SourcingApr 18, 2024
Diamond Trade Remains Cautious Amid Economic UncertaintyDe Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Events & AwardsMay 23, 2019
Rio Grande Has Crowned its 2019 ‘Saul Bell’ Winners
The awards support emerging jewelry designers.
Debbie Sheezel of Melbourne, Australia’s “Lineal Alchemy” necklace earned best-of-show honors in this year’s Saul Bell Design Award Competition.
Albuquerque, N.M.—Jewelry supply company Rio Grande has crowned the winners of its 19th annual Saul Bell Design Award Competition.
Named for company founder Saul Bell, the awards recognize up-and-coming jewelry design talent, lending them a platform to display their work and monetary prizes to assist in establishing their brands.
This year, two separate panels of judges made up of various jewelers and designers judged entries in two rounds, selecting first and second place winners across nine categories, plus a best-of-show winner.
Awards and prizes were presented at a special gala concurrent with the Santa Fe Symposium, which took place May 19 to 22.
Debbie Sheezel of Melbourne, Australia, earned best-of-show honors for her “Lineal Alchemy” necklace, pictured at the top of the article.
The winners in the nine categories were as follows.
Enamel
First Place: “Spirit & Flame" by Sandra McEwen (Raleigh, North Carolina)
Second Place: “The Endless Love” by Garen Garibian (Los Angeles)
Gold/Platinum
First Place: “Moebius No.1” by Pierre-Yves Paquette (Saint-Jerome, Quebec, Canada)
Second Place: “Star Hen Galaxy Pendant” by Adam Neeley (Laguna Beach, California)
Silver/Argentium Silver
First Place: “Prospect Palace” by Mehrnoosh Ganji (Melbourne, Australia)
Second Place: “Suftal Fidda” by Maja Houtman (Utrecht, Netherlands)
Alternative Metals/Materials
First Place: “Eclipsim” by Kirk Lang (Seattle)
Second Place: “Torus Bracelet for an Astronaut” by Ezra Satok-Wolman (Caledon, Ontario, Canada)
Hollowware/Art Objects
First Place: “Luminous Relic #1628” by David Huang (Sand Lake, Michigan)
Second Place: “The Echinacea Teapot” by Valerie Jo Coulson (Pequea, Pennsylvania)
Jewelry Collection Fashion/Bridge
First Place: “Kirigami Pearl Collection” by Karin Jacobson (Minneapolis)
Second Place: “Jupiter” by Liz Sabol (Pittsburgh)
Jewelry Collection Couture/Fine
First Place: “HELICES” by Sophia Hu (Las Vegas)
Second Place: “Sunshine and Shadow” by Valerie Jo Coulson (Pequea, Pennsylvania)
Emerging Jewelry Artist 18 Years of Age and Younger
First Place: “Midnight” by Christopher Liu (Allen, Texas)
Second Place: “Mokume Chainmail Choker” by Ethan Hansen (Salida, Colorado)
Emerging Jewelry Artist 22 Years of Age and Younger
First Place: “Open Spiculum Cuff with Black Diamond” by Timo Krapf (Pittsford, New York)
Second Place: “Flower of Life Amulet” by Tristan Dunn (Asheville, North Carolina)
“I really appreciated the two rounds of judges in the competition,” Winner Sophia Hu said in a press release. “They have the eyes and taste to see deeper, to identify and appreciate all the design efforts I put into each design in this collection.”
For information about the 2020 competition, including requirements for applying, visit SaulBellAward.com or email events@riogrande.com.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
Supplier BulletinApr 18, 2024
Discover History’s Hidden Gems at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
WatchesApr 18, 2024
Watch E-tailer Collectability Hires Kelly YochThe Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
WatchesApr 18, 2024
TAG Heuer Opens Its Largest Standalone Boutique at SeaThe 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
Weekly QuizApr 11, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this seven-question quiz.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2024
NDC Prevails in U.K. Case Over Lab-Grown Diamond AdvertisingNDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
FinancialsApr 17, 2024
LVMH’s Q1 Jewelry Sales Fall 5%LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your BusinessFor over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
MajorsApr 17, 2024
Stuller’s B&D Opens New HeadquartersB&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
CollectionsApr 16, 2024
Akaila Reid Launches ‘Eat Cake’ CollectionIt’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
MajorsApr 16, 2024
Loudr Adds 2 DirectorsEmily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
MajorsApr 16, 2024
Stuller Releases First Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CatalogIts updated book for mountings is also now available.
SourcingApr 16, 2024
Karen Rentmeesters Takes Over as Interim CEO of AWDCShe has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
TechnologyApr 15, 2024
Judge Rules Jeweler’s Lawsuit Against PNC Bank Can Move ForwardJoyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
IndependentsApr 15, 2024
Alfred W. DeScenza of DeScenza Diamonds Dies at 95He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
AuctionsApr 15, 2024
Madeleine K. Albright Jewelry, Pins Coming to AuctionHosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the sale will take place May 7-8.
AuctionsApr 15, 2024
All of Sotheby’s ‘Rough Diamonds’ Sold in Less Than an HourThe auction house said all 24 timepieces offered in its underground sale of rare and avant-garde watches quickly found buyers.
Recorded WebinarsApr 12, 2024
Watch: What Jewelers Need to Know About InsuranceFrom cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.
CollectionsApr 12, 2024
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s Evil Eye Gemstone CharmThe charm is a modern rendition of the evil eye amulet that has been worn for thousands of years.
Events & AwardsApr 12, 2024
The Jewelry Symposium Announces 4 Scholarship WinnersAhead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.
Policies & IssuesApr 11, 2024
SRK Exports’ Journey Toward Net Zero Impact By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
Lab-GrownApr 11, 2024
AGTA Bans Lab-Grown Diamonds, Gemstones at GemFairMembers can still sell lab-grown stones, it said, but only natural gems are allowed on the show floor.
IndependentsApr 11, 2024
Steven Rosdal, Co-Founder of Hyde Park Jewelers, Dies at 77He is remembered for his charisma, passion, integrity, kindness, and wit.
MajorsApr 11, 2024
Macy’s Opens Books for Possible BuyoutThe retailer also appointed two new board members, avoiding a proxy fight from a potential buyer.
CollectionsApr 10, 2024
Sylvie Launches New Nature-Inspired Collection, ‘Tulira’The bridal collection consists of 35 engagement rings and seven wedding bands.
WatchesApr 10, 2024
These Are Rolex’s New Watches for 2024 The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
IndependentsApr 10, 2024
Levy's Fine Jewelry Explores Diamond History The family-owned jeweler has a new education section on its website dedicated to the history of diamond cutting.
