b"A MESSAGE FROMJEWELERS OF AMERICA'SPRESIDENT & CEOWelcome to the 22nd annual GEM Awards! Every year, the GEM Awards community grows in number with the mission of celebrating the industry leaders who help increase consumer desire for fine jewelry through their excellence in jewelry design, media and retail. The demand for tickets flooded in at an all-time high and we sold out GEM Awards at a record pace. That is a testament to the caliber of the event and those who are in attendance. The cocktail hour is a coveted time to network and celebrate not only the achievements of the individuals who are being honored with nominations or awards this evening, but also the achievements of our businesses and the industry at large. Through the support of our incredible GEM Awards community, GEM Awards is the Academy Awards of the jewelry industry. Our industry has its own stars and the red carpet is full of glitz and glamour.Tonight, we honor Susan Jacques, an industry icon who has made a positive impact on the careers of so many in this room. I have had the pleasure of working alongside Susan throughout much of her career at Borsheims and GIA. Susan is a consummate professional who has helped push our industry forward and it is a true honor to award her with the GEM Award for Lifetime Achievement.I would like to congratulate the nominees in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence and Retail Excellence. The nine individuals and companies are leaders in their fields and we welcome them to the GEM Awards family. I also congratulate Tiffany & Co. for their continued distinction and their Special Recognition Award. Jewelers of America is a non-profit trade association who has been serving the industry and helping ensure consumer confidence since 1906. GEM Awards helps us further our mission. Your support of GEM Awards directly feeds many essential programs that educate consumers about fine jewelry and advocate for our industrys most critical needs. We hope that you will join Jewelers of America throughout the year as we continue to serve the industry.Lastly, I would like to give thanks to my Jewelers of America team, GEM Awards Chair Marion Fasel and the GEM Awards Committee for making GEM Awards the hottest ticket in the jewelry industry. Enjoy the 22nd annual GEM Awards!Regards, David J. BonapartePresident & CEOJewelers of America2222ND ANNUAL GEM AWARDS"