Jewelry Information Center (JIC) - the consumer education arm of Jewelers of America - held its Ninth Annual GEM Awards gala, January 7, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York. The star-studded event - considered "the Academy Awards of the fine jewelry industry" - featured Hollywood, jewelry and sports icons including Jennifer Hudson, Cynthia Nixon, Neil Lane and Boomer Esiason.
JIC's GEM Awards recognizes outstanding achievements of individuals and companies whose work raises the visibility of fine jewelry and watches. The gala was hosted by Lloyd Boston, a style expert, author and Emmy-nominated host of HDTV's "Closet Cases."
The evening celebrated jewelry glamour as Academy Award- and Grammy-winner Jennifer Hudson presented the GEM Award for Jewelry Style to celebrity jeweler Neil Lane. Lane was honored for consistently inspiring and fostering both consumer desire and profound media interest in jewelry. His vintage-inspired pieces – red carpet favorites – have influenced jewelry style and design for the last 20 years. His latest endeavor, Neil Lane Bridal™ for Kay Jewelers, makes his coveted jewelry accessible to women nationwide. Jennifer Hudson dazzled in Neil Lane fancy-colored diamond and platinum chandelier earrings, white and fancy-colored diamond and platinum cuff and a white and fancy-colored diamond and platinum cocktail ring.
Actress Cynthia Nixon, star of Sex & The City, presented the GEM Award for Journalistic Excellence to Marie Claire magazine, accepted by Editor-In-Chief Joanna Coles. The magazine won for its excellent reporting on fine jewelry and watches, which is incorporated seamlessly into its fashion coverage.
Breitling USA President Marie Bodman accepted the GEM Award for Corporate Communications on behalf of the international watch company. Breitling won for its excellence in marketing and overall cohesive brand messaging. Former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason, a Breitling Ambassador, presented the award via a pre-taped tribute video.
Dr. Jeffrey E. Post, Curator of the U.S. National Gem and Mineral Collection at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, received the GEM Award for Lifetime Achievement. As a surprise to Dr. Post and the audience, the program ended with a special video honoring Dr. Post from former Secretary of State Dr. Madeleine Albright, the recipient of the 2010 GEM Award for Style.
