These Pearl Jewels Won the 2022 CPAA Design Competition
The Cultured Pearl Association of America held its 13th annual International Pearl Design Competition this fall.
![These “Oceana” pearl earrings by Tariq Riaz LLC won the President’s Trophy in the U.S. division of the Cultured Pearl Association of America’s 13th annual International Pearl Design Competition. 20221116_CPAA header.jpg](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/c1ec923b400661a72c42a183d57501e5.jpg)
The competition has three divisions: U.S. entries, international entries, and student entries.
The final judging for all three divisions was held in-person on Nov. 1 in New York City.
This year’s judges were: Jean Francois Bibet, workshop and production director at Cartier; Patricia Faber, co-owner of Aaron Faber Gallery; Lenore Fedow, associate editor at National Jeweler; Maria Tsangaropoulos, supervisor of instruction at GIA’s New York City campus; Michael Coan, assistant professor in the jewelry design department at the Fashion Institute of Technology; and Kathy Zaltas, owner of Zaltas Gallery.
Peggy Grosz, senior vice president at Assael, helped to judge part one of the entries but was not present for live judging.
Here are this year’s winners.
President’s Trophy
The President’s Trophy is the top prize of the contest, awarded to the piece that was considered to be the most beautiful. It has to have an original design concept, be well-made, celebrate pearls, and “leave a lasting impression of pearls as must-have gems.”
This year’s U.S. winner was the “Oceana” pearl earrings by Tariq Riaz LLC. The earrings, seen in the main image, are 18-karat white, rose, and yellow gold with 4.5mm to 6.6 mm Akoya pearls, 21 x 15 mm South Sea pearls, and 10 x 7 mm freshwater pearls, as well as 7.40 carats of diamonds, 1.28 carats of pink sapphires, and 1.25 carats of tsavorites.
![The “Kentsugi” bracelet by Shikha Pathak for C Krishniah Chetty Group of Jewellers of India 20221116_1-CPAA.jpg](https://nationaljeweler.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBaTlNIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--c9deaa9f56e39078627aa1d2c16d341befcfcaf3/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdERG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2RkhKbGMybDZaVjkwYjE5c2FXMXBkRnNIYVFJQUJHa0NBQU02RkhOaGJYQnNhVzVuWDJaaFkzUnZja2tpQ2pRNk1qb3dCanNHVkRvS2MzUnlhWEJVT2c1cGJuUmxjbXhoWTJWSklnbEtVRVZIQmpzR1ZEb1BZMjlzYjNKemNHRmpaVWtpQ1hOU1IwSUdPd1pVT2d4eGRXRnNhWFI1YVZBPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--ea15daad36a7f7266e7d591867d534d851352260/20221116_1-CPAA.jpg)
The international winner was the “Kentsugi” bracelet by Shikha Pathak for C Krishniah Chetty Group of Jewellers of India.
Made in 18-karat yellow gold, the bracelet features 8 mm to 20mm white, pinkish-, and champagne-colored South Sea cultured pearls, mother-of-pearl with gold inlay, and round and baguette-cut diamonds.
Luster Award
The Luster Award is given to the piece that displays “covetable and marketable concepts” with wide appeal for the marketplace. A new requirement for this year’s contest is the piece must retail for $3,000 or less.
![The Tahitian Pearl Drawstring earrings by Chaulri 20221116_2-CPAA.jpg](https://nationaljeweler.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBakJNIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--997b4747364d76c8bccf4c219fbd61ec32486829/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdERG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2RkhKbGMybDZaVjkwYjE5c2FXMXBkRnNIYVFJQUJHa0NBQU02RkhOaGJYQnNhVzVuWDJaaFkzUnZja2tpQ2pRNk1qb3dCanNHVkRvS2MzUnlhWEJVT2c1cGJuUmxjbXhoWTJWSklnbEtVRVZIQmpzR1ZEb1BZMjlzYjNKemNHRmpaVWtpQ1hOU1IwSUdPd1pVT2d4eGRXRnNhWFI1YVZBPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--ea15daad36a7f7266e7d591867d534d851352260/20221116_2-CPAA.jpg)
The U.S. winner was the Tahitian Pearl Drawstring earrings by Chaulri. Set in 18-karat white gold, the earrings feature Tahitian black pearls, diamonds, and removable neon pink drawstring bows. The pair retails for $1,720.
![The “Venus” ring set by Neu & Tim of Japan 20221116_3-CPAA.jpg](https://nationaljeweler.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBakZNIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--ec38e404fb0c4809d65cf89f958b0854285e2537/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdERG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2RkhKbGMybDZaVjkwYjE5c2FXMXBkRnNIYVFJQUJHa0NBQU02RkhOaGJYQnNhVzVuWDJaaFkzUnZja2tpQ2pRNk1qb3dCanNHVkRvS2MzUnlhWEJVT2c1cGJuUmxjbXhoWTJWSklnbEtVRVZIQmpzR1ZEb1BZMjlzYjNKemNHRmpaVWtpQ1hOU1IwSUdPd1pVT2d4eGRXRnNhWFI1YVZBPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--ea15daad36a7f7266e7d591867d534d851352260/20221116_3-CPAA.jpg)
The international winner is the “Venus” ring set by Neu & Tim of Japan.
The rings are made in 10-karat pink and yellow gold with a 7.5 mm to 8 mm Akoya pearl center and 3 mm to 5 mm Akoya pearls on companion bands. The set retails for $2,910.
Visionary Award
The Visionary Award goes to the piece with a design concept that combats challenges the idea that pearls are dated. The piece must also be attractive, creative, and salable.
![The “Nautilus” earrings by Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry Inc. 20221116_4-CPAA.jpg](https://nationaljeweler.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBakpNIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--82d01e8b24b8c302ccefaef4f04d89a8ca039140/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdERG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2RkhKbGMybDZaVjkwYjE5c2FXMXBkRnNIYVFJQUJHa0NBQU02RkhOaGJYQnNhVzVuWDJaaFkzUnZja2tpQ2pRNk1qb3dCanNHVkRvS2MzUnlhWEJVT2c1cGJuUmxjbXhoWTJWSklnbEtVRVZIQmpzR1ZEb1BZMjlzYjNKemNHRmpaVWtpQ1hOU1IwSUdPd1pVT2d4eGRXRnNhWFI1YVZBPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--ea15daad36a7f7266e7d591867d534d851352260/20221116_4-CPAA.jpg)
The U.S. winner is the “Nautilus” earrings by Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry Inc.
The earrings feature proprietary gradient “SpectraGold” with an ombré suite of 36 pearls ranging from 10.6 mm golden South Sea pearls graduating down to 2.5 mm white Akoya pearls with 0.48 total carats of pavé-set diamonds.
In the international division, there was a two-way tie.
The first winner was the “Bubble” ring by Melanie Georgacopoulos of Melanie Georgacopoulos of the U.K. The ring is made of 18-karat rose gold and set with a 13 mm Tahitian pearl.
![The “Bubble” ring by Melanie Georgacopoulos of Melanie Georgacopoulos of the U.K. 20221116_5-CPAA.jpg](https://nationaljeweler.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBajFNIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--b66add0facf009538b1d428310d4677461a8a7dc/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdERG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2RkhKbGMybDZaVjkwYjE5c2FXMXBkRnNIYVFJQUJHa0NBQU02RkhOaGJYQnNhVzVuWDJaaFkzUnZja2tpQ2pRNk1qb3dCanNHVkRvS2MzUnlhWEJVT2c1cGJuUmxjbXhoWTJWSklnbEtVRVZIQmpzR1ZEb1BZMjlzYjNKemNHRmpaVWtpQ1hOU1IwSUdPd1pVT2d4eGRXRnNhWFI1YVZBPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--ea15daad36a7f7266e7d591867d534d851352260/20221116_5-CPAA.jpg)
The second winner is the “Overtone” earrings by Alexia Gryllaki of Alexia Gryllaki of Greece.
![The “Overtone” earrings by Alexia Gryllaki of Alexia Gryllaki of Greece 20221116_6-CPAA.jpg](https://nationaljeweler.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBajVNIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--959ad1e1987bbcfb0ecb332d0e7b82b296ea05cf/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdERG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2RkhKbGMybDZaVjkwYjE5c2FXMXBkRnNIYVFJQUJHa0NBQU02RkhOaGJYQnNhVzVuWDJaaFkzUnZja2tpQ2pRNk1qb3dCanNHVkRvS2MzUnlhWEJVT2c1cGJuUmxjbXhoWTJWSklnbEtVRVZIQmpzR1ZEb1BZMjlzYjNKemNHRmpaVWtpQ1hOU1IwSUdPd1pVT2d4eGRXRnNhWFI1YVZBPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--ea15daad36a7f7266e7d591867d534d851352260/20221116_6-CPAA.jpg)
The 18-karat yellow gold earrings feature Tahitian pearls, 2.63 total carats pear-shape garnets, 1.1 total carats tapered baguette-cut diamonds, and 0.44 total carats emeralds.
Wedding Day Pearls
The Wedding Day Pearls award goes to the piece a contemporary bride or groom would wear on their wedding day.
![The “Sunrise Revisited, Tribute to Monet” pin/pendant by S. D. Cusson LLC 20221116_7-CPAA.jpg](https://nationaljeweler.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBalZNIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--d15b0a89695e1fa8e570801abf23360d0c7a3d87/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdERG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2RkhKbGMybDZaVjkwYjE5c2FXMXBkRnNIYVFJQUJHa0NBQU02RkhOaGJYQnNhVzVuWDJaaFkzUnZja2tpQ2pRNk1qb3dCanNHVkRvS2MzUnlhWEJVT2c1cGJuUmxjbXhoWTJWSklnbEtVRVZIQmpzR1ZEb1BZMjlzYjNKemNHRmpaVWtpQ1hOU1IwSUdPd1pVT2d4eGRXRnNhWFI1YVZBPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--ea15daad36a7f7266e7d591867d534d851352260/20221116_7-CPAA.jpg)
This year’s U.S. winner is the “Sunrise Revisited, Tribute to Monet” pin/pendant by S. D. Cusson LLC.
The piece is comprised of three flexible sections of 18-karat white and yellow gold with one 13.12 mm South Sea golden pearl, 1.70 total carats round yellow and green tourmaline, 1.19 total carats round mandarin garnets, 0.65 total carats round blue sapphires, 0.35 total carats round yellow sapphires, and 0.25 total carats round diamonds.
In the international division, the “Kentsugi” bracelet mentioned previously also won this category.
Fashion Award
The Fashion Award goes to the piece that displays a “youthful, high-fashion, and original pearl jewelry design.”
![The “Treasure of the Sea” bracelet by Crevoshay 20221116_8-CPAA.jpg](https://nationaljeweler.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBalpNIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--91690d7f4d0cab4218e9b28e8a7fdd09d38de7e7/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdERG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2RkhKbGMybDZaVjkwYjE5c2FXMXBkRnNIYVFJQUJHa0NBQU02RkhOaGJYQnNhVzVuWDJaaFkzUnZja2tpQ2pRNk1qb3dCanNHVkRvS2MzUnlhWEJVT2c1cGJuUmxjbXhoWTJWSklnbEtVRVZIQmpzR1ZEb1BZMjlzYjNKemNHRmpaVWtpQ1hOU1IwSUdPd1pVT2d4eGRXRnNhWFI1YVZBPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--ea15daad36a7f7266e7d591867d534d851352260/20221116_8-CPAA.jpg)
This year’s U.S. winner was the “Treasure of the Sea” bracelet by Crevoshay, the New Mexico-based company headed by designer Paula Crevoshay.
Set in 18-karat yellow gold, the bracelet features 11 mm white South Sea pearls, 9.88 total carats sapphires, 8.62 total carats moonstones, 8.07 total carats tsavorite garnets, and 6.09 total carats diamonds.
![The “Knotty Pearls” body accessory by Shakshi Poddar for C Krishniah Chetty Group of Jewellers of India 20221116_9-CPAA.jpg](https://nationaljeweler.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBamRNIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--8f093ed76a3a5808a1cf3d0680d083e6c9f444ae/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdERG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2RkhKbGMybDZaVjkwYjE5c2FXMXBkRnNIYVFJQUJHa0NBQU02RkhOaGJYQnNhVzVuWDJaaFkzUnZja2tpQ2pRNk1qb3dCanNHVkRvS2MzUnlhWEJVT2c1cGJuUmxjbXhoWTJWSklnbEtVRVZIQmpzR1ZEb1BZMjlzYjNKemNHRmpaVWtpQ1hOU1IwSUdPd1pVT2d4eGRXRnNhWFI1YVZBPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--ea15daad36a7f7266e7d591867d534d851352260/20221116_9-CPAA.jpg)
The international winner was the “Knotty Pearls” body accessory by Shakshi Poddar for C Krishniah Chetty Group of Jewellers of India.
The convertible body chain necklace features 18-karat yellow gold with 2 mm to 12 mm Tahitian and South Sea pearls and round brilliant-cut diamonds.
Spotlight Award
The Spotlight Award honors a different pearl variety each year. This year the pearl of choice was baroque-shaped pearls of all varieties, saltwater and freshwater.
The category highlighted designs where 75 percent of the piece featured a baroque-shaped pearl. The winner had to showcase the pearl in a clever way and create a design that would entice a person who was not a fan of pearls to start collecting.
![The detachable South Sea baroque pearl, natural Namibian chalcedony, and diamond earrings by Ashleigh Branstetter of Ashleigh Branstetter 20221116_10-CPAA.jpg](https://nationaljeweler.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBamhNIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--64c61054b7cb55b2b8354495d8a6ac4772bbdb9a/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdERG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2RkhKbGMybDZaVjkwYjE5c2FXMXBkRnNIYVFJQUJHa0NBQU02RkhOaGJYQnNhVzVuWDJaaFkzUnZja2tpQ2pRNk1qb3dCanNHVkRvS2MzUnlhWEJVT2c1cGJuUmxjbXhoWTJWSklnbEtVRVZIQmpzR1ZEb1BZMjlzYjNKemNHRmpaVWtpQ1hOU1IwSUdPd1pVT2d4eGRXRnNhWFI1YVZBPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--ea15daad36a7f7266e7d591867d534d851352260/20221116_10-CPAA.jpg)
The U.S. winner was the detachable South Sea baroque pearl, natural Namibian chalcedony, and diamond earrings by Ashleigh Branstetter of Ashleigh Branstetter.
The earrings are set in 18-karat white gold with rhodium with baroque 18.19 x 15.75 mm and 18.24 x 15.83 mm white South Sea cultured pearls, 25.09 total carats Namibian chalcedony, and 1.58 total carats diamonds.
![The “Pan’s Tree” brooch by YiJ Jewelry of China 20221116_11-CPAA.jpg](https://nationaljeweler.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBamxNIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--8dfa417eb69df1a1097e2e297040119196ca7877/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdERG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2RkhKbGMybDZaVjkwYjE5c2FXMXBkRnNIYVFJQUJHa0NBQU02RkhOaGJYQnNhVzVuWDJaaFkzUnZja2tpQ2pRNk1qb3dCanNHVkRvS2MzUnlhWEJVT2c1cGJuUmxjbXhoWTJWSklnbEtVRVZIQmpzR1ZEb1BZMjlzYjNKemNHRmpaVWtpQ1hOU1IwSUdPd1pVT2d4eGRXRnNhWFI1YVZBPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--ea15daad36a7f7266e7d591867d534d851352260/20221116_11-CPAA.jpg)
The international winner was the “Pan’s Tree” brooch by YiJ Jewelry of China.
The brooch is made in 18-karat gold and black gold with freshwater keshi pearls, yellow and brown diamonds, and rubies.
Retailer’s Choice Award
To bestow the Retailer’s Choice Award, the CPAA asked 4,000 jewelers to choose their favorite piece from the U.S. finalists.
![The “Thermal Blue Byzance” earrings by Katerina Wheeler of Katerina Evanthia 20221116_12-CPAA.jpg](https://nationaljeweler.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBanBNIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--8ef7ef4981f1a5ab48bbab9b959123902757ca01/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdERG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2RkhKbGMybDZaVjkwYjE5c2FXMXBkRnNIYVFJQUJHa0NBQU02RkhOaGJYQnNhVzVuWDJaaFkzUnZja2tpQ2pRNk1qb3dCanNHVkRvS2MzUnlhWEJVT2c1cGJuUmxjbXhoWTJWSklnbEtVRVZIQmpzR1ZEb1BZMjlzYjNKemNHRmpaVWtpQ1hOU1IwSUdPd1pVT2d4eGRXRnNhWFI1YVZBPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--ea15daad36a7f7266e7d591867d534d851352260/20221116_12-CPAA.jpg)
The winner was the “Thermal Blue Byzance” earrings by Katerina Wheeler of Katerina Evanthia.
The earrings are set in 14-karat rose gold with natural-color blue Akoya pearls and 6.48 total carats of princess-cut blue topaz.
Student Award
The Student Award goes to a piece of jewelry, either sketched or presented in a CAD rendering, created by a student with a design that is “fresh, modern, wearable, and defies outdated thoughts about wearing pearls.”
It was a tie this year between two students from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York.
![The “Voguedelier” earrings by Victor Rouesné 20221116_13-CPAA.jpg](https://nationaljeweler.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBanRNIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--8a4dc2bf0799e69a403a0a9099a639aa7e8c4cdb/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdERG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2RkhKbGMybDZaVjkwYjE5c2FXMXBkRnNIYVFJQUJHa0NBQU02RkhOaGJYQnNhVzVuWDJaaFkzUnZja2tpQ2pRNk1qb3dCanNHVkRvS2MzUnlhWEJVT2c1cGJuUmxjbXhoWTJWSklnbEtVRVZIQmpzR1ZEb1BZMjlzYjNKemNHRmpaVWtpQ1hOU1IwSUdPd1pVT2d4eGRXRnNhWFI1YVZBPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--ea15daad36a7f7266e7d591867d534d851352260/20221116_13-CPAA.jpg)
One winner was the “Voguedelier” earrings by Victor Rouesné, which were inspired by the Art Deco movement and Vogue magazine covers from the mid-1920s.
The design is meant to be crafted in 18-karat yellow gold with white freshwater pearls ranging in size from 3 mm to 7.5 mm.
![The “Ribbon” statement necklace by Luna Gwak 20221116_14-CPAA.jpg](https://nationaljeweler.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBanhNIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--f379aed6486cf2b9463dd951c17e2d473689c026/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdERG9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2RkhKbGMybDZaVjkwYjE5c2FXMXBkRnNIYVFJQUJHa0NBQU02RkhOaGJYQnNhVzVuWDJaaFkzUnZja2tpQ2pRNk1qb3dCanNHVkRvS2MzUnlhWEJVT2c1cGJuUmxjbXhoWTJWSklnbEtVRVZIQmpzR1ZEb1BZMjlzYjNKemNHRmpaVWtpQ1hOU1IwSUdPd1pVT2d4eGRXRnNhWFI1YVZBPSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--ea15daad36a7f7266e7d591867d534d851352260/20221116_14-CPAA.jpg)
The second winner was the Ribbon statement necklace by Luna Gwak. The necklace would be made in 18-karat rose gold with Akoya pearls, white diamonds, pink morganite, and light green beryl.
Several pieces from the U.S. division will go on display and sale at the Aaron Faber Gallery in New York City.
The Latest
![Direct-to-consumer retail brand Diamonds Direct has opened a store in the Atlanta neighborhood of Buckhead, an area known for its upscale malls. Diamonds Direct Atlanta store](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/2e6577afc9470ba1c1de327fad397366.jpg)
It’s the Signet-owned banner’s first location in Georgia.
![These “Double Loop” earrings feature a drop-cut amethyst sitting atop the lower hoop, totaling 1.60 carats between both earrings. The hoops are made of silver covered in “pistacchio” colored enamel, while 9-karat yellow gold holds the stones in place and connect the two hoops behind the earlobe ($1,770). Bea Bongiasca’s Double Loop Earrings](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/f338ef6b4603be3c97765f833b831ca0.jpg)
Commemorate “brat summer” with these green hoops.
![The skyline of downtown Providence, Rhode Island. Jewelers of America held one of its Multifacted Learning Workshops there on July 17 and National Jeweler Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff tagged along. Stock image of Providence, Rhode Island, skyline](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/4ec5b02d4cbaaaa2283bdcf6820950a4.jpg)
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff returns from Rhode Island with thoughts about in-store shopping and a trends report.
![Untitled design.jpg](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/583fbcb2bb839782810080debef35d3c.jpg)
As the demand for lab-grown diamond jewelry may still be increasing, the most notable change we are likely to see is price stabilization.
Sponsored by Gemological Institute of America
![](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/99a46b30cc354962ac2e29ecd113587a.jpg)
![Earlier this month, online giant Amazon and the Better Business Bureau filed a joint federal lawsuit against ReviewServiceUSA.com for allegedly selling fake reviews, both positive and negative. Amazon package outside door](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/27fce4225a38900d54a5536ce523a22d.jpg)
They claim ReviewServiceUSA.com was selling both positive and negative reviews of products and businesses.
![A shot of the Venetia diamond mine in South Africa, owned by De Beers Group. The diamond miner and marketer saw revenue drop 21 percent and rough diamond sales decline 20 percent in a “weak” market for diamonds. De Beers’ Venetia diamond mine](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/a1f16ceaaba662e80385166060d192a7.jpg)
Lab-grown diamond sales in the United States and ongoing economic challenges in China are impacting natural diamond demand.
![1872 x 1052 Gemolite.jpg](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/9d60901b44425a53b9010301897a3bbc.jpg)
GIA®’s most advanced microscope has new features to optimize greater precision and comfort.
A longtime member of IJO, she’s remembered for her passion for design, learning, and environmentalism.
![A malachite and diamond bracelet from Pomellato’s “Pom Pom Dot” collection, launched earlier this year. Pomellato and Boucheron were bright spots for Kering in an otherwise underwhelming first half of the year. Pomellato Malachite Pom Pom Dot bracelet](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/3c237b62e009742fc52487097daf3c5a.jpg)
The gains come amid a tough time for parent company Kering, which saw sales slide 11 percent in the first half of the year.
![Volunteers and Shane Co.’s corporate team from all 22 locations of the family-owned jewelry chain have begun packing backpacks with school supplies for teachers to distribute to their students this school year. Shane Co. and the Kids in Need foundation logo](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/1c5abfb36ec775724f014f47bfbb47fc.jpg)
The fine jewelry retailer filled backpacks with back-to-school essentials for students in 13 states.
![A shot from the advertising campaign for LVMH-owned Bulgari’s “Eden the Garden of Wonders” high jewelry collection. LVMH’s jewelry and watch sales slipped in the first half of the fiscal year. Bulgari high jewelry campaign](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/c24eb75ca8cea44d2e9859648f4a98ee.jpg)
Tiffany & Co. is focusing on its “iconic” collections while the company has made changes at the top at TAG Heuer and Hublot.
![Chaumet, a Parisian jeweler owned by LVMH, has designed the Olympic and Paralympic Games medals. Chaumet Paris 2024 Olympics medals](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/7831b3a738baddfc7d783e6df0fbf796.jpg)
The Parisian brand is the first jewelry company in the history of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to design the medals.
![The acquisition of Union Life & Casualty by Jewelers Mutual will help strengthen both the pawn market and the insurance industry, said JM. Jewelers Mutual and Union Life and Casualty logos](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/195925667226ecfc51b4e1bb09607143.jpg)
Union Life & Casualty will join JM Insurance Agency Partners, expanding the provider’s pawnbroker coverage.
![The winner of this year’s Lonia Tate scholarship, Bradlei Smith will receive the opportunity to earn her Graduate Gemologist diploma from GIA and, following graduation, an internship at Ben Bridge Jeweler in Seattle. Bradlei Smith](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/996834935ae30a7a1195db8b9db6cb7d.jpg)
Los Angeles-based Bradlei Smith was selected for this year’s award.
![Peter Smith is an industry consultant, speaker, sales trainer, and author. He can be reached via email at TheRetailSmiths@gmail.com. National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/bec7295a7f478778b1c196e6d81e7cd9.jpg)
In his latest column, Smith shares multiple reasons why people who look at the glass as being hall full often make better salespeople.
![De Beers Group mined 6.4 million carats of diamonds in the second quarter of 2024, down from 7.6 million in the same period last year. (©De Beers Group/Photo credit: Ben Perry @ Armoury Films) De Beers rough diamond display](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/80cd02b1c8384f4b2efda0bcdf6a75e1.jpg)
The company also reported the $150 million sale of an iron ore royalty right, part of its ongoing effort to divest “non-core” assets.
![In honor of its summer bridal event, Long’s Jewelers is partnering with Wequassett Resort and Golf Club on Cape Cod in Massachusetts, and jewelry brand JB Star on a vacation giveaway. Long’s Jewelers giveaway promo](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/4e7a90944c4e8875a4f3818dbe26b28b.jpg)
The giveaway is part of the New England jeweler’s summer bridal event.
![L.A.-based flower designer, Sophia Moreno-Bunge models Guzema’s “Hidden Beauty” collection in front of a garden in Rustic Canyon in Santa Monica, California. Sophia Moreno-Bunge of Isa Isa modeling Guzema’s Hidden Beauty collection](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/6f3822623eb7fd2f6468f82825194cb1.jpg)
The ad features three celebrity florists creating floral sculptures while wearing jewelry by Guzema.
![The Entrepreneurship Grants program supports winners with financial aid to scale their businesses and increase their societal impact, said Diamonds Do Good. Pictured here are three of the 13 winners, top right is Tresia Shituula, and bottom row left to right, are Monkgogi Moshaga and Mohamed Samu. Tresia Shituula, Monkgogi Moshaga, Mohamed Samu](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/a7c9b87301b76a9446f6522747ce5b95.jpg)
The grant provided a total of $100,000 to support 13 entrepreneurs from diamond communities in Africa and India.
![Ghazi Osta, better known as Gus, was the owner and president of Volusia Gold & Diamond, a store he and his wife, Leigh Osta, opened in 1986. He was shot and killed inside the store Friday afternoon after a brief argument with a regular customer. (Photo courtesy of Volusia Gold & Diamond Facebook page) Ghazi “Gus” Michel Osta](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/c8c1fa3df746cbd364915a98dcac9d21.jpg)
Ghazi Michel Osta, or “Gus,” was killed Friday by an 83-year-old man said to be a frequent customer at his store, Volusia Gold & Diamond.
![Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez (left) is the Responsible Jewellery Council’s new head of North American development, and Effie Marinos is its new specialist advisor for technical standards. Elyssa Jenkins-Perez and Effie Marinos](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/94332af0c7a776e7a8c36fabf76baa5f.jpg)
The organization also announced Effie Marinos as its new specialist advisor for technical standards, as well as four other appointments.
![Karen Rentmeesters, who joined the Antwerp World Diamond Centre in 2010, will take on the role of CEO. Karen Rentmeesters](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/3256fcc71cd43a399055c61f68486269.jpg)
Rentmeesters has served as interim CEO since April following former CEO Ari Epstein’s resignation.
![Longtime Washington, D.C., jeweler Brian Mann (right) with his wife Jessie Mann, an artist who custom-paints porcelain Limoges Boxes, at a 2016 Jewelers of America member event. Mann, the longtime co-owner of David Mann Jewelers, died June 21 at age 70. Brian and Jessie Mann](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/be4debc6e0b3198943a66ef0e2197c2c.jpg)
Mann, whose family’s jewelry store was located inside the Pentagon, is remembered for being a thoughtful champion of the industry.
![The 1916 Company recently opened a new Tudor boutique in Denver’s Cherry Creek Shopping Center. Tudor store in Denver](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/9f8600ea53ed731963331ebd28a10d16.jpg)
The 500-square-foot boutique is located in Denver’s Cherry Creek Shopping Center.
![This necklace from Messika’s “So Move Max” set is made of yellow gold with 19.18-carats of brilliant-cut diamonds and designed with circle motifs that move within the links (price upon request). Messika’s So Move Max Necklace](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/14c78af4a4e8c6b996a81bbb5a5bc69f.jpg)
Dance all night long with the “So Move Max” set’s necklace.
![On Sept. 1, Julien Tornare (left), current CEO of TAG Heuer, will become CEO of Hublot. Antoine Pin, now the general manager of Bulgari’s watch business, will take over Tornare’s role as CEO of TAG Heuer. (Images courtesy of LinkedIn) Julien Tornare and Antoine Pin](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/b24627b34ece895ddd254bae22751fb8.jpg)
Luxury giant LVMH is reshuffling the leadership in its watches division.