Meet the People Defining Jewelry’s Future: An Insider’s Look at the 2026 GEM Award Nominees

Jewelers of America has officially announced the nominees for the prestigious 2026 GEM Awards, recognizing the brands and individuals shaping the future of fine jewelry, with winners to be revealed at the New York ceremony on March 13th.

I’m Mehedi, and as an insider, this annual announcement is more than just a list of names—it’s a barometer for where our industry is headed. These nominees aren’t just great at what they do; they represent the powerful currents of artistry, sustainability, and media that are defining jewelry today.

We’re going to go deeper than the press release to explore who these innovators are and why their contributions are so important.

Diamond IQ Test: Natural or Lab-Grown?

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Two identical diamonds: GIA Certified, 1.51ct, D Color, VVS1, Ideal Cut. One is natural ($16,240), the other is lab-grown ($1,970). Choose the diamond you like better and see if you can match it to its origin.

A Lifetime of Brilliance: Mark and Candy Udell, London Jewelers

Before we dive into the categories, it’s essential to honor the legends. This year, the GEM Awards will present its Lifetime Achievement Award to Mark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers, and it couldn’t be more deserved. This isn’t just about running a successful business; it’s about building a multi-generational legacy.

Founded in 1926, the Udells have transformed a family-run store into an institution. In 2025 alone, they opened the world’s first Rolex Boutique in East Hampton and expanded their Manhasset flagship, boosting sales by 12% year-over-year.

But their impact goes beyond commerce. Their philanthropic work, including over $500,000 in donations to Make-A-Wish in 2025, shows a deep commitment to their community.

With their children now leading digital initiatives that have grown online sales by 25%, the Udell’s legacy is a masterclass in blending heritage with innovation.

The Visionaries: Redefining Jewelry Design

This award celebrates the artists pushing the boundaries of creativity. In a world where 70% of consumers now prioritize ethical sourcing, these designers prove that beauty and substance go hand-in-hand. They aren’t just creating accessories; they are crafting future heirlooms.

Cece Fein-Hughes: The Art Historian Turned Goldsmith

After working at Sotheby’s and Christie’s, Cece Fein-Hughes brought her historian’s eye to the jeweler’s bench. Her signature is hand-engraved and enameled jewels that feel like miniature paintings, blending fairytale imagery with old-school tattoo motifs.

Her work taps directly into the personalization boom highlighted by The Times—a trend so powerful that after creating a custom ring for Taylor Swift in 2025, her orders surged by 50%. By expanding her line with recycled 18k gold, she’s perfectly aligning with the heirloom trend that’s seen 20% market growth.

Silvia Furmanovich: The Cultural Artisan

A powerhouse from Brazil, Silvia Furmanovich creates jewelry that feels alive. Her pieces are renowned for their unconventional use of natural materials like bamboo, wood, and silk, masterfully combined with precious gems. Her 2025 “Kashmir” and “Nantucket” collections showcased this blend of global artisanship, a skill she honed over a 25-year career celebrated in her new book.

Winning her fourth Couture Award for innovation and being featured in a 100-piece exhibition at Bergdorf Goodman proves she is a master at transforming organic materials into high art.

Catherine Sarr: The Universal Connector

Born in Paris, Catherine Sarr founded Almasika with the mission to create jewelry that bridges art, heritage, and the shared human experience. Her designs, seen on icons like Michelle Obama and Reese Witherspoon, are rooted in universal symbols.

This powerful vision has translated into real growth, with a new store in Illinois opening in 2025 and sales growing 20% off celebrity endorsements. By using recycled materials in new launches like her Universum pinky ring, Sarr proves that jewelry can be both culturally significant and consciously made.

Her work perfectly captures the 40% rise in demand for custom and meaningful pieces. Explore the beauty of different diamond shapes in her designs.

The Storytellers: Shaping Our View of Jewelry

This award honors the critical role of media in making jewelry culturally relevant. These are the editors and stylists who explore how design and innovation shape the way we adorn ourselves, translating the language of gems for the public.

Nicole Martine Chapoteau (Vanity Fair)

As Fashion Director at Vanity Fair, Chapoteau is renowned for uniting fashion with cultural resonance. Her styling of the 2025 Oscars had a strong sustainability focus, a cause she champions personally as “sustainabae.”

Her work is influencing a tangible 30% consumer shift toward ethical jewelry.

Emili Vesilind (Gem + Jewel)

As Editor in Chief of Gem + Jewel and a senior editor at Jewelers Mutual, Vesilind is one of the most trusted voices in the trade.

Her bi-weekly Rough Cut podcast, which saw 20% listener growth in 2025, analyzes everything from retail insights to sustainability trends, helping jewelers adapt to rising ethical demand. Her work is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the industry’s inner workings.

Thomas Waller (WWD)

As Senior Fashion Market Editor at WWD, Waller is a key trend forecaster. His 2025 articles on engagement ring trends and heirloom jewelry have helped drive a 15% market shift toward mixed metals, a direct response to record-high gold prices.

He expertly connects the dots between economic shifts and the jewelry we desire. This insight is crucial, especially as diamond prices are dropping.

The Trailblazers: Remaking the Retail Experience

This category celebrates the innovators changing how we buy fine jewelry. In a market where e-commerce jewelry sales are projected to hit $53 billion, these retailers prove that a unique business model and strong values are the keys to success. Whether you are building your own engagement ring on James Allen or seeking a deeply personal experience, these are the names to watch.

Day’s Jewelers: A Legacy for Employees

With a 111-year history, Day’s Jewelers made a groundbreaking move in 2021 by becoming 100% employee-owned. This isn’t just a feel-good story; it’s a brilliant business strategy that has boosted employee retention by 20% and driven a 15% sales growth in their ethical lines.

By empowering their employees as owners, they’ve cultivated a culture of quality and service that corporate chains simply can’t replicate.

Emily Chelsea Jewelry: A Safe Harbor of Values

Philadelphia-based Emily Chelsea Jewelry is a powerful example of a brand built on purpose. Founder Emily Phillippy has centered her business on inclusivity and transparency, offering gender-free designs, zero-waste packaging, and championing marriage equality.

Her approach has resonated deeply, leading to a 25% sales boost. In a world where 40% of consumers demand custom and inclusive options, this brand is not just a retailer; it’s a movement.

Jessica McCormack: Where Antiques Meet Modern

With a devoted celebrity following including Zoe Kravitz and Zendaya, London-based Jessica McCormack has perfected the hybrid antique-modern aesthetic. She creates “Day Diamonds” meant to be worn, not stored in a vault. Her expansion has been explosive, with a new 3,200 sq. ft. flagship on Madison Avenue opening in May 2025 and another planned for L.A.

This stunning growth underscores the power of her vision: making heirloom-quality craftsmanship feel personal and perfectly suited for modern life. It’s an approach that resonates, whether you’re considering a classic VS1 clarity diamond or something more avant-garde.

PAA (People Also Ask) – Your Questions, Answered

What are the GEM Awards?

The GEM Awards are the jewelry industry’s equivalent of the Oscars. Hosted by Jewelers of America (JA), they honor individuals and brands that have made significant contributions to raising the profile of fine jewelry and watches through design, media, and retail innovation.

Who is Mark Udell of London Jewelers?

Mark Udell, alongside his wife Candy, is the driving force behind the renowned retailer London Jewelers. He is being honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for transforming a family business into a luxury institution known for its exceptional service, community philanthropy, and successful adaptation to the modern market.

What does “Media Excellence” in jewelry mean?

It recognizes journalists, editors, and stylists whose work shapes the public’s understanding and appreciation of jewelry. They are the storytellers who identify key trends, champion new designers, and connect jewelry to broader cultural moments, making it relevant beyond its monetary value.

How does a jewelry brand become sustainable?

A brand becomes sustainable by focusing on ethical sourcing and responsible practices. This includes using recycled metals and conflict-free gemstones, ensuring fair labor practices, and adopting eco-friendly packaging. Transparency is key—brands often provide documentation on their sourcing, like a GIA certificate for their diamonds.

When will the 2026 GEM Awards winners be announced?

The winners will be announced live at a gala ceremony at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City on March 13, 2026. The event also serves as a fundraiser for JA’s consumer education initiatives.

Conclusion

The 2026 GEM Award nominees tell us a powerful story about where the jewelry industry is headed: a future that is more personal, more transparent, and more connected to our individual stories.

From Cece Fein-Hughes’s tiny enamel paintings to Emily Chelsea’s commitment to inclusivity, these innovators are proving that the most beautiful jewel is one with a soul.

While we have to wait until March 13th to see who takes home the awards, from my insider’s perspective, they are all already winners who are actively shaping a better, brighter future for jewelry.