2026 Gem Awards Honor Ana Khouri, London Jewelers at Sold-Out Gala

Linda Evangelista stepped to the podium at Cipriani 42nd Street on March 13 to present Ana Khouri with the GEM Award for High Jewelry Excellence, one of the more visually arresting moments in a sold-out evening that marked the 24th annual GEM Awards, organized by Jewelers of America.

Khouri's practice has never fit neatly into commercial jewelry convention. Founded in a sculptural fine-arts sensibility that has shaped her work since 2002, her New York salon opened in 2013 and her pieces have since appeared in solo exhibitions at Phillips, Sotheby's, Christie's, and TEFAF New York. One-of-a-kind works are shown exclusively through the salon; numbered limited editions are carried at The Row worldwide. Every piece is crafted in 18K Fairmined gold or platinum, with ethically and responsibly sourced gemstones. "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 evening's other headline honor went to Mark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers, who received the GEM Award for Lifetime Achievement. In her acceptance remarks, Candy Udell offered a characteristically direct summation of the business she and Mark have built: "We didn't build this company thinking about recognition — we built it thinking about people and relationships. Our relationships are built on mutual trust and respect, something we hold dearly in our hearts."

The remaining category winners were announced live from the stage. Sylvia Furmanovich took the GEM Award for Jewelry Design, with the award presented by 2025 winner Beth Hutchens of FoundRae; nominees Cece Fein-Hughes and Catherine Sarr were also recognized in the category. Thomas Waller received the GEM Award for Media Excellence, presented by 2025 winner Sam Broekema of the Natural Diamond Council, over nominees Nicole Martine Chapoteau and Emili Vesilind. Jessica McCormack won the GEM Award for Retail Innovation; the award was accepted onstage by Leonie Brantberg, with the presentation made by 2025 Retail Excellence recipients Yael Reinhold and Mildred Marcano of Reinhold Jewelers. Day's Jewelers and Emily Chelsea were the other nominees in that category.

The evening's grant for emerging talent, the David Yurman GEM Awards Grant, was presented to Johnny Nelson. David Yurman spoke directly to what distinguished Nelson's work from the field: "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."

The 2026 ceremony was chaired by Marion Fasel of The Adventurine. The committee included Sarin Bachmann of JCK & LUXURY; David Bonaparte and Annie Doresca of Jewelers of America; Sam Broekema of the Natural Diamond Council; Gannon Brousseau of COUTURE; Dorit Engel of CHANEL; Jennifer Gandia of Greenwich St. Jewelers; Michelle Graff of National Jeweler; Lauren Harwell Godfrey of Harwell Godfrey; Sally Morrison of De Beers Group; Rebecca Moskal of COMMUNIQUÉ; and Tanya Dukes and Jill Newman.