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New York, NY – The GEM Awards Committee and David Yurman are pleased to announce the finalists of the inaugural David Yurman GEM Awards Grant. The five jewelry designers selected as finalists are Hiba Husayni of Zahn-Z, Jules Kim of Bijules, Johnny Nelson,Dorian Webb, and Lorraine West.
The finalists were selected from the 90 submissions received during the nomination period. Each of the five finalists delivered an in-person presentation to David and Sybil Yurman and the GEM Awards Grant Committee. The committee will select one designer to receive the $50,000 grant, as well as mentoring meetings with David Yurman executives and consultative meetings with other industry leaders. The recipient will be presented during the 24th Annual GEM Awards on Friday, March 13, 2026.
The David Yurman GEM Awards Grant was created in partnership with Jewelers of America, the trade association that operates GEM Awards, and David Yurman, David Yurman Enterprises LLC, to support and foster an emerging fine jewelry designer who has been in business for at least three years and shows exceptional promise.
“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,” says Sybil Yurman.
“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,” says Marion Fasel, GEM Awards Chair.
About the David Yurman GEM Awards Grant Finalists:
Hiba Husayni, Zahn-Z – Hiba’s lifelong passion for jewelry is deeply intertwined with her commitment to women’s empowerment. Hiba draws upon her years of experience as an architect to fuel her creativity and aims to capture the joy that lights up a woman’s face when she discovers the perfect piece that reflects her style and individuality.
Jules Kim, Bijules – Jules Kim, a former New York nightlife impresario, brings a rare cross-disciplinary perspective to jewelry, shaped by culture, creative exchange, and community building. Her work is recognized for innovative silhouettes that challenge traditional jewelry and fashion norms, pairing precious metals and gemstones with sculptural, often subversive forms.
Johnny Nelson, Johnny Nelson Jewelry – Johnny Nelson found he had not just a genuine passion for jewelry, but the raw talent and creative vision to match. In his designs, Johnny draws inspiration from his diverse artistic and cultural experiences, merging punk, hip-hop, and spirituality. The line heavily focuses on statement pieces that spark conversation amongst consumers.
Dorian Webb, Dorian Webb – Dorian Webb creates intentional jewelry that celebrates women and African American culture, and raises awareness of social justice issues and organizations. With a belief that beauty and a sense of connection have societal impact, Dorian creates pieces that unapologetically mark collective and individual presence while fostering conversation and greater mutual understanding.
Lorraine West, Lorraine West Jewelry – Lorraine West has always had an affinity for creating original art. Her handcrafted contemporary and fine jewelry pieces are inspired by love and a passion for connecting with people on an intuitive and authentic level. Lorraine pays homage to her Caribbean roots, mixing bold and minimalistic design sensibilities to reflect inner beauty and power.
The David Yurman GEM Awards Grant Committee is: David Yurman, Sybil Yurman, Marion Fasel, Sam Broekema, Annie Doresca, Jennifer Gandia, Amanda Gizzi, Lauren Harwell Godfrey, and Jill Newman.
GEM Awards is the industry’s most prestigious gala event, honoring individuals and companies whose work elevates the visibility and artistry of fine jewelry and timepieces. For more information on GEM Awards and the David Yurman GEM Awards Grant, visit https://gemawards.jewelers.org/.
ABOUT JEWELERS OF AMERICA
Jewelers of America is the most trusted and influential voice of the jewelry industry. With a mission to empower and unite its members, Jewelers of America provides expert guidance, education, and advocacy to promote excellence, integrity, and success in an evolving marketplace. Since 1906, Jewelers of America has been advancing the fine jewelry industry by setting high ethical standards and fostering professional growth among its members. Jewelers of America represents a large, diverse membership of retailers and suppliers in the United States who annually commit to the organization’s Code of Professional Practices.
ABOUT GEM AWARDS
GEM Awards, hosted by Jewelers of America, is the fine jewelry and watch industry’s premier accolade gala that recognizes the outstanding achievements of individuals and companies whose work raises the visibility and status of fine jewelry and watches. Established in 2002, GEM Awards are presented in several categories, including the prestigious GEM Award for Lifetime Achievement. GEM Award nominees in additional categories are voted on by a voting body whose votes are sent live to an independent firm to determine the winners. The winners are announced live during the GEM Awards ceremony. Proceeds from GEM Awards help Jewelers of America continue to provide valuable programs, benefits, education, and advocacy for their members.
ABOUT DAVID YURMAN
David Yurman is America’s preeminent luxury jewelry company, founded in New York City by David Yurman, a sculptor, and his wife, Sybil, a painter and ceramicist. The two artists set out to fuse their individual creative talents to make beautifully designed objects to wear. Five decades later, led by their son Evan, the house of Yurman is renowned for crafting timeless heirloom jewelry meant to be lived in and worn effortlessly. Designed with innovative artistry and meticulous craftsmanship, collections are inspired by the vibrant energy of New York and by classic motifs in art, architecture, history, and nature. The brand’s most celebrated sculptural motif is Cable—an iconic, ever-evolving artistic signature. David Yurman jewelry is available on DavidYurman.com and at 55 retail stores throughout the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, and France, as well as over 300 locations worldwide through their exclusive authorized fine jewelry and timepiece network of retailers.
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