CrimeMay 03, 2024
Second Suspect Arrested in Murder of Colorado JewelerWheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2016
‘Illusion’ earrings take top honors in design contest
The Cultured Pearl Association of America has announced the winners of its 6th annual International Pearl Design Competition.
Providence, R.I.--The Cultured Pearl Association of America has announced the winners of its sixth annual International Pearl Design Competition.
The winners are as follows.
--President’s Trophy: “Illusion” by Alexia Gryllaki of Athens, Greece
--Luster Award: “Yes or No” by Wei-Na Tu of Taipei City, Taiwan
--Designer’s Award: “Pearls and Lace in Space” by Brenda Smith of Woodstock, Ga.
--Brilliance Award: “There is More to Them Than Meets the Eye” by Shu-Yi Huang of New Taipei City, Taiwan
--Orient Award: “Sizing Up Shapes” by Kuan-Chen Hou of Taipei City, Taiwan
--The Visionary Award: “Candies” by Ting-Ju Lin of Taipei, Taiwan
--The Fashion Award (shared by two): “Josie” by Mary Feliciano of Union City, N.J., and “Spiral Revolution Earrings” by Geoffrey Middle of Leicestershire, England
--Wedding Day Pearls: “Dancing with the Stars” by Shin Yue Chen of Taipei City, Taiwan
--Fantasy Award: “Splash & Love” by Indika Wijayarathna of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Commendations also were given to 12 entries that demonstrate high standards of achievement in accordance with judging criteria. Those winners are as follows.
--Jorge Adeler of Great Falls, Va.
--Paula Crevoshay of Albuquerque, N.M.
--Aspen Demirdjian of Los Angeles
--Hector Hassey of The Woodlands, Texas
--Chi Huynh, Galatea Jewelry by Artist of San Dimas, Calif.
--Michael Jensen of Rio Rancho, N.M.
--Patrick King of Durham, N.C.
--Elizabeth Kirby of Harbor Springs, Mich.
--Francesco Lops of Dubai, United Arab Emirates
--Mark Schneider of Long Beach, Calif.
--Hisano Shepherd of Los Angeles
--Saul Waxman of Miami
All winning entries not created upon submission will be produced in time to be displayed. For the first time, the CPAA is asking those who received commendations to display their winning pieces at the 2016 AGTA GemFair show in Tucson, Ariz. and the 2016 JCK Las Vegas show, along with the winners’ pieces.
Jean Francois Bibet of Cartier, Cheryl Kremkow of Citrine Media, Jewelers of America’s Amanda Gizzi, Claudia Mata of W magazine, and JCK’s Jennifer Heebner judged the competition this year.
A nonprofit group founded in 1957, the CPAA serves to cultivate awareness, interest, demand and marketing for cultured pearls for retailers and consumers.
Shu-Yi Huang of New Taipei City, Taiwan, won the Brilliance Award for “There is more to them than meets the eye.” The award is given to the best illustration for the spectrum of pearl colors.
The Designer’s Award, given to the entry that takes pearls “to the far corners of the imagination,” was given to the “Pearls and Lace in Space” design from Brenda Smith of Woodstock, Ga.
Indika Wijayarathna of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s “Splash & Love” design won the Fantasy Award for the best conceptual, aspirational design.
The Fashion Award, given to the modern, fresh design that could be seen on a Paris runway, was given to two different contestants. At left is Mary Feliciano of Union City, N.J.’s “Josie” piece, and at right are the “Spiral Revolution Earrings” by Geoffrey Middle of Leicestershire, England.
These “Yes or No” earrings by Wei-Na Tu of Taipei City, Taiwan were honored with the Luster Award, given to the most marketable design for retail.
The Orient Award goes to a compelling design aesthetic that inspires a new affinity for pearls. In the 2015-2016 contest, it was given to Kuan-Chen Hou of Taipei City, Taiwan for “Sizing Up Shapes.”
The President’s Trophy, the highest honor awarded in the competition, was given to Alexia Gryllaki of Athens, Greece, for the “Illusion” earrings.
The “Candies” necklace from Ting-Ju Lin of Taipei was honored with the Visionary Award, given to the design that redefines the iconic pearl strand and shifts the perception of cultured pearls for today’s consumer.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
A Sneak Peek Into PGI’s Couture Platinum Spotlight ProgramPGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
MajorsMay 03, 2024
Kristie Nicolosi Joins WJA Board AgainNicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
Brought to you by
Rio’s Reimagined Podcast: For the Love of JewelersMeet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
Piece of the Week: A “Bit of LUV” for the DerbyKarina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
Weekly QuizMay 02, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
CrimeMay 02, 2024
4 Indicted in Burglary Ring Targeting Indian, South Asian FamiliesThe men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
CollectionsMay 02, 2024
Foundrae Launches ‘Horizon’ Collection“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
FinancialsMay 02, 2024
Pandora Raises Guidance After Strong Q1The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
IndependentsMay 02, 2024
Oklahoma Jeweler Glenn Lewis Dies at 68The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
AuctionsMay 02, 2024
Vintage Baume & Mercier With Ties to Elvis Sells for $7K Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
SurveysMay 01, 2024
Consumer Confidence Falls in AprilConcerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
TrendsMay 01, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: All Eyes on EmeraldsMay’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
SourcingMay 01, 2024
Opsydia Names New Sales and Marketing Director Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
CrimeMay 01, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO ShowLast month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
CollectionsApr 30, 2024
12 Otherworldly Pieces From Tiffany & Co.’s 2024 Blue BookThe “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Zales Celebrates 100 Years With New CampaignThe brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Platinum Guild International Appoints New CEOTim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
Recorded WebinarsApr 29, 2024
Watch: Diamond Identification and Evaluation - How to Protect your BusinessSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
SourcingApr 29, 2024
De Beers to Move Auction HQ from Singapore to BotswanaSales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
CollectionsApr 29, 2024
Simone I. Smith Mixes Denim and Diamonds in New Collection“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
IndependentsApr 29, 2024
Venus Jewelers Relocating After 45 YearsThe retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
SurveysApr 29, 2024
Mother’s Day Jewelry Spending to Reach $7B, Says NRFGifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
CollectionsApr 26, 2024
Piece of the Week: Jacquie Aiche’s Starry Galaxy NecklaceThe necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
SourcingApr 26, 2024
Anglo American Reportedly Shopping De Beers as BHP Eyes Anglo Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Events & AwardsApr 25, 2024
Alexis Padis Takes Over as AGS Board President Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
