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.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CrimeAug 11, 2025
Man Convicted of First-Degree Murder in Death of Colorado JewelerPeter Damian Arguello, a jeweler in the Denver suburb of Wheat Ridge, was found dead inside his store in November 2023.
IndependentsAug 11, 2025
Lisa Bridge to Depart Ben Bridge JewelerThe retailer, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, is becoming part of the Berkshire Hathaway Jewelry Group with Helzberg.
EditorsAug 11, 2025
The Colors Expected to Be On-Trend in a Couple YearsAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore recently attended a fabrics trade show where a trend forecaster shared her predictions for summer 2027.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
FinancialsAug 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 3% as Engagement Ring Sales RiseThe company raised its full-year sales guidance while noting it has not yet assessed the potential impact of the latest tariff news.
Weekly QuizAug 08, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsAug 08, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rahaminov Diamonds’ Bezel BangleThe brand’s latest iteration of a bezel-set diamond bangle features clean lines and a timeless design for a new modern silhouette.
WatchesAug 07, 2025
Bulova’s New Collection Honors Tony BennettThe first watch in the series commemorates his participation in the Civil Rights movement, marching from Selma to Montgomery in 1965.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
Lab-GrownAug 07, 2025
Chatham Releases Catalog for Loose Lab-Grown GemstonesThe catalog contains a complete listing of all the loose gemstones in stock, as well as information about the properties of each stone.
TechnologyAug 07, 2025
Rembrandt Charms Debuts New Website, Bird CharmsThe company added a retailer dashboard to its site and three new birds to its charm collection, the cardinal, blue jay, and hummingbird.
Policies & IssuesAug 06, 2025
Tariff on India to Rise to 50%, Trump Says An additional 25 percent tariff has been added to the previously announced 25 percent.
MajorsAug 06, 2025
Claire’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe jewelry and accessories retailer plans to close 18 stores as part of the proceedings.
IndependentsAug 06, 2025
Smith & Son Jewelers to Close 107-Year-Old Location Its Springfield, Massachusetts, store is set to close as owner Andrew Smith heads into retirement.
CollectionsAug 06, 2025
Zahn-Z Swims With Whales in ‘Beluga’ CollectionDesigner Hiba Husayni looked to the whale’s melon shaped-head, blowhole, and fluke for her new chunky gold offerings.
TrendsAug 06, 2025
Paola De Luca to Release Trendbook 2027+She will present the 23rd edition of the trend forecasting book at Vicenzaoro on Sept. 7.
CrimeAug 05, 2025
Report: Suspect Arrested in 1992 Murder of Miami JewelerOmar Roy, 72, was arrested in connection with the murder of jeweler Dionisio Carlos Valladares.
CollectionsAug 05, 2025
Mignon Faget Commemorates 20th Anniversary of Hurricane KatrinaThe New Orleans-based brand’s “Beyond Katrina” jewels honor the communities affected by the storm.
ColumnistsAug 05, 2025
The PR Adviser: Affiliate Marketing Is the Cost of CoverageLilian Raji explains why joining an affiliate network is essential for brands seeking placements in U.S. consumer publications.
Events & AwardsAug 05, 2025
JA Announces Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship WinnersThe organization has awarded a total of $42,000 through its scholarship programs this year.
Events & AwardsAug 04, 2025
Gem Awards, David Yurman Introduce $50K Grant for Emerging DesignersThe winner of the inaugural David Yurman Gem Awards Grant will be announced live at the 2026 Gem Awards gala.
TrendsAug 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: August’s Bright BaublesAs summer winds down, celebrate the sunny disposition of the month’s birthstones: peridot and spinel.
CrimeAug 04, 2025
‘The Watch King’ Assaulted, Robbed in QueensMoshe Haimoff, a social media personality and 47th Street retailer, was robbed of $559,000 worth of jewelry by men in construction outfits.
MajorsAug 04, 2025
Borsheims Welcomes New Assistant Facilities ManagerXavier Dibbrell brings more than a decade of experience to the role.
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Helzberg President Julie Yoakum Moves Over to Signet JewelersThe addition of Yoakum, who will lead Kay and Peoples, was one of three executive appointments Signet announced Thursday.
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names Mike Alexander as President The insurance company’s previous president and CEO, Scott Murphy, has split his role and will continue as CEO.
SourcingAug 01, 2025
Gemfields’ Auction Revenue Drops 50% in H1The nearly six-month pause of operations at its Kagem emerald mine earlier this year impacted the miner’s first-half results.
CollectionsAug 01, 2025
Piece of the Week: Hernsdorf’s ‘Tears of Aphrodite’ NecklaceThe necklace uses spinel drops to immortalize the moment Aphrodite’s tears mixed with her lover Adonis’ blood after he was fatally wounded.
