JA Announces Affiliate Design Competition Winners
March 26, 08 by IDEX Online Staff Reporter
Category III winning item |
Jewelers of America (JA) has announced the winners of its 18th annual Affiliate Design Competition, held during the JA New York Show in this month. Designers were awarded first place prizes in four categories (based on the cost of materials used): $1,000 and under; $1,001-$3,000; $3,001 and over and a Buyer’s Choice Award.
The first place prize in the $1,000 and under category was given to Steven Kistner of Steven Paul Designs in Delafield, Wisconsin, for a 14 karat white gold Gentleman’s ring, with 12 trapezoidal pieces inlayed with black onyx and diamonds totaling .44 carats.
A design by Joel Wiland of J. Davud Jewelry in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma won the Category II prize ($1,001-$3,000). He created a necklace with a large blue topaz pendant on a white gold omega chain, set over a selection of trilliant and round diamonds.
Category III’s ($3,001 and over) prize went to Ziad H. Noshie of Almaza Jewelers in Houston, Texas for an 18 karat white gold necklace and earring set, with more than 600 pave-set diamonds and 11 freshwater pearls, in a flowing leaf design.
Finally, Dale Hurt of Gold-N-Designs in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, won the Buyer’s Choice Award for his platinum and 18 karat yellow gold pendant with tanzanite, pink tourmaline, opal doublet and diamonds.
The Affiliate Design Competition features jewelry that has won design contests sponsored by JA’s regional affiliates throughout 2007. This year, JA expanded the competition by allowing submission from member jewelers whose affiliate organization did not hold a local competition.
A panel of industry experts judged the 30 entries on craftsmanship, marketability, practicality/wearability and overall design. JA New York show attendees chose the Buyer’s Choice Award winner with a separate ballot. Winners receive an engraved trophy and a framed certificate.
