Jewelers of America, the national trade association for businesses serving the fine jewelry marketplace, and the GEM Awards Committee have announced that actress Debra Messing will receive the GEM Award for Jewelry Style at the 16th annual GEM Awards on Friday, January 19, 2018, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. Messing will receive the GEM Award for her personal style that inspires and encourages consumer desire for fine jewelry.
"Jewelry has been a passion of mine since my father produced the Tiffany heart in his factory in the 70s. My father taught me that jewelry is wearable Art and I have spent countless hours learning about the evolution of design,” says Debra Messing. “A piece of jewelry can make me feel strong, feminine, royal, edgy, demure -- I can transform. Every day. My love for jewelry is deep and true and I am beyond honored to be acknowledged in this way. "
Messing's knowledge of jewelry began as child -- her father worked in jewelry manufacturing. Her jewelry style is marked by bold designs, statement pieces and a love for color. Through her exquisite accessory choices, she communicates that jewelry is wearable art and introduces the public to independent designers, acknowledging them freely.
“Jewelers of America is delighted to present the GEM Award for Jewelry Style to Debra Messing. Debra has undoubtedly inspired women to seek out specific jewelry styles and explore how jewelry can make them feel beautiful, strong and confident. Her passion for jewelry and eye for jewelry style has been showcased on red carpets around the globe, at her personal appearances and throughout her widely followed Instagram,” says JA Director of PR & Events Amanda Gizzi.
Debra Messing is best known for her role as Grace Adler on NBC’s Emmy® Award-winning and Golden Globe®-nominated comedy series Will & Grace. This fall, Messing is reprising her role on the show’s revival with the entire original creative team, premiering September 28.
Her recent television performances include ABC’s remake of Dirty Dancing, as Marjorie Houseman; the NBC series The Mysteries of Laura; and as Julia Houston in NBC’s Smash, a musical drama about the creation of a new Broadway show.
Messing’s film work includes the box office hit Along Came Polly, The Wedding Date, The Women, Nothing Like The Holidays and Woody Allen’s Hollywood Ending. Messing won a Best Featured Actress Award for her work in the 2015 indie drama Like Sunday Like Rain. In 2014, Messing made her Broadway debut in the Tony Award®-nominated production of John Patrick Shanley’s Outside Mullingar.
Messing is the Global Health Ambassador for Population Services International (PSI) focusing on HIV/AIDS. Other charities Messing supports include HRC (Human Rights Campaign), Everytown for Gun Safety, and Joyful Heart Foundation. She was honored with The Trevor Life Award for her contributions to the LGBT community.
In addition to the GEM Award for Jewelry Style, Jewelers of America will present the GEM Award for Lifetime Achievement to Sally Morrison and will reveal winners of several other GEM Awards live during the ceremony on January 19, 2018. The nominees in the category of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence and Retail Innovation will be announced soon.
For details on GEM Awards, to purchase tickets, sponsorships or advertisements in the GEM Award Journal, visit www.jewelers.org/gemawards.
