Policies & IssuesMay 06, 2024
Rolex Files Objection to Hallmark’s New Trademark ApplicationThe Swiss watchmaker said the company’s plans to use a new version of the Hallmark crown on jewelry would confuse consumers.
Events & AwardsMar 29, 2017
Australian Jeweler Wins Top Prize in Louisiana
Jyothi Forman of New South Wales-based Georgies Fine Jewellery took home the overall award at Stuller’s Battle of the Benches competition last weekend.
Jyothi Forman of Georgies Fine Jewellery traveled from Australia to take part in Stuller’s Battle of the Benches over the weekend, taking home two medals from the challenges as well as the overall winner title.
Lafayette, Louisiana--She traveled all the way from Australia to be a part of Stuller’s Battle of the Benches competition and, luckily for her, it was more than worth the trip.
On Sunday, Jyothi Forman of New South Wales, Australia-based Georgies Fine Jewellery was crowned the overall winner of jewelry design contest.
“I actually cannot believe it,” she said. “What an honor. The competition was a lot of fun, and I had a really good time here and that’s what I really wanted, so this is just a bonus.”
Forman went up against 2016 defending champion David Adamson of David Adamson Designer Jewelry, Meghan Proctor of Mucklow’s Fine Jewelry and Jonathan Smiddy of Robson’s Diamond Jewelers.
The first day of the battle featured the “CAD and Render” challenge where competitors had to design, model and render their pieces in a CAD program.
The inspiration behind their designs came from a fictional client Stuller gave them: Crystal Pearl, a Hollywood actress who needed jewelry for the red carpet to go with her simple black dress. She drew her style inspiration from Audrey Hepburn, with a little bit of Lady Gaga edge, as well as from the energy of her home city, New York.
Smiddy won the first day’s competition. He designed a necklace inspired by the architecture of the Brooklyn Bridge and that featured a Paraiba tourmaline drop to reflect the water surrounding the iconic structure.
The challenge on day two was “Parts and Pieces,” where contestants had to fabricate a custom piece on the spot from an assortment of components, metals and gemstones.
Forman won this challenge, as well as the third challenge, Polishing and Finishing, during which the contestants had to prepare, polish, assemble and set their original CAD entry after Stuller cast it. This gave her a total of three medals over the weekend.
The second annual Battle of the Benches took place during Stuller’s annual Bench Jeweler Workshop, held at the company’s Lafayette, Louisiana headquarters from Friday to Sunday.
Stuller said that more than 30 jewelers applied to take part in the competition and more than 200 jewelers attended the workshop. The workshop included education sessions on topics such as stone grading and identification, improving profit margin with repairs and visual merchandising.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
EditorsMay 06, 2024
Q&A: 8 Questions With Anglo American’s Benny Oeyen The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.
MajorsMay 06, 2024
Malabar Gold & Diamonds Opens 4th U.S. ShowroomThe Indian jeweler’s new store in Naperville, Illinois marks its 350th location, part of its ongoing global expansion plans.
Brought to you by
From Registration to Return: 10 Tips to Protect You Before, During and After a TradeshowTradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
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.
Weekly QuizMay 02, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
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.
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.
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.
