The GEM Awards, presented by Jewelers of America, is one of the jewellery industry’s most celebrated awards galas, honouring the achievements of individuals and companies whose work raises the visibility of fine jewellery and watches.
This year’s awards ceremony, taking place on January 11, 2019, in New York City will honour those in the industry. The three nominees in each category are judged by a panel of industry experts and influencers whose ballots will be sent to an independent firm to determine the winners and keep the results confidential. The winners are revealed live at the GEM Awards ceremony in January.
This year, the GEM Awards will honour Stewart Wicht for the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Stewart Wicht’s career at Rolex spans more than four decades – beginning in 1975 at Rolex SA in Geneva, Switzerland, and since 2011 at Rolex Watch U.S.A., Inc., in his current role as President & CEO. Over the course of his 36-year career in Switzerland, he was responsible for the oversight of numerous markets in Asia and the South Pacific, as well as having established and managed the Intellectual Property department. In 2011, Stewart was appointed President & CEO of Rolex Watch U.S.A., Inc., where he heads a team of over 500 people. Stewart will retire in December but will remain on the board of directors of Rolex Watch U.S.A.
Stewart is receiving the 2019 GEM Award for Lifetime Achievement due to his efforts to enhance the jewellery and watch industry’s image and set a standard of excellence that inspired industry colleagues throughout the course of his career. His professional and personal interests led him to join the boards of industry and cultural organizations, including the American Gem Society, the American Swiss Foundation and the International Tennis Hall of Fame. He is the Chairperson of the Jewelers’ Security Alliance, a position he has held for the past three years.
Born in London, England, Stewart spent his formative years in Pakistan, India and England, where he graduated with a BA in Business Studies from Ealing Technical College, now the University of West London. He currently lives in New York City with his wife, Susan, and their daughter, Fiona.
