JA Honors Ed Bridge at GEM Awards

RAPAPORT... Jewelers of America (JA) honored retailers, designers and journalists at Friday's GEM Awards in New York.Ed Bridge, who ran the family-owned Ben Bridge Jeweler until his retirement in November 2018, picked up the Lifetime Achievement accolade in recognition of his contribution to the industry during his time at the company. Bridge, who became CEO in 1990, ran the company with his cousin Jon Bridge until 2017, after which he was chairman and CEO until his retirement. During his tenure, Bridge guided the company through its acquisition by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway.The GEM Awards honor the outstanding achievements of individuals or companies whose work raises the visibility and status of fine jewelry and watches. The event's 18th edition took place at Cipriani 42nd Street.The winners in full were:GEM Award for Jewelry DesignWinner: Nikos Koulis of Nikos Koulis JewelsOther nominees: Ana Khouri of Ana Khouri, Carlo Traglio of VhernierGEM Award for Media ExcellenceWinner: Rachel Garrahan of British VogueOther nominees: Anthony DeMarco of Forbes, freelance jewelry writer Tanya DukesGEM Award for Retail InnovationWinner: TwistOther nominees: Foundrae, Hodinkee ShopGEM Award for Lifetime AchievementRecipient: Ed BridgeImage: Pam and Ed Bridge. (Benjamin Lozovsky/BFA.com)