b'A MESSAGE FROMTHE GEM AWARDS CHAIRWelcome to the 22nd annual GEM Awards presented by Jewelers of America. Over the course of the last year, the GEM Awards Committee enthusiastically worked together to assemble the honorees and nominees we are paying tribute to tonight. In order to produce the list of luminaries, a variety of achievements and their impact were analyzed. The types of accomplishments ranged from an honorees lifetime of guiding large businesses to a designer nominees talent for crafting a collection in solitude on a workbench.The first-ever Special Recognition Award is being presented to Tiffany & Co. for the holistic four-year-long interior renovation of the historic Fifth Avenue location, rechristened The Landmark. The glorious design by architect Peter Marino elevated the shopping experience to a new level of luxury and made the store a top New York City destination.Susan Jacques, the president and CEO of the Gemological Institute of America for over 10 years, is the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. Before Susan joined the GIA, she served on the institutions Board of Directors while successfully leading Borsheims where she was named CEO in 1994. The Jewelry Design nominees, Marla Aaron, Marie Lichtenberg and Jean Prounis, each have distinctive styles. Their work ranges from transforming a humble piece of hardware into a signature motif, reimagining talismans including Mattels Magic 8 Ball as whimsical new jewels and working in techniques used by ancient Greek goldsmiths. The Retail Excellence nominees, Ben Bridge Jeweler, Irene Neuwirth and Ylang 23, come from various corners of the category. They represent a franchise dating back well over 100 years, a stylish new establishment and a hotbed of independent talent. The Media Excellence nominees, Tanya Dukes, Milena Lazazzera and Alexis Wolfe, bring jewelry stories to a wide audience in American and international legacy publications. They make jewelry shine brighter through their expertise, sharp eyes and special way with words and visuals. All of us on the GEM Awards Committee are thrilled you are here tonight to honor these talents and the flourishing jewelry world. Marion FaselChair, GEM Awards 1822ND ANNUAL GEM AWARDS'