The jewelry industry kicked off the weekend on Friday at the Jewelry Information Center’s 12th annual Gem Awards.
The event, held at Cipriani 42nd street, honored designer Kara Ross, journalist Victoria Gomelsky of trade publication JCK, and the communications team from Tiffany & Co.
“Good Morning America’s” Lara Spencer was emcee for the evening, opening the event with some jewel-friendly jokes.
“Sonja Henie said, ‘Jewelry takes people’s minds off your wrinkles,’” she said. “And for that, I say thank you. Who needs Botox? You just need baubles.”
Unlike years past, this year’s winners were not notified of their win prior to the ceremony. “It’s the inauguration of our new Oscar-worthy format,” said awards chair Rachel Branch. “None of us know who is going to win. We’re expecting a lot of surprise, a lot of tears and an upset if ‘12 Years a Slave’ doesn’t take everything.”
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Over a first course of sea scallops and asparagus, Marion Fasel, contributing editor at InStyle, presented the nominees for media excellence: Gomelsky, author Beth Bernstein and Hodinkee founder Benjamin Clymer.
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“With that music, I feel like they are more tributes than nominees,” Fasel said of the video montage. “These are the ‘Jewelry Games.’”
Up next, former reality star Audrina Patridge took the stage to present the award for communications to Tiffany & Co., who triumphed over LoveGold and Tacori.
After a quick intermission for the main course, Ross accepted her award from presenter Alexis Bittar, taking the time to acknowledge her fellow nominees, Monica Rich Kosann and Irene Neuwirth.
“When I heard who the other nominees were, I was so happy,” said the designer. “They’re wonderful women, they’re friends and they are great designers.”
The evening concluded with the presentation of the lifetime achievement award. David Yurman introduced recipient Marie Helene Morrow, describing her as “the mother” of fine jewelry.
“You gave us a home,” Yurman said. “Thanks, Mom.”
Taking the stage to a standing ovation, Morrow, owner of Reinhold Jewelers, gave the most heartfelt speech of the evening.
“I am so overwhelmed to be here tonight,” she said. “It is something that I’ve never dreamt. I love you all.”