Jewelers of America Takes GEM Awards Online

RAPAPORT... Jewelers of America (JA) will hold its 19th annual GEM Awards digitally this year as a free virtual event to ensure the safety of attendees.The live event will return on January 14, 2022, in New York, JA said last week. The awards honor individuals and brands whose work raises the visibility and status of fine jewelry and watches."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 JA president David Bonaparte.JA will also hold its third annual National Convention virtually, it noted. The educational forum features presentations, keynote speakers and interactive networking."We are hard at work producing two incredible events that the entire industry will now have front-row seats for," Bonaparte added.Image: A jewelry store display. (Shutterstock)