b"GEM AWARD NOMINEES FORJEWELRY DESIGNMarla Aaron MARLA AARONMarla Aaron takes a functional maximalism approach to fine jewelry. What began in 2012 with the iconic recasting of the carabiner lock into precious metals quickly expanded into a universe of mechanism-inspired hard-working fine jewelry that is very fun to play with. Made by hand in small artisanal workshops in New Yorks Diamond District, everything by Marla is more than the sum of its partsrings creatively open and close, shapeshifting into necklaces, bracelets and charms; earrings snap together and are infinitely buildable; diamonds are cut into cylindrical balls to roll around one's finger inspired by the mechanism of ball bearings. Jewelrys only job is to bring joy to as many people as possible are the words Marla lives by. The brands playfully personal point of view has carved a unique place in the jewelry world with devout collectors of all ages and identities.Marie Lichtenberg MARIE LICHTENBERGMarieLichtenbergstartedhercareerasafashioneditorattheiconicFrenchElle magazine. Over 12 years, she meticulously crafted a formidable reputation and forged collaborationswithnumerouscelebratedphotographers.InFebruary2019,Marie made a pivotal decision to channel her creative energies into her very own jewelry line. Drawing inspiration from her upbringing alongside a mother with a penchant for collecting antique jewelry, she delved deep into her personal history. This profound exploration served as the wellspring for her modern heirloom creations, meticulously designed in Saint Germain des Prs. Enriched with narratives from distant lands. The result is a collection of exquisite, meticulously crafted jewels imbued with a profound sense of love and heritage.Jean Prounis PROUNISJean Prounis founded her eponymous brand in 2017 to create thoughtful jewelry with reverence to history. Inspired by her Greek heritage and by the visual language of her great-grandparents New York nightclub, the Versailles, Prounis designs are an ode to origins. Jean reimagines ancient artifacts, like those she discovered in her bibliophile grandfathers book collection, as objects that are elegant, wearable and enduring. Each piece is handwrought in a signature recycled 22-karat gold and finished with sustainably and responsibly sourced gemstones, diamonds, pearls and corals. Shaped alongside expert craftspeople in Manhattans Jewelry District, Prounis museum-quality modern heirlooms preserve the integrity of handmade jewelry in New York City. Formed with purpose, Prounis objects accumulate lifes knicks and imprints over the years, becoming part of the wearers own legacy.3222ND ANNUAL GEM AWARDS"