March 2008
Jewelers of America (JA) has announced the winners of its 18th annual Affiliate Design Competition, held during the JA New York Show, March 9-11. Designers from Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas and Wisconsin took home the first place prizes in four categories (based on the cost of materials used): $1,000 and under; $1,001-$3,000; $3,001 and over; and a Buyer’s Choice Award.
The Affiliate Design Competition features unique jewelry that has won design contests sponsored by JA’s regional affiliates throughout 2007. This year, Jewelers of America expanded the competition by allowing submissions from member jewelers whose affiliate organization did not hold a local competition.
A panel of industry experts judged the 30 entries on craftsmanship, marketability, practicality/wearability and overall design. JA New York attendees determined the fourth honor, the Buyers’ Choice Award, with a separate ballot. This year, the designers displayed an inclination for innovative designs. Many pieces involved movement and complex construction, while others emphasized elaborate detail, like the winner of the $3,001 and more category: A necklace and earrings set with hundreds of pave diamonds in a flowing leaf design.
“Jewelers of America is pleased to recognize the talents of regional jewelers, whose designs demonstrate the remarkable jewelry available from our members nationwide,” says JA chairman John Green, Lux Bond and Green. “We congratulate all of the contestants on their award-winning designs.”
The winners of the 18th annual JA Affiliate Design Competition are:
First Place, Category I ($1,000 and less)
Steven Kistner; Steven Paul Designs; Delafield, WI Representing Wisconsin Jewelers Association Gentleman’s ring in 14-karat white gold, with 12 trapezoidal pieces – nine that move – inlayed with black onyx and diamonds totaling .44 carats.
First Place, Category II ($1,001 – $3,000)
Joel Wiland; J. David Jewelry; Broken Arrow, OK Representing Oklahoma Jewelers Association Large blue topaz pendant on white-gold omega chain, the topaz is set over a selection of trilliant and round diamonds.
First Place, Category III ($3,001 and more)
Ziad H. Noshie; Almaza Jewelers; Houston, TX Representing Texas Jewelers Association Necklace and earrings in 18-karat white gold, with more than 600 pavé-set diamonds in total and 11 freshwater pearls.
Buyer’s Choice Award
Dale Hurt; Gold-N-Designs; Lee’s Summit, MO Missouri Jewelers & Watchmakers Association Platinum and 18-karat yellow gold pendant with tanzanite, pink tourmaline, opal doublet and diamonds.
Jewelers of America awards the winners with an engraved trophy and a framed certificate.
Want to see what 24 hours of creative awesomeness look like? Click here.
This news message is supported by The Creative Finder, an online platform for photographers, illustrators, designers, and art directors to promote their portfolios towards new clients and collaborators. Creatives who wish to sign up for an account can save 10% off annual fees with promo code 'designtaxi'.
