The Jewelry Information Center hosted its third Gem Awards gala on Jan. 7, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. During the black-tie event, awards were bestowed to members of the jewelry industry and consumer press. The recipients were recognized for their efforts to stimulate consumer demand for jewelry and build the industry’s image.

One JIC Gem Award was presented to Richard Lennox and the Diamond Group at J. Walter Thompson for the Diamond Trading Company’s A Diamond Is Forever marketing campaign.

For making jewelry an essential part of Hollywood glamour, InStyle magazine fashion director Hal Rubenstein received a JIC Gem Award. An award was also presented to ELLE magazine editor-in-chief Roberta Myers for excellence in journalism and coverage of fine jewelry and watches.

A special Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Herb and Bob Bridge of Ben Bridge Jeweler, Seattle, for their many years of helping to raise the profile of the jewelry industry.

Two-time Emmy Award winner Deborah Norville hosted the event. Fashion designer Carolina Herrera, Terri Eagle of David Yurman, Lowell Kwiat of Kwiat Inc., and Walter Fischer of Rolex Watch USA presented the evening’s awards.

Members of the Gem Awards event committee are Linda Buckley of Tiffany and Co., John Calnon of World Gold Council, Terri Eagle of David Yurman, John Green of Lux Bond & Green, Steven Kaiser of Kaiser Time Inc., Jim Kerwin of Kerwin Communications, Lowell Kwiat of Kwiat Inc., Jason Lundy and Renée Moskowitz of Harper’s Bazaar, Matthew Runci of Jewelers of America, Steve Shonebarger of Bulgari Corp. of America, Koichi Takahashi of Rosy Blue Inc., Sara Teass of Jacob and Co., and Fiona Tilley of Gurhan.

JIC is a nonprofit trade association that works with more than 1,000 member supporters and speaks to the consumer on behalf of the entire fine jewelry and watch industry. For information, call (646) 658-0240 or (800) 459-0130.