Southern Jewelry News

(NEW YORK) - Jewelers of America (JA) has announced the winners of its 20th Annual Design Competition, held during the JA New York Winter Show, February 28 - March 2. Designers from Minnesota, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Texas took home the 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.

“Jewelers of America’s annual Design Competition takes winners from our partner state jewelry associations’ contests and gives them a national platform to showcase their talent and creativity,” says JA COO Robert Headley. “We are excited to reward the exceptional jewelry craftsmanship from JA-member jewelry stores throughout the country.”

The Design Competition features unique jewelry designed and crafted by JA members nationwide. A panel of industry experts judged the 12 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. The winners receive an engraved trophy and a framed certificate from JA.

The winners of the 2010 competition showed a preference for color and dramatic settings. The winning pieces feature a variety of gemstones, such as sapphires, rubellite, tanzanite and tourmalinated quartz.

The winners of the 20th Annual JA Affiliate Design Competition are:

Category I

($1,000 & Under)

Treva Roberts, Diamonds & Designs by None Other Goldsmiths; Gahanna, OH - a 9.44-carat tourmalinated quartz pendant, set in 14K white gold with white and black diamonds, on a black neoprene cord.

Category II

($1,001 – $3,000)

Ben S. Curtis, Kelley Jewelers; Weatherford, OK - a trillion rubellite medallion pendant with 101 round brilliant cut diamonds, set in 14K, 18K and 22K yellow and white gold.

Category III

($3,001 and Over)

Ziad H. Noshie, Almaza Jewelers; Houston, TX - complete set of 18K yellow and white gold necklace, bracelet, earrings and ring. Each circle is handmade, and some feature mother of pearl, multi-colored sapphires and/or full-cut diamonds (4.55 cts).

Buyers’ Choice

Bernie Benavidez, Master Jewelers, Inc.; Rochester, MN - a 5.64-carat “Royal Silk Blue” tanzanite pendant with round- and marquise-cut diamonds surrounding the center stone. White gold setting features filigree gold work.

Jewelers of America thanks those who donated their time and expertise to serve as a judge, including: Beth Bernstein, INSTORE magazine; Cindy Edelstein, The Jewelers Resource; Virginia Haveli, Jewelry.com; Jennifer Heebner, JCK Magazine; Teresa Novellino, National Jeweler; Tina Snyder, MJSA Journal; Shaye Strager, Studio PR;  Duvall O’Steen, World Gold Council. Photos courtesy of Karen Janowski of Diamond Vision Services.

The Jewelers of America Design Competition is open only to JA members and their employees. For more information visit www.jewelers.org or call 800-223-0673.