Jewelers of America (JA) has unveiled the nominees for its 2024 GEM Awards, as well as its pick for a Lifetime Achievement Award.

JA will hand out the awards — which honor individuals and brands whose work raises the visibility and status of fine jewelry and watches — in three categories, it said last week. It will announce the winners in Jewelry Design, Media Excellence and Retail Excellence during a ceremony on March 8 in New York.

JA will also present Susan Jacques, CEO of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), with the award for Lifetime Achievement.

Susan Jacques

The nominees in full are:

Jewelry Design:

Marla Aaron

Jean Prounis

Tanya Dukes, former accessories editor of Brides magazine, former senior jewelry editor for Indesign and Instore magazines, and freelance writer for The International New York Times, Elle Décor, Robb Report and The Business of Fashion.

Alexis Wolfe, fashion and accessories market director at Elle magazine.

Retail Excellence:

Ben Bridge Jewelers. (Ben Bridge)

Irene Neuwirth. (Irene Neuwirth)

Ylang 23. (Ylang 23)

Main image: A Ben Bridge store in Portland, Oregon. (Ben Bridge Jewelers). Other images: Jewelers of America, Ben Bridge, Irene Neuwirth, Ylang 23.