a second location in New York City.
Lifetime Achievement and Retail Innovation Awards
John Green of Lux Bond & Green received the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Puerto Rico’s Reinhold Jewelers was honored with the Retail Innovation Award.
The 2025 Gem Awards once again highlighted the best in fine jewelry, celebrating both tradition and innovation in the industry.
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