The industry celebrated 24 Carat Weekend in style on March 8th and 9th in New York City, combining high fashion with weighty buzz.
First, on Friday, March 8, the Jewelers Vigilance Committee held its annual luncheon at the InterContinental Berkeley Hotel.
Matt Stuller, Founder and Chairman of Stuller, received the group's Stanley Schechter Award, which recognizes industry members who uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethics.
Accepting the award, Schuller recalled that when he started his business in 1970, people told him his business model would never work.
“That’s what gave me the perseverance over the years,” he said. “Because even if you can’t do it – it’s hard, it’s hard – you know you have to do it.”
He decided early on to “tithe” 10% of his income to charity, which he says was the best decision he ever made.
“Being able to give back is the best thing that has ever happened to me, my wife and my family,” he said.
When the emotions at the luncheon reached a climax, JCK Editor-in-chief Viktoria Gomelsky interviews Ukrainian jewelry designer Valeria Guzema.
“[Pre-invasion] We lived a happy life,'' Guzema told the crowd. “And then one morning, the bombs started falling. Imagine how her mother felt when she felt that her child was not safe.”
She appealed to the industry to support sanctions against Russian diamonds. “Money is the root of terrorism,” she said. “What they make goes into war.
“This is the 21st century. I couldn't believe I could live in a war. [about war] From my grandparents who lived through World War II, and when they talk about it, my grandmother said, “You know what? [would cry]. I never want anyone else to feel what I feel today.
“Please keep doing what you're doing,” she added. “We are fighting for independence and democracy. You never know where a bomb will fall tomorrow.”
On Friday night, Jewelers of America held its 22nd Annual Gem Awards at Cipriani 42 Street.
Cynthia Erivo, 2015 Tony Award Winner the color purple and the star of the future Evil In the movie (and presenting at the Academy Awards two days later), she won the Gem Award for Jewelry Style.
“I take pride in using all types of art to express myself, and jewelry is no exception,” Erivo said upon accepting the award. “What I get from every piece I own is a time capsule of crystallized moments.”
Tiffany received a special award for transforming its New York City flagship store, which opened last year, into a landmark. Christopher Kiraniotis, president and CEO of Tiffany North's Americas, spoke on behalf of the jeweler and invited all attendees to visit the renovated store. “I would be happy to have you,” he said.
GIA President and CEO Susan Jack received the Gem for Lifetime Achievement.
Introducing Jack, former GIA staff member Anna Martin said: “No one could represent GIA better than Susan. She has had a positive impact on the diamond and jewelry industry without compromising her ideals or independence.”
Jack, who started his career as a sales associate at Borsheim's in Omaha, called his journey in the jewelry business “emotional and exciting,” and said he was “truly blessed” to have had the experience.
Tanya Dukes, a longtime jewelry writer, received the Media Excellence Award. Marla Aaron won in the jewelry design category. And Ben Bridge Jewelers received the Gem Award for Retail Excellence, with president and CEO Lisa Bridge accepting the honor on behalf of the chain.
On March 9, the Jewelers Security Alliance (JSA) held its annual luncheon at the New York Yacht Club, with longtime President John Kennedy marking what will likely be his last year presiding over the event. It received a deafening standing ovation.
JSA has awarded Peter Montalbano, one of the world's leading jewelery claims adjusters, with its 19th Annual Industry Service Award. Additionally, JSA presented the 25th Annual James B. White Law Enforcement Award to his five members of the Nassau County (New York State) Police Department. Jeffrey Raymond, Commander of the Pattern Robbery Unit, and Detectives Jesus Bonilla, Edward J. Hoctor, Jeffrey Rios, and Daniel Suarez of the Major Cases Bureau.
Finally, on Saturday night, the 24 Carat Club held its annual gala at Cipriani South Street, with entertainment from singers Christopher Macchio and Christina Maxwell and comedian Sarge.
Above: Actress Cynthia Erivo at the Gem Awards (Photo: Rupert Ramsey/BFA.com)
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