Brooklyn Designer Johnny Nelson Wins Inaugural David Yurman Gem Awards Grant

The prestigious award recognizes Nelson's exceptional talent and potential in the fine jewelry industry.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:23am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a sparkling, faceted gemstone reflecting dramatic studio lighting, conceptually representing the glitz and glamour of the jewelry industry and the recognition of emerging talent.The David Yurman Gem Awards Grant celebrates the exceptional talent and potential of emerging jewelry designers like Johnny Nelson, whose creations blend heritage, political awareness, and artistic craftsmanship.Brooklyn Today

Johnny Nelson, a rising jewelry designer based in Brooklyn, has been awarded the inaugural David Yurman Gem Awards Grant. The $50,000 grant, along with mentorship opportunities, will support Nelson's unique blend of heritage, political awareness, and artistic craftsmanship in fine jewelry design.

Why it matters

The Gem Awards Grant aims to nurture emerging talent in the jewelry industry, and Nelson's recognition highlights his exceptional abilities and the potential impact he can have through his work. As a designer who blends diverse cultural influences and political consciousness into his creations, Nelson's success represents a shift towards greater inclusivity and innovation in the fine jewelry space.

The details

Nelson, who was born in London and is now based in Brooklyn, has made a name for himself through his diverse range of jewelry pieces, from hair beads to body armor. His work, which features a mix of materials like sterling silver, yellow gold, wax, resin, sandstone, and precious gems, has been showcased at prestigious venues like the American Museum of Natural History and through collaborations with brands like Adidas.

  • The 2026 Gem Awards ceremony, where Nelson will be honored, is scheduled for March 13, 2026.
  • Nelson was selected as a finalist for the inaugural David Yurman Gem Awards Grant out of 90 submissions.

The players

Johnny Nelson

A rising jewelry designer based in Brooklyn, known for his unique blend of heritage, political awareness, and artistic craftsmanship in his fine jewelry creations.

David Yurman Gem Awards Grant

A partnership between Jewelers of America, David Yurman, and David Yurman Enterprises LLC, aimed at supporting and nurturing emerging fine jewelry designers.

Marion Fasel

The Gem Awards chair, who praised Nelson's unique approach and his ability to balance past achievements with a clear vision for future growth.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Johnny Nelson's presentations showcased a thoughtful combination of sharing his past successes and identifying specific areas where additional funding, mentoring, and recognition could propel his career to new heights.”

— Marion Fasel, Gem Awards Chair

What’s next

Johnny Nelson will be honored on stage during the 24th annual Gem Awards on March 13, 2026, where his achievements will be celebrated and he will have the opportunity to further develop his career through the mentorship and recognition provided by the grant.

The takeaway

The recognition of Johnny Nelson's exceptional talent and potential through the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant highlights the growing importance of inclusivity and innovation in the fine jewelry industry. Nelson's unique approach, blending diverse cultural influences and political consciousness, represents a shift towards a more diverse and socially conscious future for the field.