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See Who Won the CPAA’s Jewelry Design Contest
The ninth annual International Pearl Design Competition crowned 14 winners and included a People’s Choice award.
This Assael cuff took home an award from the CPAA for best use of Akoya pearls.
New York—The Cultured Pearl Association of America has chosen what it considers to be the most compelling pearl designs today.
From a pool of 33 finalists the panel of judges—Tara Silberberg, owner of The Clay Pot jewelry stores in Manhattan and Brooklyn, New York; Jean Francois Bibet, Cartier’s workshop and production director; and brand consultant Cheryl Kremkow—selected six winners from the United States based on pieces presented in person and eight from the international group based on images.
Winners were selected across seven categories, plus one People’s Choice winner based on Instagram likes.
See the full group of domestic winners, which will go on a retail tour across the country beginning with The Clay Pot’s Nolita location this month, below.
President’s Trophy: Awarded to the design considered most beautiful and original
Luster Award: Awarded to a best-selling pearl design
Orient Award: An item ideal for a new pearl collector with an accessible price
Visionary Award for Classic Styles: Awarded to a design that provides an update on a pearl staple
Wedding Day Pearls: A design fit for bridal
Fashion Award: Given to a design that is creative, youthful and original
Spotlight Award—Akoya Pearls: Awarded to a piece in which 75 percent of the design or more features Akoya pearls (a different type of pearl will be chosen for the Spotlight Award each year) 
Popularity Award: Chosen by number of Instagram likes on the CPAA account
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