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See the Winners of the Inaugural AJDC Jose Hess Design Awards
Six finalists created original jewelry designs based on the theme of connection.
The winner of the first Jose Hess Design Awards was Baiyang Qiu’s “Childhood Dream VI” dandelion brooch.
Tucson, Ariz.—The first Jose Hess Design Awards were held during the Tucson gem shows earlier this month, presented by the American Jewelry Design Council at the Alfie Norville Gem and Mineral Museum.
The awards were created in honor of AJDC founding member Jose Hess, a talented jewelry designer who died in February 2021 at the age of 87.
“AJDC believes that jewelry designers who are presented with a challenge can bring fresh ideas and innovations to the American jewelry industry, just as Jose did,” said the organization.
The challenge was to create an original piece of jewelry based on “Connection,” which was AJDC’s Design Theme Project of the year in 2022.
Each year, the organization chooses a new inspiration for jewelry design for its members.
The contest drew in 80 applicants. The judges chose six finalists who attended the gala event in Tucson.
The grand prize of $15,000 was awarded to designer Baiyang Qiu for her “Childhood Dream VI” dandelion brooch.
The piece is made of 18-karat yellow gold and platinum, set with round brilliant and rose-cut diamonds.
“Inspired by nature and its beautiful forms, I use extremely fine gauge wire of high karat gold and platinum to bring my designs to life,” said Qui on her website.
Qui’s jewelry career began at her family’s jewelry store in China and continued in the U.S.
She received her Master of Fine Arts degree from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2009.
Qui is a member of several industry organizations, including the American Gem Trade Association, the Society of North American Goldsmiths, and the American Craft Council.
The five additional finalists were Darci Shea Bodgan, Everett Walker Redus, Marianne Hunter, Liaung Chung Yen and Sandra McEwen, who each received a prize of $1,000.
In addition to the prize money, each finalist received a Jose Hess Design Award Trophy, modeled after an original pendant design by Hess symbolic of the “Connection” theme, said ADJC.
SEE: The Five Jose Hess Design Awards Finalists
The awards were created in honor of AJDC founding member Jose Hess, a talented jewelry designer who died in February 2021 at the age of 87.
“AJDC believes that jewelry designers who are presented with a challenge can bring fresh ideas and innovations to the American jewelry industry, just as Jose did,” said the organization.
The challenge was to create an original piece of jewelry based on “Connection,” which was AJDC’s Design Theme Project of the year in 2022.
Each year, the organization chooses a new inspiration for jewelry design for its members.
The contest drew in 80 applicants. The judges chose six finalists who attended the gala event in Tucson.
The grand prize of $15,000 was awarded to designer Baiyang Qiu for her “Childhood Dream VI” dandelion brooch.
The piece is made of 18-karat yellow gold and platinum, set with round brilliant and rose-cut diamonds.
“Inspired by nature and its beautiful forms, I use extremely fine gauge wire of high karat gold and platinum to bring my designs to life,” said Qui on her website.
Qui’s jewelry career began at her family’s jewelry store in China and continued in the U.S.
She received her Master of Fine Arts degree from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2009.
Qui is a member of several industry organizations, including the American Gem Trade Association, the Society of North American Goldsmiths, and the American Craft Council.
The five additional finalists were Darci Shea Bodgan, Everett Walker Redus, Marianne Hunter, Liaung Chung Yen and Sandra McEwen, who each received a prize of $1,000.
In addition to the prize money, each finalist received a Jose Hess Design Award Trophy, modeled after an original pendant design by Hess symbolic of the “Connection” theme, said ADJC.
SEE: The Five Jose Hess Design Awards Finalists
The “Endangered” necklace by Darci Shea Bogdan was crafted using 18-,22-, and 24-karat gold, fine and sterling silver, 3mm sapphire gemstone beads, and painted enamel.
This “Succulent” ring by Everett Walker Redus features 18-karat yellow gold, fine and sterling silver, and ebony wood, set with 30 carats of round and oval cabochon rubellite tourmaline.
The “Celestial Symphonies” necklace by Marianne Hunter was created in 14-,18-, and 24-karat yellow and rose gold with gold and silver foils as well as enamel over copper. It’s set with a variety of stones, including Australian, Ethiopian, and Peruvian opal, Paraíba tourmaline, quartz, diamonds, and mabé and keshi pearls.
The “View from Above” pin by Liaung Chung Yen in 22-karat yellow gold and silver on a steel pin, featuring a 162-carat nellite slice.
The “Communion” necklace by Sandra McEwen is made of fine and sterling silver and 24-karat gold wires with vitreous (porcelain) enamel.
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