Events & AwardsJul 11, 2022
BIJC’s First Design Competition Ends With a Brooklyn Bridge Proposal Events & AwardsJul 14, 2022
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 Cultured Pearl Association of America is now accepting entries for its 2022 International Pearl Design Competition.
New York—The Cultured Pearl Association of America has officially kicked off its 13th annual International Pearl Design Competition.
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.
Related stories will be right here …
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.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
Weekly QuizDec 18, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and FriendsChandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK AirportThe boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.
Supplier BulletinDec 18, 2025
Cell Jammers Are Targeting Your Business. Here's How to Beat ThemSponsored by Digital Monitoring Products
CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé PendantThe special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week PicksAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday CampaignThe “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersTwo awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up EarlyBerta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.
AuctionsDec 16, 2025
Suzanne Belperron, JAR Shine in Sotheby’s First Auctions at New HQSotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.
ColumnistsDec 16, 2025
Beyond Unboxing: Creative Reveals to Drive Reach and EngagementHere are six ideas for making more engaging content for Instagram Reels and TikTok, courtesy of Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams.
CrimeDec 15, 2025
Men Receive Life Sentences in Home Invasion Murder of Jeweler Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.
Policies & IssuesDec 15, 2025
Sara Yood Named Co-Chair of RJC Standards CommitteeYood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.
IndependentsDec 15, 2025
M.S. Rau to Open Store in AspenThe New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
