CPAA Opens 13th Annual Pearl Design Competition for Entries
This year’s contest again features a partnership with a retailer to showcase and sell winning designs.

The goal of the contest is to create compelling new pearl jewelry designs worthy of recognition, media exposure, and possible sales, CPAA said.
The organization is encouraging emerging designers and seasoned artists alike to enter.
CPAA is now accepting submissions for this year’s contest. Entries are due by Oct. 7.
There are once again two divisions for entries: international and domestic.
Those who live outside of the U.S. will submit renderings and sketches, while those living in the United States will compete in two stages with finished jewels.
The first stage is to submit professional photographs of completed pieces in one to three different angles.
Prejudging will be based on these photos, and finalists will then be chosen. U.S. finalists will be announced on Monday, Oct. 17.
The second stage for U.S. finalists is to mail in their pieces of finished jewelry for final live judging in New York City.
U.S. entrants must be prepared to sell their piece if it becomes a finalist or winner.
Winners will be announced on Thursday, Oct. 27.
Select pieces will immediately go on display and sale at the Aaron Faber gallery in New York City.
Meanwhile, the award categories have been slightly revised for 2022.
This year, the Spotlight Award will highlight one variety of pearl—baroque shapes of both saltwater and freshwater pearls—to drive attention to the beauty and uniqueness of the different types of pearls available.
A new student award will give those still studying at a university with a jewelry arts program the chance to enter with sketches.
There is also a new Retailer’s Choice award to replace the Popularity Award, with 4,000 jewelry stores across the country choosing their favorite pieces from all U.S. finalists, including students.
Additionally, pieces considered for the Luster award—reserved for a best-selling pearl design—now must retail for under $3,000.
The Orient award, given to a jewel priced attainably for new collectors, has been discontinued.
The cost of entries is $175 for the first entry, with each additional entry costing $150 apiece.
Students pay $75 for their first entry and $50 for each additional entry; they can email JHeebner@cpaa.org for a coupon code to enter at the discounted rate.
For more information about categories, entry instructions, or complete contest details, click here.
To purchase an entry, click here.
The Latest

Omar Roy, 72, was arrested in connection with the murder of jeweler Dionisio Carlos Valladares.

The New Orleans-based brand’s “Beyond Katrina” jewels honor the communities affected by the storm.

Lilian Raji explains why joining an affiliate network is essential for brands seeking placements in U.S. consumer publications.

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

As summer winds down, celebrate the sunny disposition of the month’s birthstones: peridot and spinel.


Moshe Haimoff, a social media personality and 47th Street retailer, was robbed of $559,000 worth of jewelry by men in construction outfits.

Xavier Dibbrell brings more than a decade of experience to the role.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The addition of Yoakum, who will lead Kay and Peoples, was one of three executive appointments Signet announced Thursday.

The insurance company’s previous president and CEO, Scott Murphy, has split his role and will continue as CEO.

The nearly six-month pause of operations at its Kagem emerald mine earlier this year impacted the miner’s first-half results.

The necklace uses spinel drops to immortalize the moment Aphrodite’s tears mixed with her lover Adonis’ blood after he was fatally wounded.

The diamond miner and marketer warned last week that it expected to be in the red after significantly cutting prices in Q2.

Jewelers of America’s 35th annual design contest recognized creativity, artistry, style, and excellence.

Tratner succeeds Andie Weinman, who will begin stepping back from the buying group’s day-to-day operations.

The president made the announcement via Truth Social Wednesday, adding that India also will face a penalty for its dealings with Russia.

The luxury titan’s star brand Gucci continued to struggle amid a "tough" environment.

Its opening marks the completion of the retailer’s new 11,000-square-foot store in the Texas capital.

Respondents shared concerns about tariffs and commentary on the “Big Beautiful Bill.”

“Making a Killing in Diamonds” tells the story of Mimi Rosen, the disappearance of a scientist, and the murder of lab-grown diamond CEO.

Senior Editor Lenore Fedow learned a lot when she took a behind-the-scenes factory tour with the jewelry brand earlier this year.

The first-time exhibitors, set to debut at the New York City show, share a devotion to craftsmanship, storytelling, and material integrity.

The online auction house’s September sale will feature rough Brazilian emeralds of various qualities.

She’ll lead an executive committee consisting of President-Elect Bryan Moeller, Mitchell Clark, Bill Farmer, and Larry Rickert.

Announced Sunday, the deal will set the tax on goods imported into the United States from the European Union at 15 percent.

A new edition of the Italian brand’s “Ipanema” collection has debuted with gemstones that evoke Brazil’s breathtaking views.

The retailer will refer its customers to WonderCare, founded by venture capitalist and watch collector Kevin O’Leary.