Events & Awards

Meet the 2023 Couture Design Award Winners

Events & AwardsJun 06, 2023

Meet the 2023 Couture Design Award Winners

The jewelry trade show awarded brands and individuals across 14 categories.

Peruffo necklace that won the Couture Design Award for “Best in Debuting”
This necklace from Peruffo won a Couture Design Award in the “Best in Debuting” category.
Las Vegas—In Sin City, several designers and individuals got lucky at the Couture Design Awards.

Held Saturday at the Encore Theater, the annual event recognized brands and individuals across 14 categories.

Among the winners, French brands had a strong showing with companies including Marie Lichtenberg, Viltier, and Maison Alix Dumas taking home Couture’s signature black marble statues. 

Consistent with past years, the Cindy Edelstein Award, given to a person who helps positively move the industry forward, was an emotional one.

The 2023 recipient, retailer John Green of fifth-generation jewelry store Lux Bond & Green, underscored the importance of community in the jewelry industry.

“There’s a lot of people here I don’t know but I promise you, I love all of you,” he said. “I love this industry; I’ve been very blessed.”

See the full array of winners and runners-up below.

Viltier cuff
Viltier

The “Best in Gold” winner was French brand Viltier.

Cadar was the second-place finalist, and Isabelle Fa was the third-place finalist.


Aletto Brothers necklace
Aletto Brothers

In the “Best in Colored Gems Above $40,000 Retail” category, the first-place winner was Aletto Brothers.

Tangarart, which showed at the Julls booth, was a second-place finalist and Couturemark was the third-place finalist.
 

Kamyen earrings
Kamyen

The “Best in Colored Gems Under $40,000 Retail” winner was Kamyen.

Cicada was the second-place finalist and Sylva & Cie was the third-place finalist.


Retrouvaí diamond ring
Retrouvaí

For “Best in Bridal,” Retrouvaí, showing at For Future Reference, won the top spot, marking its third consecutive Couture Design Award win.

Bea Bongiasca, a Muse exhibitor, was the second-place finalist and Phillips House was the third-place finalist.


Ondyn earrings
Ondyn

In the “Best in Diamonds Below $40,000 Retail” category, Ondyn was the winner.

Eva Fehren was the second-place finalist and 64Facets was the third-place finalist.
 

Etho Maria cuff
Etho Maria

For the “Best in Diamonds Above $40,000” award, Etho Maria was the first-place winner.

Busatti 1947 was the second-place finalist and Mattioli was the third-place finalist.


Maison Alix Dumas
Maison Alix Dumas

First-time exhibitor Maison Alix Dumas won the award for “Best in Haute Couture.”

Messika was the second-place finalist and Victor Velyan was the third-place finalist.


Persée Paris pearl earring
Persée Paris

Continuing the French wave, Persée Paris won for “Best in Pearls.”

The category’s second-place finalist was Nomis. The third-place finalist was Amrapali London.


Sorellina platinum and pearl necklace
Sorellina

Sorellina took home the top honors in the “Best in Platinum” category.

The second-place finalist was Henrich & Denzel GmbH and the third-place finalist was TenThousandThings.


NeverNoT suitcase necklace
NeverNoT

In the “Best in Below $10,000 Retail” category, NeverNoT was the winner.

Stephen Webster was the second-place finalist and Van, showing at Muse, was the third-place finalist.


Marie Lichtenberg
Marie Lichtenberg

In the “Best in Innovative” category, Marie Lichtenberg won for her “Magic 8 Ball” design, the result of a collaboration with Mattel.

Studio Renn was the second-place finalist and Peruffo was the third-place finalist.
 

Peruffo gold and lapis collar
Peruffo

The “Best in Debuting” winner was Peruffo.

Maison Alix Dumas was the second-place finalist and Alexandra Rosier was the third-place finalist. 

TenThousandThings was the winner of the “Best in Editors’ Choice” award for its platinum and pearl necklace, pictured below.

The second-place finalist was Gismondi1754 and the third-place finalist was Peruffo.

TenThousandThings pearl necklace
TenThousandThings

Finally, in the “Best in People’s Choice” category, voted on by text during the awards ceremony, Peruffo won its second award of the night for the gold and lapis collar pictured above.

The second-place finalist was Vendorafa and the third-place finalist was David Oscarson. 

 Related stories will be right here …

The Latest

Nest doorbell camera footage of suspect in Nancy Guthrie abduction
CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case

Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.

Butterfield Jewelers going out of business sale ad
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To Close

Butterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.

Paul Morelli Rosebud Necklace
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s Day

Paul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.

MJSA Apprenticeship Guide
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

Launched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.

Jewelers for Children
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New Beneficiaries

The nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.

Weekly QuizFeb 12, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Saks Fifth Avenue Club personal styling suite in Austin Texas
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are Closing

Parent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.

Tudor Heart pendant on display at British Museum
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of Aragon

It is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.

JamAlert 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell Jammers

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

AGTA Spectrum, Cutting Edge Buyers Choice winners 2025
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ Awards

The AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.

Halle Berry’s vintage diamond and sapphire engagement ring
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set Stunner

Sourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.

Francesca’s storefront
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Again

The clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.

Zales x Sweethearts Capsule Collection Heart Charms
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day Collection

The “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.

2026 Gemvision Symposium
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for April

The event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.

The Luanda Accord signatories at the African Mining Indaba in Cape Town, South Africa
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
At Meeting in South Africa, Support for Natural Diamonds Picks Up Steam

Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.

Bad Bunny Performing Super Bowl LX Halftime Show
TrendsFeb 10, 2026
Bad Bunny Wears Football-Shaped ‘Desert Diamond’ for Halftime Performance

Lady Gaga, Cardi B, and Karol G also went with diamond jewelry for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show honoring Puerto Rico.

Miraki Jewels heart diamond signet ring
SurveysFeb 10, 2026
Shoppers to Spend Big on Jewelry This Valentine’s Day, Says NRF

Jewelry is expected to be the No. 1 gift this year in terms of dollars spent.

Pomellato Nudo toi et moi ring
FinancialsFeb 10, 2026
Kering Plans Transformation as 2025 Sales Sink 13%

As star brand Gucci continues to struggle, the luxury titan plans to announce a new roadmap to return to growth.

Stuller color of the year 2026 Signature Red jewelry and gemstones
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
AGTA To Debut ‘Stuller Color of the Year’ Spectrum Awards Category

The new category asks entrants for “exceptional” interpretations of the supplier’s 2026 color of the year, which is “Signature Red.”

Stock image of loose polished diamonds
Policies & IssuesFeb 09, 2026
U.S., India Trade Deal One Step Closer to Being Finalized

The White House issued an official statement on the deal, which will eliminate tariffs on loose natural diamonds and gemstones from India.

CASE Awards Graphic
Events & AwardsFeb 09, 2026
JA Now Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE Awards

Entries for the jewelry design competition will be accepted through March 20.

James Free Jewelers Dayton Ohio store
IndependentsFeb 09, 2026
James Free Jewelers Unveils Revamped Flagship

The Ohio jeweler’s new layout features a curated collection of brand boutiques to promote storytelling and host in-store events.

KIL NYC The Pierced Padlock Wounded
TrendsFeb 09, 2026
These 14 Jewels Will Melt Your Heart This Valentine’s Day

From heart motifs to pink pearls, Valentine’s Day is filled with jewelry imbued with love.

Stock image of a gavel
CrimeFeb 06, 2026
Florida Man Sentenced After Selling Fake Native American Jewelry for a Decade

Prosecutors say the man attended arts and craft fairs claiming he was a third-generation jeweler who was a member of the Pueblo tribe.

Luciano Rodembusch
FinancialsFeb 06, 2026
Pandora’s North America GM Departs Amid Executive Changes

New CEO Berta de Pablos-Barbier shared her priorities for the Danish jewelry company this year as part of its fourth-quarter results.

Cece Jewellery Bespoke Wuthering Heights Signet Rings on Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi
TrendsFeb 06, 2026
Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi Wear Matching Cece Jewellery Signet Rings

Our Piece of the Week picks are these bespoke rings the “Wuthering Heights” stars have been spotted wearing during the film’s press tour.

Pandora platinum
MajorsFeb 05, 2026
Pandora to Begin Selling Platinum-Plated Jewelry

The introduction of platinum plating will reduce its reliance on silver amid volatile price swings, said Pandora.

Entrance to the Jwaneng diamond mine in Botswana
SourcingFeb 05, 2026
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2026, Anglo Mulls Another Writedown

It would be the third impairment charge in three years on De Beers Group, which continues to grapple with a “challenging” diamond 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