CollectionsJun 10, 2022
At Couture, Alice Cicolini Brings Indian Inspiration to Las Vegas Events & AwardsJun 14, 2022
These Are the Winners of the 2022 Couture Design Awards
Held Saturday night in Las Vegas, the annual event honors the best creations across 15 categories.
Designer Emily P. Wheeler won the 2022 Couture Design Award in the Colored Gemstones Above $20,000 category for her “Audrey” choker. The 18-karat yellow gold piece features 111.31 carats of aquamarine, 101.12 carats of crystal quartz, and 5.84 carats of diamonds (price available upon request).
Las Vegas—The 2022 Couture Design Awards began with show director Gannon Brousseau paying tribute to two beloved individuals the industry lost unexpectedly in the last year—Alex Sepkus and Steven Kaiser.
Sepkus, a longtime Couture designer described by one retailer as a “brilliant talent,” died in September 2021 from a sudden complication related to lymphoma.
Kaiser was a watch industry veteran who consulted for Couture and served as a friend and mentor to many in the industry. He died unexpectedly on May 20.
Brousseau also welcomed a group of newcomers to the show this year—the 13 BIPOC designers who comprise The Radiance by Couture, a product of the inaugural mentorship program of Couture’s Diversity Action Council and De Beers Group.
After the introductions, it was time for the awards, starting with Best in Colored Gemstones Under $20,000, which went to Sutra for its pink sapphire and diamond earrings.
Sepkus, a longtime Couture designer described by one retailer as a “brilliant talent,” died in September 2021 from a sudden complication related to lymphoma.
Kaiser was a watch industry veteran who consulted for Couture and served as a friend and mentor to many in the industry. He died unexpectedly on May 20.
Brousseau also welcomed a group of newcomers to the show this year—the 13 BIPOC designers who comprise The Radiance by Couture, a product of the inaugural mentorship program of Couture’s Diversity Action Council and De Beers Group.
After the introductions, it was time for the awards, starting with Best in Colored Gemstones Under $20,000, which went to Sutra for its pink sapphire and diamond earrings.
Independent designer Emily P. Wheeler took home the Couture Design Award for Best in Colored Gemstones Above $20,000 for her 18-karat yellow gold “Audrey” choker with aquamarines, crystal quartz, and diamonds.
Kavant & Sharart won the 2022 Couture Design Award for Best in Bridal for their innovative diamond ring, which also received the show’s Instagram Choice Award.
Nashville, Tennessee-based designer Vincent Peach took home the Best in Silver award for his diamond-set silver necklace.
Silvia Furmanovich won two awards for the earrings seen below: Best in Innovative as well as the People’s Choice Award, which audience members voted on during the awards ceremony.
Women weavers in Uzbekistan created the tiny tapestries, which the Brazilian designer set in 18-karat gold with diamonds, tanzanites, and rubellites.
Women weavers in Uzbekistan created the tiny tapestries, which the Brazilian designer set in 18-karat gold with diamonds, tanzanites, and rubellites.
For Future Reference had three nominees in the Couture Design Awards this year—Kirsty Stone, the designer behind Retrouvai; Matthew Harris of Mateo New York; and Catherine Sarr, the creator of Almasika Fine Jewellery.
The brand development agency came away with two winners—Retrouvai won Best in Platinum while Mateo’s pearl and diamond earrings topped the Best in Pearls category.
The brand development agency came away with two winners—Retrouvai won Best in Platinum while Mateo’s pearl and diamond earrings topped the Best in Pearls category.
Barbara Heinrich Studio won Best in Men’s for her necklace.
Best in Diamonds Below $20,000 went to Mariani 1878 for their necklace.
The award for Best in Diamonds Above $20,000 went to Gismondi 1754 for the “Raggio di Sole” necklace featuring white and fancy yellow diamonds.
Ileana Makri won Best in Gold for her cuff.
The Best in Haute Couture award went to designer Elsa Jin for her LIFE2021 brooch.
Fernando Jorge won the Editor’s Choice Award for his diamond cuff.
Best in Debuting, given to a designer exhibiting at Couture for the first time, went to Marie Lichtenberg; one of the designer’s signature lockets is pictured below.
Rounding out the evening was the presentation of the Cindy Edelstein Award, given annually to an individual in the Couture community who is dedicated to the success of designers and brands and serves as an inspiration to others.
This year’s winner was Tony Goldsberry, the founder of showroom Rock House who was lauded by friends and colleagues in a tribute video as being humble, passionate, kind, and stylish.
“Cindy was very passionate about the design community, and it was never about her,” Brousseau said in the video. “And that’s the same with Tony.”
Goldsberry kept his acceptance speech brief but did tell the audience how happy he was to be back in person at Couture.
“It is our community that keeps us all together during these times,” he said. “This is a big group of my friends.”
Related stories will be right here …
This year’s winner was Tony Goldsberry, the founder of showroom Rock House who was lauded by friends and colleagues in a tribute video as being humble, passionate, kind, and stylish.
“Cindy was very passionate about the design community, and it was never about her,” Brousseau said in the video. “And that’s the same with Tony.”
Goldsberry kept his acceptance speech brief but did tell the audience how happy he was to be back in person at Couture.
“It is our community that keeps us all together during these times,” he said. “This is a big group of my friends.”
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CollectionsApr 22, 2024
Jacquie Aiche’s New Campaign Stars Adam Levine, Behati PrinslooThe “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
EditorsApr 22, 2024
The 22 Best Quotes from AGS Conclave 2024 Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
SourcingApr 22, 2024
Virtual Diamond Boutique Rebrands as ‘VDB’The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
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.
MajorsApr 22, 2024
Signet Raises Nearly $9M for St. Jude Children’s Research HospitalThe money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
Weekly QuizApr 19, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
CollectionsApr 19, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Treasure NecklaceA new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
CrimeApr 19, 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.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your BusinessFor over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
MajorsApr 19, 2024
Unique Designs Acquires China PearlThe move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
GradingApr 19, 2024
AGS Ideal Report Now Available in Printed FormFrom now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
SourcingApr 18, 2024
Diamond Trade Remains Cautious Amid Economic UncertaintyDe Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Supplier BulletinApr 18, 2024
Discover History’s Hidden Gems at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
WatchesApr 18, 2024
Watch E-tailer Collectability Hires Kelly YochThe Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
WatchesApr 18, 2024
TAG Heuer Opens Its Largest Standalone Boutique at SeaThe 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2024
NDC Prevails in U.K. Case Over Lab-Grown Diamond AdvertisingNDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
FinancialsApr 17, 2024
LVMH’s Q1 Jewelry Sales Fall 5%LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
MajorsApr 17, 2024
Stuller’s B&D Opens New HeadquartersB&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
CollectionsApr 16, 2024
Akaila Reid Launches ‘Eat Cake’ CollectionIt’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
MajorsApr 16, 2024
Loudr Adds 2 DirectorsEmily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
MajorsApr 16, 2024
Stuller Releases First Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CatalogIts updated book for mountings is also now available.
SourcingApr 16, 2024
Karen Rentmeesters Takes Over as Interim CEO of AWDCShe has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
TechnologyApr 15, 2024
Judge Rules Jeweler’s Lawsuit Against PNC Bank Can Move ForwardJoyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
IndependentsApr 15, 2024
Alfred W. DeScenza of DeScenza Diamonds Dies at 95He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
AuctionsApr 15, 2024
Madeleine K. Albright Jewelry, Pins Coming to AuctionHosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the sale will take place May 7-8.
AuctionsApr 15, 2024
All of Sotheby’s ‘Rough Diamonds’ Sold in Less Than an HourThe auction house said all 24 timepieces offered in its underground sale of rare and avant-garde watches quickly found buyers.
Recorded WebinarsApr 12, 2024
Watch: What Jewelers Need to Know About InsuranceFrom cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.
CollectionsApr 12, 2024
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s Evil Eye Gemstone CharmThe charm is a modern rendition of the evil eye amulet that has been worn for thousands of years.
