Retail Innovation
The GEM Award for Retail Innovation recognizes retailers, online or brick-and-mortar, who specialize in selling fine jewelry and/or watches and are using innovative strategies to create positive change to how jewelry and/or watches are sold. The nominees may be recognized for their excellence in e-commerce, technological advancements, in-store experience, digital applications or any combination thereof.
Situated in Greenpoint, an up-and-coming neighborhood in Brooklyn, Bernard James is more than a store—it's where design, art, and community meet. As their first retail space, they set out to create a welcoming, inclusive environment where both long-time and new customers can connect with their products in a relaxed setting. With a transparent studio wall offering a glimpse into the creative process and activations ranging from piercing parties to brand collaborations, the store redefines the traditional fine jewelry experience. Featuring custom USM displays, curated art, and Altec Lansing speakers crafted from oak, the space embraces a multi-sensory approach to design. Bernard James is a place where connections flourish, and creativity thrives, reflecting their passion for community and culture.
CD Peacock, Chicagoland’s family-owned and operated jeweler since 1837, has reimagined luxury retail with its new 20,900-square-foot flagship store, The CD Peacock Mansion, at Oakbrook Center in Oak Brook, Illinois. The two-story location blends contemporary design with luxe details that delight the senses and elevate the guest experience. Featuring a serpentine glass façade and sunlit interiors, The Mansion showcases jewelry, watches, the House of Peacock high jewelry collection, custom jewelry design, and an extensive watch strap library with bespoke offerings. The Bridesmaid and Proposal Rooms offer more intimate shopping experiences, while The Peacock Room 1837 boasts a horological library and private seating. Onsite repair services include bench jewelers and watchmakers. With a focus on hospitality, The Mansion also features a bar with a mixologist, a commercial prep kitchen, and event spaces for bridal parties, charity events, and seated dinners.
Reinhold Jewelers was founded by Marie Helene Reinhold, whose passion for discovering and nurturing talented designers has shaped the brand for over 55 years. Known for viewing jewelry as wearable art, she sought to highlight the stories behind each piece and its creator. Reinhold celebrates craftsmanship, showcasing collections that blend luxury, fashion, and personal meaning. Beyond the designers' narratives, Marie Helene saw jewelry as a medium for personal storytelling. Each piece carries a memory, transforming milestones and occasions into treasured moments. As a family business rooted in Puerto Rico's rich cultural heritage, the store takes pride in fostering relationships—with designers, clients, and associates—creating a community built on quality and trust. The connection between art, life, and jewelry defines the Reinhold experience, continuing Marie Helene's legacy of elevating the jewelry landscape.