De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Here Are the Winners of the CASE Awards for Design
Designs were selected across five categories in the Jewelers of America competition, including the first-ever “People’s Choice” award.
New York--Jewelers of America has crowned the five winners of this year’s CASE Awards.
They honor jewelers who create pieces at the highest levels of creativity, artistry, skills and excellence (CASE) in jewelry design.
Retail jewelers submit designs of their own creation for consideration in the contest, which is now in its 27th year. Entries are restricted to JA members.
This year’s panel of judges--comprised of National Jeweler’s Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff, Jewelers of America’s Director of Marketing Amanda Gizzi, GIA Jewelry Manufacturing Arts instructor Maria Tsangaropoulos, About.com Engagement Ring Editor Amy Elliott, Severine Ferrari of YourEngagement101.com and blogger Natalie Bos Betteridge of Jewels du Jour--selected four of the winners, divided into categories by retail price of the finished jewels.
The judges determined the winners by critiquing overall design, marketability, practicality, wearability and quality of manufacture. Each winner was awarded $500.
For the first time ever, the public also voted online at JA’s website to determine the winner of the fifth category, the “People’s Choice” award. The winner in this category received $500 of Facebook marketing.
From across the country, these are the retail jewelers who are as talented in design as they are in business.
This jellyfish pendant took home the prize for best piece of jewelry under $2,000. It was created entirely in-house and by hand by Sharon Curtiss-Gal of The Gem Vault, located in Flemington, New Jersey.
The pendant features an Ethiopian opal weighing a little over two carats, set in 14-karat white gold and accented with pave set round diamonds and prong set diamonds throughout the jellyfish tentacles.
It retails for $1,900.
The award for the $2,001 to $5,000 category went to David White of Aucoin Hart Jewelers in Metairie, Louisiana.
The entirely hand-fabricated earrings display two 8.5 mm pearls, 0.6 carats of round sapphires and 0.43 carats of round, brilliant cut diamonds, all set in 18-karat white gold. They are priced at $3,950 retail.
Avalina of jewelry store White & Ivory, located in Leesburg, Virginia, received a CASE award for this ring in the $5,001 to $10,000 category.
The 18-karat rose gold style features a black Australian doublet opal, 0.53 carats of marquise cut blue sapphires and 0.12 carats of round, brilliant diamonds. The design was hand-made and hand-engraved and retails for $5,900.
The Gem Vault’s Curtiss-Gal was a double CASE award winner this year.
In the over $10,000 category, she created this 14-karat white gold necklace
Curtis-Gall cast the flower stations in the necklace and the rest of the design was hand-built.
The necklace will retail for $40,000.
The winner of the “People’s Choice” CASE award was Christopher Rankin from Christian Caine Design, located in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.
Rankin’s “Milano” pendant is made of 14-karat rose gold and white diamonds of various weights on a 22 inch adjustable cable chain. He designed the pendant in Matrix, a computer-aided design program. The piece was tumbled and hand-finished.
The pendant retails for $4,980.
The Latest
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
The 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
NDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
B&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
It’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
Emily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
Its updated book for mountings is also now available.
She has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
Joyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
Hosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the sale will take place May 7-8.
The auction house said all 24 timepieces offered in its underground sale of rare and avant-garde watches quickly found buyers.
From cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.
The charm is a modern rendition of the evil eye amulet that has been worn for thousands of years.
Ahead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.
By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
Members can still sell lab-grown stones, it said, but only natural gems are allowed on the show floor.
He is remembered for his charisma, passion, integrity, kindness, and wit.
The retailer also appointed two new board members, avoiding a proxy fight from a potential buyer.
The bridal collection consists of 35 engagement rings and seven wedding bands.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
The family-owned jeweler has a new education section on its website dedicated to the history of diamond cutting.