Jewelers of America (JA), the national trade association for businesses serving the fine jewelry marketplace, and the GEM Awards Committee announce that Susan M. Jacques, President and CEO of GIA, will be the recipient of the GEM Award for Lifetime Achievement at the 22nd annual GEM Awards taking place on Friday, March 8, 2024, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.

The GEM Awards gala honors the outstanding achievements of individuals or companies whose work raises the visibility and status of fine jewelry and watches. Jacques was selected by the GEM Awards Committee for her countless achievements, years of industry service, and her leadership over the course of her long career in the jewelry industry.

“We are elated to be able to present the GEM Award for Lifetime Achievement to Susan Jacques. Susan is a cherished member of the jewelry industry and her commitment to our industry’s success is unwavering. It has been a pleasure to serve alongside Susan throughout her career at Borsheim’s and now with GIA,” says JA President & CEO David J. Bonaparte.

Jacques was appointed GIA’s president and CEO in January 2014. Before joining GIA, she served as president and CEO of Borsheim’s Fine Jewelry and Gifts in Omaha, Nebraska, for 20 years and reported directly to Warren Buffett. She served as the honorary chair of the Friends of the Diamond Development Initiative, as a trustee of the Ethical Alliance, as a member of the board of advisors to the Black In Jewelry Coalition and on the boards of Jewelers of America, Jewelers for Children, Jewelers Vigilance Committee, the Omaha Chamber of Commerce and Creighton University in Omaha. She is also a member of the 24 Karat Club of New York and Jewelers of America.

In addition to the GEM Award for Lifetime Achievement, Jewelers of America will be announcing the other GEM Award categories and nominees in the coming weeks.