JIC's GEM Awards Brings Fine Jewelry, Fashion & TV Celebrities

Jewelry Information Center celebrates ten years of excellence with host Emmy® Award-Winning, Padma Lakshmi, celebrity presenters and four honorees

NEW YORK, Jan. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Jewelry Information Center (JIC) – the consumer education arm of Jewelers of America – held its Tenth Annual GEM Awards gala on January 6 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York. The posh event – considered "the Academy Awards of the fine jewelry industry" – honored a stellar line up of GEM Award winners who, with their celebrity presenters, helped the organization celebrate ten years of excellence.

The evening commenced when GEM Awards host Padma Lakshmi, of "Top Chef" fame, took the stage.  Emmy®-nominated Lakshmi is an internationally recognized jewelry designer, actress, food expert, model and award-winning author.  Well adept at the hosting role, Lakshmi just completed her sixth season as host of Bravo's Emmy award-winning "Top Chef." Her fine jewelry collection, The Padma Collection, which is now in its fifth season, is sold at many fine retailers nationwide, including Bergdorf Goodman.

The awards portion of the evening included French actor and CHANEL Ambassador Anna Mouglalis who presented the GEM Award for Corporate Communications to CHANEL Fine Jewelry's Senior Vice President Olivier Stip. CHANEL Fine Jewelry won for its marketing excellence and overall cohesive brand messaging, which has been consistent since the company's founding 80 years ago.

The Honorable Daphne Guinness was honored with the GEM Award for Jewelry Style, accepted by couture jewelry designer Shaun Leane. Although Guinness was not present due to unforeseen circumstances, she was recognized for her unique eye and singular creative vision apparent throughout her eclectic career as a designer, stylist, writer, filmmaker, performer, collector, perfumer and jewelry-design collaborator.

Legendary fashion designer Carolina Herrera presented Candy Pratts Price with the GEM Award for Journalistic Excellence. She received this award in celebration of her body of work as a journalist dedicated to covering the fine jewelry and watch category for more than two decades at renowned fashion publications like Harper's Bazaar, Vogue and Style.com.

Ralph Destino received the GEM Award for Lifetime Achievement, presented by Cartier's Senior Vice President Martin Gatins. Destino received the award for a lifetime of accomplishments and service to the fine jewelry and watch industry. During his 32 years at Cartier, he held various positions including President and CEO of Cartier USA and later served as Chairman of the Gemological Institute of America.  

SOURCE Jewelry Information Center