George A. Schuetz Design Contest Winners Announced
February 17, 10
Sung Woo Hong is the winner of the 2009 George A. Schuetz Jewelry Design Contest, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) announced Tuesday. Hong won the top prize for a or a tie tack and cuff links set made of emerald cut and tapered sapphires and radiant and princess cut diamonds in 18 karat yellow gold.
Named after jewelry designer George A. Schuetz Sr., the international competition recognizes the best original men’s jewelry and accessories designs. Each entry is judged by an independent panel of industry experts who evaluate it based on design, wearability, manufacturability and appeal.
The award for first prize is $500 and a crystal trophy.
“I like giving people joy by designing jewelry and I hope they will always remember my pieces,” said Hong, who is based in
The second place award went to Joana Miranda of
Miranda’s design uses polished white metal, channel-set rubies and black onyx inlay. Hidden inside the flip-top compartment is a Pico thumb drive. The pico drive is waterproof and the smallest such drive on the market, about the size of a U.S. quarter. The dog tags are strung on a platinum bead chain. Miranda received a crystal trophy as recognition of her achievement.
Amit B. Kurdekar, of Mumbai, India, came in third place with a men’s ring made of enamel and 24 karat white and yellow gold.
The George A. Schuetz Design Contest was established in 1973 by friends and family of Schuetz. The winners of the first contest were announced in 1974. GIA hosts and manages the competition.