With just little more than a week until the 2026 Gem awards, the inaugural recipient of the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant has been revealed as Johnny Nelson of Johnny Nelson jewelry.
“I am blessed, honored and grateful to receive the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant,” the designer said in a statement. “To be recognized by David and Sybil Yurman, along with the esteemed Gem Awards Committee — leaders who have helped shape the landscape of American fine jewelry — is profoundly meaningful. This award affirms my commitment to amplifying culture and legacy through craftsmanship, art and design. I am excited for the doors this grant will open for Johnny Nelson Jewelry and for the invaluable mentorship opportunities with David Yurman and team, to whom I greatly respect and admire.”
The designer will receive $50,000, mentoring meetings with David Yurman executives and consultative meetings with other industry leaders.
Johnny Nelson jewelry.
Courtesy of Johnny Nelson jewelry
The 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. Ninety submissions were received during the nomination period, including Nelson’s class of finalists: Hiba Husayni of Zahn-Z, Jules Kim of Bijules, Dorian Webb and Lorraine West.
Born in London and based in Brooklyn, Nelson’s jewelry has been displayed in the American Museum of Natural History and he has racked up several collaborations including one with Adidas. His work spans hair beads, rings, bracelets, crowns, body armor, anklets, earrings and neckpieces in sterling silver, yellow gold, wax, resin, sandstone and precious gems, blending his heritage, political consciousness and craftsmanship.
“Johnny Nelson has been charting his own course in the jewelry world from the moment he became a designer,” Gem Awards chair Marion Fasel said, noting that his presentations “had a wonderful combination of sharing his past achievements and a specificity of areas for potential growth he could achieve with additional funding, mentoring and recognition. We are all thrilled he is our inaugural grant winner.”
Nelson will be honored on stage during the 24th annual Gem Awards on March 13.
