Events & Awards

These Pearl Jewels Won the 2022 CPAA Design Competition

Events & AwardsNov 16, 2022

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.

20221116_CPAA header.jpg
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.
New York—The Cultured Pearl Association of America has announced the winners of its 13th annual International Pearl Design Competition.

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.

20221116_1-CPAA.jpg
The “Kentsugi” bracelet by Shikha Pathak for C Krishniah Chetty Group of Jewellers of India

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.

20221116_2-CPAA.jpg
The Tahitian Pearl Drawstring earrings by Chaulri

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.

20221116_3-CPAA.jpg
The “Venus” ring set by Neu & Tim of Japan

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.

20221116_4-CPAA.jpg
The “Nautilus” earrings by Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry Inc.

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.

20221116_5-CPAA.jpg
The “Bubble” ring by Melanie Georgacopoulos of Melanie Georgacopoulos of the U.K.

The second winner is the “Overtone” earrings by Alexia Gryllaki of Alexia Gryllaki of Greece.

20221116_6-CPAA.jpg
The “Overtone” earrings by Alexia Gryllaki of Alexia Gryllaki of Greece

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.

pendant by S. D. Cusson LLC
The “Sunrise Revisited, Tribute to Monet” pin

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.”

20221116_8-CPAA.jpg
The “Treasure of the Sea” bracelet by Crevoshay

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.

20221116_9-CPAA.jpg
The “Knotty Pearls” body accessory by Shakshi Poddar for C Krishniah Chetty Group of Jewellers of India

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.

20221116_10-CPAA.jpg
The detachable South Sea baroque pearl, natural Namibian chalcedony, and diamond earrings by Ashleigh Branstetter of Ashleigh Branstetter

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.

20221116_11-CPAA.jpg
The “Pan’s Tree” brooch by YiJ Jewelry of China

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.

20221116_12-CPAA.jpg
The “Thermal Blue Byzance” earrings by Katerina Wheeler of Katerina Evanthia

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.

20221116_13-CPAA.jpg
The “Voguedelier” earrings by Victor Rouesné

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.

20221116_14-CPAA.jpg
The “Ribbon” statement necklace by Luna Gwak

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.

 Related stories will be right here … 

The Latest

Alexandra Rosier gold and opal Eternal Love Hands necklace
TrendsJun 02, 2023
Take a Peek at Couture’s Newest Design Talents

This year’s Design Atelier is full of gems.

Saboo Fine Jewels emerald and titanium earrings
CollectionsJun 02, 2023
Piece of the Week: Saboo Fine Jewels’ Emerald Earrings

They’re a testament to the power of excellent design.

Holly Wesche, Stan Razny, Ingrid Razny, Candy Udell
IndependentsJun 02, 2023
These Are the 2023 Retailer Hall of Fame Inductees

This year’s honorees include one of Florida’s largest independent jewelers and two multi-store independents in the Chicago and New York areas.

LAB230043_Dossier_NJ_1872x1052_V1.jpg
Brought to you by
The Next Step for GIA Diamond Reports

The most trusted diamond report, available in print or the GIA App.

Jane Taylor letter pendants
TrendsJun 01, 2023
See 50+ Jewels Debuting at Couture in Las Vegas

The industry’s most influential contemporary designers are showcasing their latest jewelry designs.

Weekly QuizJun 02, 2023
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Take the Quiz
35-carat lab-grown diamond created by Maitri
Lab-GrownJun 01, 2023
35-Carat Lab-Grown Diamond Going on Display in Vegas

Created by Maitri Lab-Grown Diamonds and graded by IGI, it’s slightly bigger than the record-setting lab-grown diamond GIA just examined.

Bottom Line Marketing Chief Growth Officer Gus Garcia and CEO Jackie Brooks
MajorsJun 01, 2023
Bottom Line Marketing Announces Restructured Leadership, New Service Offerings

The marketing agency has integrated its first C-suite.

Cover-WN19-Back-&-Front_V5-RGB-(1)_Community.jpg
Brought to you by
Beyond Borders: Crucial Factors in Colored Stone Origin Determination

Navigate origin determination with Continuing Education seminars offered by the GIA Alumni Collective™.

Lauren K gold and gemstone rings
TrendsMay 31, 2023
Here’s a Sneak Peek of New Jewelry to Check Out at JCK

Luxury kicks off today, with the full show in swing on Friday.

A pearl pendant and a pearl ring
CollectionsMay 31, 2023
Verragio’s Debut Fine Jewelry Collections Honor Company Heritage

One of the three new collections was inspired by the legend of a woman who traded her mansion to Cartier for two strands of natural pearls.

Rob Ballew
MajorsMay 31, 2023
Signet Jewelers Names New Head of Investor Relations

Rob Ballew will be tasked with communicating the jewelry giant’s plans and financial performance to investors.

Mobile mock-up screens of the new LUX Digital Vault app from Jewelers Mutual Group
MajorsMay 31, 2023
Jewelers Mutual Launches App for Retailers, Introduces New Brokerage

With the app, customers receive a 15-day insurance offer on new purchases while their coverage needs are being evaluated.

Rendering of Lightbox lab-grown diamond store in House of Showfields
Lab-GrownMay 30, 2023
Lightbox Is Testing Out a Trendy Concept Shop in Brooklyn

It is in House of Showfields, a bazaar-style retail space in the borough’s Williamsburg neighborhood.

Constance “Connie” Barber Mellon’s David Webb Elephant Clip-Brooch
AuctionsMay 30, 2023
Sotheby’s to Auction Mellon Family Jewelry

Signature pieces from Cartier and David Webb will appear in the June jewelry auction.

Georgie Gleim, Shelly Sergent, and Molly Peterson
Events & AwardsMay 30, 2023
24 Karat Club of Southern California Recognizes 3 Honorees

They will be celebrated at the annual dinner dance and gala in the fall.

Historic and modern photos of diamond grading GIA
GradingMay 26, 2023
State of the Diamond Industry: AI and the Future of Diamond Grading

Gemologists have long used machines in diamond grading but technology has made it possible for them to “learn” how to do it on their own.

Supplier Spotlight Webinar John Pollard and Garry Holloway
Recorded WebinarsMay 26, 2023
Watch: Diamond Cut Quality: The Final Frontier Part 2

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by IGI

My Next Question webinar series episode on selling lab-grown diamonds
Recorded WebinarsMay 26, 2023
Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds: What It’s Like to Sell Both

Watch retailers Jeffery Bolling and Bobby Bengivengo discuss employee training, customer education and the sticky subject of future value.

Models wearing Calvin Klein watches and jewelry
FinancialsMay 26, 2023
Movado Sales Slip in Q1 Amid Inflation Woes, Tough Comps

The company has plans to revamp the Movado brand and offer less expensive watches this year.

Bulgari necklace set with 118.35-carat unheated Sri Lankan sapphire
AuctionsMay 26, 2023
Piece of the Week: A Bulgari Sapphire and Diamond Necklace

Set with a 118-carat unheated Sri Lankan sapphire, it just sold for $3.4 million at Phillips jewelry auction in Hong Kong.

noamcarver-videoimage.png
Supplier BulletinMay 25, 2023
RAE Fine Jewelry Collection Debuting at JCK Luxury 2023

Sponsored by Noam Carver

Graphic of phishing scheme
TechnologyMay 25, 2023
State of Retail: Why Jewelers Need to Invest in Cybersecurity Now

As cybercrime incidents threaten the industry, jewelers need to know what they’re up against and the best ways to protect their businesses.

Louis Anthony Jewelers remodeled exterior
IndependentsMay 25, 2023
Louis Anthony Jewelers Is Remodeling and Expanding

The Pittsburgh jeweler is redoing the lighting and showcases, and adding a full hospitality bar as well as new shop-in-shops.

Yurman Family Crystalline Pass at American Museum of Natural History in New York City
SourcingMay 25, 2023
David Yurman Unveils Quartz Exhibition at AMNH

The Yurman Family Crystalline Pass is inside the museum’s brand-new Richard Gilder Center.

Stanley Zale new principal consultant Hill & Co.
MajorsMay 25, 2023
Stanley Zale Joins Hill & Co. as Principal Consultant

Zale has more than 40 years’ experience in the diamond industry, including 17 years as Stuller’s VP of diamonds and gemstones procurement.

 Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada sign
Events & AwardsMay 24, 2023
New To-Dos in Las Vegas During Jewelry Market Week 2023

The Strip is full of new restaurant and entertainment offerings.

State Property necklace, Briony Raymond two-stone ring, and Emily P. Wheeler earrings
TrendsMay 24, 2023
State of Design: The Jewelry Design Trends to Know Now

National Jeweler’s senior editor covering fashion, trends, and design highlights the latest looks in the market.

×

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