Events & AwardsMar 31, 2021
Meet the First 6 Participants in the Emerging Designers Diamond InitiativeEvents & AwardsApr 08, 2021
Here Are the 2021 CASE Award Winners
Jewelers of America’s national competition recognizes members who exhibit creativity, artistry, style, and excellence in jewelry design.
Jewelers of America has announced the winners of its 2021 CASE Awards. Among them is this pair of blue sapphire and 18-karat blue rhodium gold earrings from Graziela Gems.
New York—The judges have spoken, and the winners of the 31st annual CASE Awards have been announced.
Jewelers of America’s CASE Awards, a national design competition, recognizes members who exhibit creativity, artistry, style, and excellence in jewelry design.
This year brought a record number of entries, nearly 200 in total, JA said.
The association also expanded the competition to include 14 different categories based on jewelry style and price.
The judges named a total of 15 winners, one per category except for “Necklaces $5,001 and Up,” in which there were two winners.
All winners will receive a customized CASE Award trophy, and national and local media coverage.
A panel of design experts chose the winners, evaluating entries on overall design, marketability, originality, and quality of manufacture.
Judges were: Terry Chandler, Diamond Council of America; Deirdre Featherstone, Featherstone Design; Amanda Gizzi, JA; Brecken Branstrator, National Jeweler; JB Jones, NYC Jewelry Week; Adrianne Sanogo, Black in Jewelry Coalition and GIA Graduate Gemologist; and Iveta N. Stephanopoulos, GIA.
Related stories will be right here …
Jewelers of America’s CASE Awards, a national design competition, recognizes members who exhibit creativity, artistry, style, and excellence in jewelry design.
This year brought a record number of entries, nearly 200 in total, JA said.
The association also expanded the competition to include 14 different categories based on jewelry style and price.
The judges named a total of 15 winners, one per category except for “Necklaces $5,001 and Up,” in which there were two winners.
All winners will receive a customized CASE Award trophy, and national and local media coverage.
A panel of design experts chose the winners, evaluating entries on overall design, marketability, originality, and quality of manufacture.
Judges were: Terry Chandler, Diamond Council of America; Deirdre Featherstone, Featherstone Design; Amanda Gizzi, JA; Brecken Branstrator, National Jeweler; JB Jones, NYC Jewelry Week; Adrianne Sanogo, Black in Jewelry Coalition and GIA Graduate Gemologist; and Iveta N. Stephanopoulos, GIA.
The competition was open only to employees of JA member companies.
“Jewelers of America’s CASE Awards design competition showcases the fine craftsmanship and talent of JA Members across the country,” said Gizzi.
“Judging was incredibly difficult this year, as we had a wide variety of immensely talented jewelry designers enter in every category. The judges had to carefully consider the judging criteria, and it had to come down to the finest details to determine winners.”
See the winners in the slideshow below.
Category: Engagement Rings up to $5,000. Designed by: Angela Hope of Ben Bridge Jeweler in Seattle. Entry information: Diamond engagement ring inspired by a sunrise, made of 14-karat palladium alloyed recycled white gold with 0.42 carats of baguette diamonds ($2,399 for semi-mount)
Category: Engagement Rings $5,001 and Up. Designed by Niveet Nagpal of Omi Privé in West Covina, California. Entry information: Platinum ring featuring an 8.86-carat oval blue moonstone accented by pear-shape Paraíba-type tourmalines (1.10 total carats), round Paraíba tourmalines (0.34 total carats) and round diamonds (0.96 total carats) ($34,000)
Category: Earrings up to $5,000. Designed by: Eddie LeVian of Le Vian in Great Neck, New York. Entry information: 14-karat yellow gold earrings with natural pink and white freshwater pearls and natural carved prehnite leaves ($4,999)
Category: Earrings $5,001 and Up. Designed by Graziela Kaufman of Graziela Gems in Highwood, Illinois. Entry information: Blue sapphire earrings (5.79 total carats) set in 18-karat blue rhodium gold ($7,800)
Category: Necklaces up to $5,000. Designed by Lynn Gambino of Lilly Street in Old Brookville, New York. Entry information: Mini Capulet necklace in 18-karat pink gold with natural herkimer crystals and a ruby center ($2,320)
Category: Necklaces $5,001 and Up. Designed by Mike Anderson of Brody Designs in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Entry information: 57-carat carved untreated Colorado blue topaz necklace in 14-karat white gold ($16,000)
Category: Necklaces $5,001 and Up. Designed by: Hans Schullin of Schullin in Graz, Austria. Entry information: Necklace made of red Mediterranean coral branches, silver sheen obsidian cabochons (227.96 total carats) and 1.09 carats of brilliant-cut diamonds set in 18-karat rose gold ($22,500)
Category: Bracelets up to $5,000. Designed by Hans Schullin of Schullin in Graz, Austria. Entry information: Green galuchat cuff with a branch of green oval cut tourmalines (5.36 total carats) and white brilliant-cut diamonds (0.05 total carats) in 18-karat fair trade rose gold ($2,900)
Category: Bracelets $5,001 and Up. Designed by Heena Shah of Valani in New York, New York. Entry information: Bracelet in 18-karat white gold set with 14 brilliant-cut rubies (14.90 total carats), 30 trillion-cut rubies (4.52 total carats), 56 marquise-cut diamonds (7.99 total carats), 14 pear-shaped diamonds (2.77 total carats), and 490 brilliant-cut diamonds (4.76 total carats) ($345,000)
Category: Rings up to $5,000. Designed by Steven Kistner of Steven Paul Designs in Delafield, Wisconsin. Entry information: Prosthetic eye set in sterling silver with mechanism to open and close eye ($4,800)
Category: Rings $5,001 and Up. Designed by Alexandra Mor of Alexandra Mor in New York City. Entry information: Eternity band set with 15.27 carats of one-of-a-kind hexagon-cut Muzo Columbian emeralds and diamonds wide-set in platinum on an 18-karat yellow gold Alexandra Mor logo gallery ($55,000)
Category: Pins/Brooches/Cufflinks (any price). Designed by Sharon Curtiss-Gal and William Brewer of The Gem Vault in Flemington, New Jersey. Entry information: Fine Oregon sunstones from the Dust Devil mine in Plush, Oregon (14.96 total carats) surrounded by pink spinels (3.70 total carats) and accented by tsavorites (.91 total carats) and round diamonds (.56 total carats) in 18-karat yellow gold ($13,000)
Category: Wedding Bands up to $5,000. Designed by Gabriel & Co. of New York City. Entry information: 14-karat white gold wide anniversary band with round and baguette diamonds (1.37 total carats) ($2,265)
Category: Wedding Bands $5,001 and Up. Designed by Eddie LeVian of Le Vian in Great Neck, New York. Entry information: Platinum and 18-karat yellow gold accent ring with 6.80 carats of yellow diamonds and 0.48 carats of white diamonds ($42,400)
Category: Other (non-jewelry items made of precious metals or stones, any price). Designed by Samuel Behnam and Neda Behnam of Samuel B. Collection in Great Neck, New York. Entry information: Oxidized sterling silver ballpoint pen with faceted black spinel endcap ($417)
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
