CollectionsJun 10, 2022
At Couture, Alice Cicolini Brings Indian Inspiration to Las Vegas Events & AwardsJun 14, 2022
These Are the Winners of the 2022 Couture Design Awards
Held Saturday night in Las Vegas, the annual event honors the best creations across 15 categories.
Designer Emily P. Wheeler won the 2022 Couture Design Award in the Colored Gemstones Above $20,000 category for her “Audrey” choker. The 18-karat yellow gold piece features 111.31 carats of aquamarine, 101.12 carats of crystal quartz, and 5.84 carats of diamonds (price available upon request).
Las Vegas—The 2022 Couture Design Awards began with show director Gannon Brousseau paying tribute to two beloved individuals the industry lost unexpectedly in the last year—Alex Sepkus and Steven Kaiser.
Sepkus, a longtime Couture designer described by one retailer as a “brilliant talent,” died in September 2021 from a sudden complication related to lymphoma.
Kaiser was a watch industry veteran who consulted for Couture and served as a friend and mentor to many in the industry. He died unexpectedly on May 20.
Brousseau also welcomed a group of newcomers to the show this year—the 13 BIPOC designers who comprise The Radiance by Couture, a product of the inaugural mentorship program of Couture’s Diversity Action Council and De Beers Group.
After the introductions, it was time for the awards, starting with Best in Colored Gemstones Under $20,000, which went to Sutra for its pink sapphire and diamond earrings.
Sepkus, a longtime Couture designer described by one retailer as a “brilliant talent,” died in September 2021 from a sudden complication related to lymphoma.
Kaiser was a watch industry veteran who consulted for Couture and served as a friend and mentor to many in the industry. He died unexpectedly on May 20.
Brousseau also welcomed a group of newcomers to the show this year—the 13 BIPOC designers who comprise The Radiance by Couture, a product of the inaugural mentorship program of Couture’s Diversity Action Council and De Beers Group.
After the introductions, it was time for the awards, starting with Best in Colored Gemstones Under $20,000, which went to Sutra for its pink sapphire and diamond earrings.
Independent designer Emily P. Wheeler took home the Couture Design Award for Best in Colored Gemstones Above $20,000 for her 18-karat yellow gold “Audrey” choker with aquamarines, crystal quartz, and diamonds.
Kavant & Sharart won the 2022 Couture Design Award for Best in Bridal for their innovative diamond ring, which also received the show’s Instagram Choice Award.
Nashville, Tennessee-based designer Vincent Peach took home the Best in Silver award for his diamond-set silver necklace.
Silvia Furmanovich won two awards for the earrings seen below: Best in Innovative as well as the People’s Choice Award, which audience members voted on during the awards ceremony.
Women weavers in Uzbekistan created the tiny tapestries, which the Brazilian designer set in 18-karat gold with diamonds, tanzanites, and rubellites.
Women weavers in Uzbekistan created the tiny tapestries, which the Brazilian designer set in 18-karat gold with diamonds, tanzanites, and rubellites.
For Future Reference had three nominees in the Couture Design Awards this year—Kirsty Stone, the designer behind Retrouvai; Matthew Harris of Mateo New York; and Catherine Sarr, the creator of Almasika Fine Jewellery.
The brand development agency came away with two winners—Retrouvai won Best in Platinum while Mateo’s pearl and diamond earrings topped the Best in Pearls category.
The brand development agency came away with two winners—Retrouvai won Best in Platinum while Mateo’s pearl and diamond earrings topped the Best in Pearls category.
Barbara Heinrich Studio won Best in Men’s for her necklace.
Best in Diamonds Below $20,000 went to Mariani 1878 for their necklace.
The award for Best in Diamonds Above $20,000 went to Gismondi 1754 for the “Raggio di Sole” necklace featuring white and fancy yellow diamonds.
Ileana Makri won Best in Gold for her cuff.
The Best in Haute Couture award went to designer Elsa Jin for her LIFE2021 brooch.
Fernando Jorge won the Editor’s Choice Award for his diamond cuff.
Best in Debuting, given to a designer exhibiting at Couture for the first time, went to Marie Lichtenberg; one of the designer’s signature lockets is pictured below.
Rounding out the evening was the presentation of the Cindy Edelstein Award, given annually to an individual in the Couture community who is dedicated to the success of designers and brands and serves as an inspiration to others.
This year’s winner was Tony Goldsberry, the founder of showroom Rock House who was lauded by friends and colleagues in a tribute video as being humble, passionate, kind, and stylish.
“Cindy was very passionate about the design community, and it was never about her,” Brousseau said in the video. “And that’s the same with Tony.”
Goldsberry kept his acceptance speech brief but did tell the audience how happy he was to be back in person at Couture.
“It is our community that keeps us all together during these times,” he said. “This is a big group of my friends.”
Related stories will be right here …
This year’s winner was Tony Goldsberry, the founder of showroom Rock House who was lauded by friends and colleagues in a tribute video as being humble, passionate, kind, and stylish.
“Cindy was very passionate about the design community, and it was never about her,” Brousseau said in the video. “And that’s the same with Tony.”
Goldsberry kept his acceptance speech brief but did tell the audience how happy he was to be back in person at Couture.
“It is our community that keeps us all together during these times,” he said. “This is a big group of my friends.”
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ DesertThe “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
MajorsMay 28, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Buy The Clear Cut Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.
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.
CollectionsMay 28, 2026
Meet The 17 Newcomers to Couture’s Design AtelierThese up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.
Weekly QuizMay 28, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
GradingMay 28, 2026
GCAL By Sarine Launches 8X Cushion CutThe lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
5 Security Tips for Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week 2026This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.
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.
ColumnistsMay 27, 2026
What Jewelers Can Learn From Luxury Fashion’s Digital PlaybookHigh-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
Couture’s ‘The Iridescence’ Will Showcase 7 Emerging Jewelry DesignersThe designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.
ColumnistsMay 26, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
12 JCK Talks Sessions to Add to Your Las Vegas ScheduleThe trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
CBG Brings Its Curated Designer Project to Las Vegas ShowThe Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.
TrendsMay 26, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Cooldown Is ComingBring a cool tone to your summer jewelry with these white metal pieces.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2026
Instore Buys JA New York ShowThe deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.
FinancialsMay 22, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Lead the Charge in Q4The company’s jewelry sales were up in Q4 and the fiscal year, with Richemont raising prices in part because of the cost of gold.
CollectionsMay 22, 2026
Leigh Maxwell Celebrates 5 Years at Couture With ‘Bauble’ CollectionThe “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.
MajorsMay 22, 2026
Stuller’s New Packaging, Display Catalog Is Out The updated catalog has a newly dedicated section for gift wrapping.
PodcastsMay 21, 2026
Episode 5: Sotheby’s Frank Everett Puts the Auction Market in PerspectiveEverett covers colored stones’ surging popularity, the mellow return of the “Mellon Blue,” and his “The Devil Wears Prada” doppelgänger.
IndependentsMay 21, 2026
Springer’s Jewelers’ New Flagship Will Serve Next-Gen Luxury ShoppersFourth-generation CEO Lilly Mullen wants to emphasize experience, connection, and personalized service.
Events & AwardsMay 21, 2026
JA Announces Nina Pugliese Memorial ScholarshipThe new award, created in partnership with Henne Jewelers, honors the late designer’s legacy through supporting jewelry education.
SourcingMay 21, 2026
Botswana, Angola Join WFDBThe addition of the diamond-producing countries as nation affiliated members broadens the federation’s global representation, WFDB said.
CrimeMay 20, 2026
NYPD Warns of Jewelry Swap Scams Targeting SeniorsThe NYPD is warning elderly New Yorkers to keep their jewelry hidden when walking outside to avoid being a target.
IndependentsMay 20, 2026
Adornment & Theory’s New Store Feels Like Home Designer Viviana Langhoff has realized her dream of owning a space for her Chicago jewelry store that looks and feels like her brand.
Events & AwardsMay 20, 2026
Here Is Couture’s 2026 Education Lineup The sessions will run from Friday, May 29, to Sunday, May 31, with one being a live taping of an episode of Couture’s podcast.
Lab-GrownMay 20, 2026
Savannah Friedkin Jewelry Names New CEOFormer Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry executive Morgan P. Richardson is joining the lab-grown diamond jewelry brand.
WatchesMay 19, 2026
Here’s the AP x Swatch Pocket Watch That Caused PandemoniumThe $400 pocket watch is a blend of Audemars Piguet’s iconic eight-sided Royal Oak and Swatch’s unserious Pop watches from the ‘80s.
