Jewelers of America (JA) announced this morning that its annual GEM Awards and National Convention will be held virtually—not in person—this July.
The 19th annual GEM Awards, which will honor individuals and brands “whose work raises the visibility and status of fine jewelry and watches,” according to a JA statement, will take place virtually on July 15, while the JA Virtual National Convention, an education-focused forum, will happen online July 19 and 20.
“We have been carefully evaluating COVID-19 and while it was not an easy decision, our board and committees have decided that hosting the National Convention and GEM Awards virtually is in the best interest of our attendees and staff,” said David J. Bonaparte, president and CEO of JA, in the same statement. “We are hard at work producing two incredible virtual events that the entire industry will now have front-row seats for. We hope you will all join us, from the comfort of your homes and businesses, to celebrate, network, and learn.”
Both the GEM Awards and the JA Virtual National Convention will be free to attend, though to be able to tune into the National Convention, individuals must be employed by an active JA member. (Non-members can take advantage of JA’s limited-time membership offers to access this year’s awards ceremony.)
The 20th annual GEM Awards will be an in-person event—it’s already scheduled for Jan. 14, 2022, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
Top: The stage at a past GEM Awards ceremony (photo courtesy of Jewelers of America)
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