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.
Events & AwardsMay 01, 2019
This Year, Couture Will Be Asking: WTF?!
The jewelry trade show wants exhibitors to submit images of designs gone wrong for a new award that is a “celebration of imperfection.”
The three entries so far for Couture’s inaugural “WTF?!” Award are this necklace from Stephen Webster (left), Katherine Jetter’s pendant (top right) and this 18-karat gold calculator from Deakin and Francis. See slideshow in story for more information on the inspiration, or lack thereof, behind each piece.
New York—Couture, the high-end jewelry trade show synonymous with the best in design, is on the lookout for the opposite.
Show organizers announced Monday the inaugural “WTF?! Award,” a “celebration of imperfection” for jewelry designs gone wrong or, as one might call it today, a #designfail or #designdisaster. (For those unsure of what “WTF” stands for, Urban Dictionary can provide an explanation.)
Submissions for the WTF?! Award opened last Thursday and are being accepted through May 15.
Those who want to enter are asked to submit a photo of a design disaster in any stage of production, as well as to complete this thought: “So what I was thinking was … ”
SEE: The Contenders for the “WTF?! Award” So Far
British cufflink maker Deakin and Francis said of this 18-karat gold calculator from the ‘80s: “It was made for a certain royal family, who decided they did not want an 18-karat gold calculator, and we don’t blame them. We also made 18-karat gold mobile phones, Walkmans and video cameras.”
Stephen Webster made this necklace 12 years ago. “It would be easy to blame it on mind-altering substance abuse. However, I fear I was in full control of my senses,” he wrote. “Despite throwing everything at this piece, including the kitchen sink, I still felt there was something missing. With hindsight I now realize that one missing ingredient was: the reason why.”
Designer Katherine Jetter wrote that the scale of this opal pendant is really its “winning feature.” “Clearly I wasn’t thinking anything useful at all when I designed this. I saw this super-cool opal cut like a shield and thought I should branch into the men’s sector; it was an obvious creative choice.”
Another view of Jetter’s opal pendant, this one better demonstrating its “winning feature”—the scale.
After May 15, online voting will open to the entire Couture community—meaning anyone who is registered for the jewelry trade show—and will remain open through May 29.
The so-called winner of the award will be announced at Couture’s opening night party, scheduled for Thursday, May 30 on the Sunset Terrace at Wynn Las Vegas. She or he will be presented with a medal befitting of the honor—think gaudy—and encouraged to wear it on the second day of the show.
The prize medallion will be passed onto the next winner of the WTF?! Award.
Couture Director and Emerald Expositions Senior Vice President Gannon Brousseau said the idea for the award came out of conversations with several veteran Couture designers at the Tucson gem shows earlier this year.
“We loved the idea and thought it was a great way to infuse some humor into our event, as well as highlight how the creative process, even among established designers, can have its ups and downs,” he said.
Couture 2019 is scheduled for Thursday, May 30 to Monday, June 3 at Wynn and Encore Las Vegas.
For more information about Couture, or to obtain press credentials, contact Michelle Orman at 646-302-5521 or email Michelle@LastWordComm.com.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
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.
