The five finalists for the inaugural David Yurman Gem Awards Grant have been revealed: Hiba Husayni of Zahn-Z, Jules Kim of Bijules, Johnny Nelson, Dorian Webb and Lorraine West.
The five jewelry designers were chosen by David and Sybil Yurman and the Gem Awards committee; the grant recipient will be announced at the 24th annual Gem Awards on March 13 in New York City.
“When we started out, we were two artists — and we learned, step by step, what it takes to merge art and craft into a business. Those early days were very challenging, which is why we believe so deeply in mentorship and in giving emerging designers real tools and capital to help their growth and development. The David Yurman Gem Awards Grant is our commitment to the next generation of extraordinary talent. It serves as a clear expression of our long-term vision and belief in nurturing what’s next,” said Sybil Yurman.
Created by the David Yurman company, the Gem Awards grant was founded to support and foster an emerging fine jewelry designer who has been in business for at least three years and shows exceptional promise. The recipient will receive a one-time financial award of $50,000 and mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman, as well as consultative meetings with other industry executives.
The finalists were selected from the 90 submissions, with each of the five finalists delivering an in-person presentation to David and Sybil Yurman and the Gem Awards committee, which included Marion Fasel, Sam Broekema, Annie Doresca, Jennifer Gandia, Amanda Gizzi, Lauren Harwell Godfrey and Jill Newman.
“We were blown away by the number of entries submitted and the finalists are a group of extraordinary designers who have a tremendous future ahead in fine jewelry. Selecting just one winner will be difficult. However, we look to the Gem Awards community and the industry at large to uplift all of the finalists as we shed light on their stories, collections and their talent. We remain grateful to the team at David Yurman, especially David and Sybil, for their partnership on this incredible grant program,” said Fasel, Gem Awards chair.
Established in 2002, the Gem Awards are presented in several categories, including for Lifetime Achievement. Award nominees in additional categories are chosen by a group whose votes are sent live to an independent firm to determine the winners, which are revealed during the festive ceremony. Proceeds from Gem Awards help Jewelers of America continue to provide programs, benefits, education and advocacy for their members.
