Jewelers of America Announces 2015 GEM Awards Winners

NEW YORK, Jan. 20, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Jewelers of America (JA), the national trade association for businesses serving the fine jewelry marketplace, announced the winners of their 2015 GEM Awards in the categories of Design, Marketing & Communications and Media during their 13th annual GEM Awards at Cipriani 42^nd Street in New York. The winners were revealed live to an audience of more than 520 people including jewelry industry icons, actress and jewelry designer Jane Seymour, and NY Giants running back Rashad Jennings. Larry Pelzel, of Neiman Marcus, received the 2015 GEM Award for Lifetime Achievement. Norman Miller, GEM Awards Chair, served as the Host.

For the first time in GEM Awards history, the entire evening – including red carpet coverage and the awards program – broadcast live to viewers on www.gemawardslive.com, where it remains online for viewing.

The GEM Award for Media Excellence was given to Claudia Mata, accessories and jewelry director of W, who is responsible for spearheading all jewelry editorial. Stellene Volandes, executive style director for Town & Country and a past GEM Award winner, presented the award. The other Media Excellence nominees were Maria Doulton, of The Jewellery Editor, and Jack Forster, of Revolution Magazine USA.

Shinola received the GEM Award for Marketing & Communications after a remarkable year marked with vivid ad campaigns, vast editorial coverage, a comprehensive brand launch, and multi-pronged communication campaigns. The other Marketing & Communications nominees were Forevermark and TUDOR. The award was presented by Candace Krause of Krause Advertising.

Stephen Webster received the GEM Award for Design for his historic year of jewelry design that has excited press, retailers and consumers while shaping the future of jewelry design. The other Design nominees were Alexis Bittar and Todd Reed. The award was presented by jewelry and style expert Michael O'Connor. 

The evening concluded with a touching introduction by Neiman Marcus's Karen Katz of her colleague and friend Larry Pelzel as he received the GEM Award for Lifetime Achievement. Larry Pelzel, Neiman Marcus vice president and divisional merchandise manager, precious jewels, began his celebrated career more than 34 years ago. Pelzel accepted his award stating: "Selling jewelry allows me the opportunity to have fun and make people smile . . . I love my job and I love this jewelry business."

SOURCE Jewelers of America

Related Links

http://www.jewelers.org

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