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GEM Awards Announces Summer 2021 Date; Taps Next-Gen Retailer Randi Udell Alper As New Chair October 14, 2020 (0 comments)
New York, NY—In response to the ongoing pandemic that is limiting capacity at in-person events, Jewelers of America (JA) has moved the 19th Annual GEM Awards to July 2021. The GEM Awards is the jewelry industry’s premier accolade gala, honoring he achievements of individuals and companies whose work raises the visibility of fine jewelry and watches.
The event, previously planned for January 8, 2021, now will take place Friday, July 16, 2021 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York.
Additionally, Randi Udell Alper, vice president of London Jewelers, has been appointed as GEM Awards Chair and will lead the 2021 GEM Awards committee, comprised of Sarin Bachmann, Reed Jewelry Group; David Bonaparte, Jewelers of America; David Bouffard, Signet Jewelers; Gannon Brousseau, Jewelry Group - Emerald Expositions; Tanya Dukes, Tanya Dukes; Dorit Engel, Chanel; Marion Fasel, The Adventurine; Michelle Graff, National Jeweler; Will Kahn, Will’s Notebook; Matthew Rosenheim, Tiny Jewel Box; and Steven Kaiser, chairman emeritus.
“I am honored and excited to lead the GEM Awards Committee during these unprecedented times. The GEM Awards Committee felt it was important to move GEM Awards to later in 2021 to properly celebrate the incredible talent in the jewelry industry. Our industry deserves to celebrate together, and we plan to deliver an event that is in keeping with the high standards that you have come to expect from GEM Awards,” says Udell Alper.
The event will open a week filled with industry events in New York City, including JA’s National Convention, slated for July 18-19, 2021. The Women’s Jewelry Association’s traditional Awards For Excellence and the American Gem Society’s Annual Triple Zero Award gala also are typically held at that time.
“It is our hope that by moving GEM Awards to July, we will be able to kick off a week of long-awaited reunions and celebrations in New York. We plan to host GEM Awards in person, proving it is safe to do so,” says Amanda Gizzi, JA’s director of PR and events. “We look forward to bringing some red-carpet glamour back to our industry next summer.”
The GEM Awards Committee will begin seeking nominations for the 2021 GEM Awards nominees next month. For the complete list of the GEM Awards Committee or to learn more about the July 16, 2021 gala, click here.