New York, NY – Jewelers of America (JA), the national trade association for businesses serving the fine jewelry marketplace, and the GEM Awards Committee proudly announce the 2025 GEM Award Nominees in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence and Retail Innovation. The winners in these three categories will be announced live during GEM Awards on Friday, March 14, 2025, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
GEM Awards honors individuals and brands whose work raises the visibility and status of fine jewelry and watches. Each nominee has achieved excellence in their respective field. The GEM Award nominees are:
GEM Award for Jewelry Design:
Sophie Bille Brahe, Sophie Bille Brahe
Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, fine jeweler Sophie Bille Brahe was raised with a deep respect for craft and storytelling. After training in the traditional ways as a goldsmith, Sophie graduated from London’s prestigious Royal College of Arts with a master’s degree. She returned to Copenhagen in 2011 to establish her eponymous jewelry brand, which is now sold in some of the world’s most esteemed luxury and fine jewelry spaces and stores, from Dover Street Market to Bergdorf Goodman. Sophie Bille Brahe has always been fascinated by the point in the horizon where the sky and the ocean meet, creating a beautiful curve. This specific point is an everlasting source of inspiration for the designer who imagines diamonds as shining stars and pearls as the moon.
Beth Hutchens, FoundRae
FoundRae was founded in 2015 by Creative Director Beth Hutchens. Hutchens was born in Ohio, raised in Texas, and found her true home in New York when she was 21, where she has lived ever since. She co-founded Rebecca Taylor at the age of 23. Twenty years later, she sold the brand and launched FoundRae – a collection of modern heirlooms that serve as tools of self-expression and self-discovery. Hutchens is a member of the CFDA, and industry honors include her nomination for the 2021 "Jewelry Design of the Year", 2019 “Emerging Designer of the Year” by the CFDA, a recipient of the 2018 Town & Country Jewelry Award for “Breakthrough of the Year” and a GEM Award nominee for Retail Excellence in 2020.
Selim Mouzannar, Selim Mouzannar
Selim Mouzannar hails from a family of jewelers serving the Ottoman Empire since the 19th century. Growing up in his father’s Beirut workshop, French and Lebanese, Selim studied mineralogy before managing a prominent jewelry workshop and becoming a stone hunter. Inspired by Ottoman and Art Deco architecture, Selim’s jewelry reflects a dynamic heritage. Every piece, crafted by his skilled artisans, showcases his expertise in color and form. An optimistic epicurean, Selim’s commitment to non-violence and solidarity is exemplified by his award-winning necklace, Amal (HOPE), which won a Couture Design Award in 2016. The collective emergent designers in his new outlets, Macle Jewels and The Jeweller Vintage, demonstrate his passion for jewelry while his favorite exclamation “Vive La Vie!”, reflects his deep connection to nature.
GEM Award for Media Excellence:
Sam Broekema
Sam Broekema is the Editor-in-Chief of Only Natural Diamonds at the Natural Diamond Council, where he champions the positive global impact and unique stories of natural diamonds. Under his leadership, his team launched the biannual print and digital publication in 2022. With a background in fashion journalism, Sam has served as Fashion Editor at Vanity Fair, Executive Accessories Editor at Harper's Bazaar, and Market and Accessories Director at InStyle. His sharp eye for style and commitment to responsible luxury and independent designers inspires readers to embrace the unique allure and intrinsic power of natural diamonds. In his free time, Sam enjoys black and white cookies, and hiking with his husband Eric and their adventurous one-year-old daughter Maeve.
Paige Reddinger
Ever since she was a child, Paige Reddinger had a fascination with jewelry. Her mother, also a jewelry lover and collector, taught her about the great houses from David Webb to Mikimoto. Her professional journey in watches and jewelry began in 2010 at Forbes. There, her first entrée to high horology began on assignment to the revered A. Lange & Söhne watch manufacture in Glashütte. Her interest in timepieces took hold as she learned about the painstaking work it takes to make these tiny mechanical wonders tick. She joined Robb Report in 2018, working under esteemed jewelry expert Jill Newman. As Robb Report’s Watch and Jewelry Editor, she covers everything from the latest gems and timepieces to profiling serious collectors, as well as spotlighting the challenges and successes of household brands and independent makers alike.
Trace Shelton
Trace Shelton is the editor-in-chief of INSTORE, a trade publication for North American independent jewelry retailers. He worked his way up from senior editor in 2004 to editor-in-chief of INSTORE’s sister publication, INDESIGN, to being named EIC of INSTORE in 2016. Trace and the jewelry publishing team have received nearly 100 awards from the Jesse H. Neal Awards, FOLIO, Azbee and Trade Association Business Publications International. In addition to his duties as editor-in-chief, Trace serves as conference chair for The INSTORE Show. Trace’s appreciation for independent retailers began during his six years as a marketing consultant prior to working at INSTORE. He enjoys writing about all aspects of running a small business to help INSTORE’s readers succeed.
GEM Award for Retail Innovation:
Bernard James
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
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
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.
The 2025 GEM Awards will also honor John A. Green of Lux Bond & Green with the GEM Award for Lifetime Achievement. Proceeds from GEM Awards directly benefit valuable industry programs that enhance JA’s mission to improve consumer confidence in jewelry and watches. To support the honorees, purchase sponsorships and explore advertising opportunities, visit www.jewelers.org/gemawards.
GEM Awards honors individuals and brands whose work raises the visibility and status of fine jewelry and watches. Each nominee has achieved excellence in their respective field. The GEM Award nominees are:
GEM Award for Jewelry Design:
Sophie Bille Brahe, Sophie Bille Brahe
Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, fine jeweler Sophie Bille Brahe was raised with a deep respect for craft and storytelling. After training in the traditional ways as a goldsmith, Sophie graduated from London’s prestigious Royal College of Arts with a master’s degree. She returned to Copenhagen in 2011 to establish her eponymous jewelry brand, which is now sold in some of the world’s most esteemed luxury and fine jewelry spaces and stores, from Dover Street Market to Bergdorf Goodman. Sophie Bille Brahe has always been fascinated by the point in the horizon where the sky and the ocean meet, creating a beautiful curve. This specific point is an everlasting source of inspiration for the designer who imagines diamonds as shining stars and pearls as the moon.
Beth Hutchens, FoundRae
FoundRae was founded in 2015 by Creative Director Beth Hutchens. Hutchens was born in Ohio, raised in Texas, and found her true home in New York when she was 21, where she has lived ever since. She co-founded Rebecca Taylor at the age of 23. Twenty years later, she sold the brand and launched FoundRae – a collection of modern heirlooms that serve as tools of self-expression and self-discovery. Hutchens is a member of the CFDA, and industry honors include her nomination for the 2021 "Jewelry Design of the Year", 2019 “Emerging Designer of the Year” by the CFDA, a recipient of the 2018 Town & Country Jewelry Award for “Breakthrough of the Year” and a GEM Award nominee for Retail Excellence in 2020.
Selim Mouzannar, Selim Mouzannar
Selim Mouzannar hails from a family of jewelers serving the Ottoman Empire since the 19th century. Growing up in his father’s Beirut workshop, French and Lebanese, Selim studied mineralogy before managing a prominent jewelry workshop and becoming a stone hunter. Inspired by Ottoman and Art Deco architecture, Selim’s jewelry reflects a dynamic heritage. Every piece, crafted by his skilled artisans, showcases his expertise in color and form. An optimistic epicurean, Selim’s commitment to non-violence and solidarity is exemplified by his award-winning necklace, Amal (HOPE), which won a Couture Design Award in 2016. The collective emergent designers in his new outlets, Macle Jewels and The Jeweller Vintage, demonstrate his passion for jewelry while his favorite exclamation “Vive La Vie!”, reflects his deep connection to nature.
GEM Award for Media Excellence:
Sam Broekema
Sam Broekema is the Editor-in-Chief of Only Natural Diamonds at the Natural Diamond Council, where he champions the positive global impact and unique stories of natural diamonds. Under his leadership, his team launched the biannual print and digital publication in 2022. With a background in fashion journalism, Sam has served as Fashion Editor at Vanity Fair, Executive Accessories Editor at Harper's Bazaar, and Market and Accessories Director at InStyle. His sharp eye for style and commitment to responsible luxury and independent designers inspires readers to embrace the unique allure and intrinsic power of natural diamonds. In his free time, Sam enjoys black and white cookies, and hiking with his husband Eric and their adventurous one-year-old daughter Maeve.
Paige Reddinger
Ever since she was a child, Paige Reddinger had a fascination with jewelry. Her mother, also a jewelry lover and collector, taught her about the great houses from David Webb to Mikimoto. Her professional journey in watches and jewelry began in 2010 at Forbes. There, her first entrée to high horology began on assignment to the revered A. Lange & Söhne watch manufacture in Glashütte. Her interest in timepieces took hold as she learned about the painstaking work it takes to make these tiny mechanical wonders tick. She joined Robb Report in 2018, working under esteemed jewelry expert Jill Newman. As Robb Report’s Watch and Jewelry Editor, she covers everything from the latest gems and timepieces to profiling serious collectors, as well as spotlighting the challenges and successes of household brands and independent makers alike.
Trace Shelton
Trace Shelton is the editor-in-chief of INSTORE, a trade publication for North American independent jewelry retailers. He worked his way up from senior editor in 2004 to editor-in-chief of INSTORE’s sister publication, INDESIGN, to being named EIC of INSTORE in 2016. Trace and the jewelry publishing team have received nearly 100 awards from the Jesse H. Neal Awards, FOLIO, Azbee and Trade Association Business Publications International. In addition to his duties as editor-in-chief, Trace serves as conference chair for The INSTORE Show. Trace’s appreciation for independent retailers began during his six years as a marketing consultant prior to working at INSTORE. He enjoys writing about all aspects of running a small business to help INSTORE’s readers succeed.
GEM Award for Retail Innovation:
Bernard James
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
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
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.
The 2025 GEM Awards will also honor John A. Green of Lux Bond & Green with the GEM Award for Lifetime Achievement. Proceeds from GEM Awards directly benefit valuable industry programs that enhance JA’s mission to improve consumer confidence in jewelry and watches. To support the honorees, purchase sponsorships and explore advertising opportunities, visit www.jewelers.org/gemawards.
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