JIC Holds Tenth Annual GEM Awards
January 10, 12
(IDEX Online News) – Jewelry Information Center (JIC) – the consumer education arm of Jewelers of America – held its Tenth Annual GEM Awards gala on January 6 in New York. The event was hosted by Padma Lakshmi, presenter of Top Chef.
Chanel Fine Jewelry was honored with the GEM Award for Corporate Communications for its marketing excellence and overall cohesive brand messaging. French actor and Chanel ambassador Anna Mouglalis presented the award to Chanel’s senior vice president Olivier Stip.
The Gem Award for Jewelry Style went to the Honorable Daphne Guinness and was collected on her behalf by couture jewelry designer Shaun Leane. Guinness was recognized by JIC for her “unique eye and singular creative vision.”
Fashion designer Carolina Herrera presented Candy Pratts Price with the GEM Award for Journalistic Excellence. Pratts Price has more than two decades of experience covering the fine jewelry and watch category at fashion publications such as Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue.
Finally, Ralph Destino received the GEM Award for Lifetime Achievement. The award, which was presented by Cartier’s senior vice president Martin Gatins, was given in honor of Destino’s accomplishments and service to the fine jewelry and watch industry. During his 32 years at Cartier, he held various positions including president and CEO of Cartier USA. Destino later served as chairman of the Gemological Institute of America.