New York: The Jewelers of America (JA) trade group has pushed off its 2022 GEM Awards gala due to the rapid spread of the Covid-19 Omicron variant across the US.

The event, which was due to take place on January 14 in New York, is now scheduled for March 18 at the same location, the JA said Wednesday.

“With Omicron moving quickly through the US, the GEM Awards committee and the JA board of directors had to make a quick and tough decision to move the GEM Awards,” said JA CEO David Bonaparte. “The health and safety of our guests is our top priority.”

De Beers executive Stephen Lussier is due to receive the Lifetime Achievement honor at the show, while nominees for other accolades include Lauren Harwell Godfrey, Brent Neale Winston and Beth Bugdaycay.

Meanwhile, the 24 Karat Club banquet, which was set for January 15, has been moved to March 19 at the same location, so participants can attend both events on the same weekend, JA added.