Events & Awards

See the CPAA Design Competition’s Winning Jewels

Events & AwardsDec 20, 2021

See the CPAA Design Competition’s Winning Jewels

Tariq Riaz took home the President’s Trophy at the Cultured Pearl Association of America’s International Pearl Design Competition.

20211221_7-MelanieG.jpg
This mother-of-pearl and South Sea pearl bangle from Melanie Georgacopoulos tied for the Wedding Day Pearls Award at the 12th annual International Pearl Design Competition.
New York—Earlier this month, judges crowned the winners of the Cultured Pearl Association of America’s International Pearl Design Competition.

Taking home the competition’s top prize, the President’s Trophy, was Tariq Riaz’s “DNA Interchangeable Earrings,” below.

20211221_1-TariqRiaz.jpg
“DNA Interchangeable Earrings” by Tariq Riaz

Judged to be the most beautiful and original design entry, the earrings are crafted in 18-karat rose gold and inspired by the shape of DNA.

The earrings’ removable drop has 96 hand-twisted wires set in 24 turntable bases that allow them to move and change patterns. The wires feature roughly 100 Akoya pearls measuring 4-4.5 mm. 

One pair of stud earrings has 3.33-carat total weight emerald beads and 16 keshi pearls measuring 2-5 mm. A second pair of studs has 1.15 carats total weight of turquoise beads and 6 mm Akoya pearls.

There was a tie for the Luster Award, awarded to jewelry with wide marketplace appeal.

The “Nest Earrings” by Barbara Heinrich and the “Loie Ring” by Anne Baker share the honor. The former is crafted in 18-karat yellow gold with keshi pearls and diamonds.

The latter ring is crafted in 18-karat gold with a white South Sea pearl, Tahitian pearl, and diamonds. 


The Orient Award, given to a jewel that appeals to an emerging pearl jewelry collector, also resulted in a tie.

The “Coin Pearl Amazon Ring” by Eve Streicker of Original Eve was one winner. The ring is crafted in 18-karat recycled yellow gold and features a coin-shaped freshwater pearl. 

The other winner was “The Pearl Blossom Ring” by Anne Baker, made in 20-karat rose gold and featuring a pink freshwater pearl and pink sapphires. 


The “Corner Pearl Nacre Ring” by Melanie Georgacopoulos earned the Visionary Award for Classic Styles, which honors a jewel that changes pearls’ dated perception.

Made in 18-karat rose gold, it features a lavender freshwater pearl and custom-cut lavender mother-of-pearl.

20211221_6-MelanieG.jpg
The “Corner Pearl Nacre Ring” by Melanie Georgacopoulos

The Wedding Day Pearls category had two winners.

One was the “Exposed Pearl Nacre Bangle” by Melanie Georgacopoulos in 18-karat white gold with white mother-of-pearl and a white South Sea pearl. 

The other was the “Celine 3.0 Tahitian Pearl Dagger Earrings” by Rosa van Parys. The hoops and removable drops are made in 18-karat white and black gold with diamonds and silver-blue Tahitian pearls. 


The Fashion Award, honoring a youthful, high-fashion design went to the “Pearl Swag Bracelet” by Imperial Pearl.

Made in 14-karat yellow gold, it features Akoya pearls in varying sizes and diamonds.

20211221_9-imperial.jpg
“Pearl Swag Bracelet” by Imperial Pearl

The competition’s annual Spotlight Award highlights a particular pearl variety that changes each year. In 2021 designers were tasked with presenting a design featuring natural-color blue Akoya pearls. 

The winning design was, again, a tie. 

One winner was the “Blue Wave Ring” by Paul Klecka, made in sterling silver and platinum with a baroque natural-color blue Akoya pearl and diamonds.

The other was Lauren Chisholm’s “Blue Akoya Pearl Necklace with Pendants.” It was crafted in 14-karat and 18-karat yellow gold, with knotted silk, blue Akoyas, a cream Akoya, and white South Sea pearls. 


The CPAA also held a Popularity Award in which Instagram users could vote for their favorite design on the social media platform.

The winner was the “Bijoo Convertible Pearl Ring” by Marie Fauvel Lebourgeois of Lebourgeois.

20211221_12.jpg
“Bijoo Convertible Pearl Ring” by Lebourgeois

This year’s judges were Jean Francois Bibet, workshop and production director at Cartier; and Patricia Faber, co-owner of Aaron Faber Gallery. 

Winning designs, as well as several honorable mentions, are now for sale at the Aaron Faber Gallery. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

The Latest

Cashier handing Rocksbox bag to customer
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers Downsizes

Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.

Penny Ruston
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

Stock image of woman shopping
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Sorellina Playlist: Electric Dreams Campaign
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired Jewels

The “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.

Weekly QuizJun 20, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Exterior of Marissa Collections’ new store in Nantucket, Massachusetts
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight Continues

The Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.

Counterfeit Cartier “Juste Un Clou” bracelet
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef Jewelry

Agents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.

Jewelers of America logo with meetup, State of the Majors, giveaway and massages
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

Karine Choudhrie Big Splash Circus Starfish and Lantern Fish
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus Performers

The designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.

John Dyer Montana Sun Sapphire
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for Entries

The organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.

Khepri Jewels Luna collection fancy color fringe multi-shape drop diamond earrings
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.

Lori Tucker
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local Retailer

Lori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.

“Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch for the new The Fantastic Four movie
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super

The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.

XO Tacori diamond ring
MajorsJun 24, 2025
Tacori, QVC to Launch Exclusive Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry Collection

The “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.

Pritesh Patel
GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO

Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.

Graphic for Las Vegas recap episode of “My Next Question”
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.

Luanda Accord
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural Diamonds

Signatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.

Penny Preville, Maggie Hess, Stella Song, and Benjamin King
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry Designers

The winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.

24th Gem Awards Show Logo
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

Single Stone Bryn Ring and Grace Lee Marquise Demi Demi Ring
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Dua Lipa Stays On-Trend With Chunky Engagement Ring

The singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.

Yvonne Léon Python Gold Bracelet
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yvonne Léon’s ‘Python Gold’ Bracelet

The bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.

Stock image of handcuffs
CrimeJun 18, 2025
7 Men Indicted in $100M Brinks Jewelry Heist

The heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.

Marie-Thérèse Pink diamond and Blue Belle sapphire necklace
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
Historic ‘Marie-Thérèse Pink’ Diamond Fetches $14M at Christie’s

The 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week. 

Caryl Capeci Starboard Cruises
EditorsJun 18, 2025
Q&A: Caryl Capeci Dives Into Cruise Jewelry Shopping

The Starboard Cruises SVP discusses who is shopping for jewelry on ships, how much they’re spending, and why brands should get on board.

Gresham grasshopper ring
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
16th-Century ‘Gresham Grasshopper’ Ring Sells for $56K

The historic signet ring exceeded its estimate at Noonans Mayfair’s jewelry auction this week.

Kirk Kara fine jewelry
CollectionsJun 18, 2025
Kirk Kara Celebrates 135 Years With New Jewels

To mark the milestone, the brand is introducing new non-bridal fine jewelry designs for the first time in two decades.

Gemfields 36 Carat Ruby
SourcingJun 18, 2025
Gemfields Sells 36-Carat Rough Ruby

The gemstone is the third most valuable ruby to come out of the Montepuez mine, Gemfields said.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy