Jewelers of America Hosts 24th Annual GEM Awards at Cipriani 42nd Street

Supermodel Linda Evangelista took the stage at Cipriani 42nd Street on March 13 to present Ana Khouri with the GEM Award for High Jewelry Excellence, one of the more charged moments in a ceremony that saw Jewelers of America honor five recipients across its 24th annual GEM Awards. The evening celebrated designers, retailers, and media figures whose work, in the organization's framing, raises the visibility and status of fine jewelry and watches.

Khouri's recognition was announced months earlier, but the award itself landed with the full weight of her two-decade practice behind it. Founded in 2002 and rooted in sculptural fine art, the Ana Khouri brand opened its New York salon in 2013 and has since mounted solo exhibitions at Phillips, Sotheby's, and Christie's, as well as at TEFAF New York. One-of-a-kind pieces are shown exclusively at the salon; numbered limited editions are presented at The Row worldwide. Every piece is made with 18K Fairmined gold, platinum, and ethically and responsibly sourced gemstones, a commitment that distinguishes the house as much as its aesthetic.

"Through a sculptural approach rooted in fine art, Ana Khouri has established a distinct and influential voice within high jewelry, defined by exceptional craftsmanship and ethical materials," said Amanda Gizzi, Jewelers of America's senior vice president of corporate affairs. "Ana Khouri's work continues to elevate the category, offering designs that resonate deeply with collectors while expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be."

The Lifetime Achievement award, the final honor of the evening, went to Mark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers, which is celebrating its centennial in 2026. Mark Udell, the chief executive who joined the business his grandfather founded in 1973, has grown it to 18 stores. Verdura's James Haag introduced the couple, recalling meeting them three decades ago: "They radiated warmth and familiarity and it was like love at first sight. Over the years, just by being close to them I learned everything from them: first and foremost, importantly, always do the right thing. Gain people's trust, guard that trust with your life, build a sense of community around you, and take the 300 people who work with you along for the ride."

Candy Udell kept her acceptance remarks grounded in the same ethos. "We didn't build this company thinking about recognition — we built it thinking about people and relationships," she said. "Our relationships are built on mutual trust and respect, something we hold dearly in our hearts."

Silvia Furmanovich took the GEM Award for Jewelry Design, presented by Beth Hutchens of FoundRae, herself the 2025 winner in that category. Nominees Cece Fein-Hughes and Catherine Sarr were also recognized. Thomas Waller received the GEM Award for Media Excellence, presented by 2025 winner Sam Broekema; Nicole Martine Chapoteau and Emili Vesilind were the other nominees in the category.

The GEM Award for Retail Innovation went to Jessica McCormack, the London-based jeweler that recently opened its first American boutique on Madison Avenue. The award was accepted on stage by Leonie Brantberg and presented by Yael Reinhold and Mildred Marcano of Reinhold Jewelers. A video preceding the announcement described the brand's workshop-centered approach: "At the heart of the brand is craftsmanship, which could be witnessed firsthand at the jewelers' workshop." Brantberg echoed the sentiment in her remarks: "Her vision continues to challenge us to think about what a jewelry house could be. Warm, personal and always a little unexpected."

Marion Fasel of The Adventurine, who chaired the event, opened the seated portion by acknowledging the ceremony's 24-year span before signaling a new chapter: "Tonight, we are building on the Gem Awards' legacy and continuing to expand our community with the inaugural David Yurman Gem Awards grant." The committee included representatives from the Natural Diamond Council, De Beers Group, Chanel, JCK, COUTURE, National Jeweler, and Greenwich St. Jewelers, among others, reflecting the breadth of the industry that turned out, dressed accordingly, for the evening.