Articles and News

New York, NY--Jewelers of America, the GEM Awards Committee and David Yurman have formed the David Yurman GEM Awards Grant, a $50,000 grant program that will provide funding and mentorship opportunities for an emerging jewelry designer. Applications for the Grant are open now through October 7.

“The GEM Awards Committee is thrilled to be teaming up with David Yurman, one of the most celebrated American jewelers in history, to nurture and accelerate the career of an emerging designer,” Marion Fasel, GEM Awards Chair said in a statement. “Everyone involved in creating this grant passionately believes supporting emerging talent is a great path to strengthening our jewelry community in the future. We are all looking forward to the selection process and the presentation of the David Yurman GEM Awards Grant, which promises to add another memorable moment to the always moving and emotional GEM Awards ceremony.”

The David Yurman GEM Awards Grant was created in partnership with Jewelers of America and David Yurman to support and foster an emerging fine jewelry designer who has been in business for at least three years and shows exceptional promise. The selected grant recipient will receive a one-time financial award of $50,000 and mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman, as well as consultative meetings with other industry executives.

To qualify as the grant recipient, the entrant must demonstrate unique talent in fine jewelry design and a solid business plan for expansion; have operated their own jewelry design company for at least three years; and be based and manufacture in the United States of America. 

David Yurman GEM Awards Grant Selection Committee will review all applications and select five finalists. Finalists will be notified in December. The finalists will deliver in-person presentations to the to the committee. Following the final presentations, the committee will determine the Grant Recipient. The grant recipient will be announced at the 24th annual GEM Awards on March 13, 2026, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York.

GEM Awards is the industry's most prestigious gala event, honoring individuals and companies whose work elevates the visibility and artistry of fine jewelry and timepieces. For more information on GEM Awards and the David Yurman GEM Awards Grant, visit https://gemawards.jewelers.org/.