From an ombré South Sea pearl necklace to a “unicorn” ring, these were the jewels honored in Jewelers of America’s annual design contest.
This “Unicorn” ring by designer Katherine Jetter took home the “Best in Show” prize in the supplier category in Jewelers of America’s 2023 CASE Awards design competition. See the other winners below.
New York—Jewelers of America has announced the winners of its 33rd annual CASE Awards jewelry design competition.
The annual contest honors JA members whose jewels showcase Creativity, Artistry, Style and Excellence in jewelry design.
Judges picked the first-place winners out of more than 150 entries in eight categories, with separate divisions for retail and supplier members.
The panel chose a retailer and supplier winner in each of the following categories: Jewelry up to $2,000, $2,001 to $5,000, $5,001 to $10,000, and $10,001 to $50,000 (retail values) and “Best in Show.”
“Jewelers of America’s CASE Awards design competition highlights the fine craftsmanship, creativity, and talent of Jewelers of America member designers and bench jewelers,” said Amanda Gizzi, spokesperson for Jewelers of America.
“The winners in each category are incredible examples of what consumers can expect to find at their local Jewelers of America Member store.”
The judges were: Gizzi, writer Tanya Dukes, Lenore Fedow of National Jeweler, Helena Krodel of David Alan Jewelry, gemologist Adrianne Sanogo of the Black in Jewelry Coalition, and Steve Velasquez of Madison Jewelers.
The panel evaluated each piece by looking at its overall design, marketability, originality and the quality of manufacture.
All winners will receive a customized CASE Award trophy and national and local media coverage.
See the winners below.
Retailer, Jewelry up to $2,000
Wright’s Jewelry in Fallston, North Carolina, designed by Jennifer Beatty. A 14-karat white gold “Lotta Love” ring, set with 13 marquise diamonds weighing 1.18 carats ($2,000)
Retailer, Jewelry $2,001 to $5,000
Avianti Jewelry Designs in La Cañada, California, designed by Ani and Avi Babayan. A 14-karat yellow gold necklace featuring a 78.67-carat Boulder opal with green-blue and black hues and 42 round pavé diamonds on an Italian paper clip chain ($4,980)
Retailer, Jewelry $5,001 to $10,000
Schullin in Graz, Austria, designed by Marianne Köle and Laura Thomann. An 18-karat rose gold ring set with an 11.09-carat teardrop-cut citrine surrounded 61 brilliant-cut diamonds weighing 0.36 carats ($5,580)
Retailer, Jewelry $10,001 to $50,000
Schullin in Graz, Austria, designed by Hans Schullin and Laura Thomann. An 18-karat rose gold “Smile” necklace, set with 144 brilliant-cut diamonds weighing 3.06 carats pavé set in every other arch. At the center is an 18-karat white gold “smile.” ($21,900)
Retailer, Best in Show
Giraux Fine Jewelry in San Francisco, California, designed by Sarkis Sarkissian. A platinum ring set with a heat-treated 9.05-carat octagonal step-cut natural sapphire, with two prong-set antique-cut marquise diamonds weighing 1.10 carats and two round brilliant diamonds weighing 0.17 carats ($40,000)
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Supplier, Jewelry up to $2,000
Jorge Valdes Fine Jewelry in Astoria, New York, designed by Jorge Valdes. A pair of 18-karat rose gold “Sparks” studs with round diamonds weighing 0.14 carats ($1,495)
Supplier, Jewelry $2,001 to $5,000
Martha Seely Design in Carlisle, Massachusetts, designed by Martha Seely. A pair of 14-karat white gold “Stardust” dangle earrings set with 5.8 carats of tanzanites, 3.20 carats of sapphires, and 1.35 carats of diamonds ($4,775)
Supplier, Jewelry $5,001 to $10,000
Tabayer in Miami, Florida, designed by Tabayer. A handcrafted 18-karat Fairmined rose gold “Oera” ring with a 1.32-carat brown diamond ($6,400)
Supplier, Jewelry $10,001 to $50,000
Renisis in New York, New York, designed by Sardwell. An 18-karat yellow gold “Guardian Gold Temple'' pendant with a golden South Sea pearl at the center framed with diamonds. The back of the pendant features shibori-inspired cut-out designs in platinum. The back of the pearl is framed by a cherry blossom motif. The pendant is on a strand of golden ombré 9-11mm South Sea pearls with an 18-karat gold clasp with Akoya pearls and diamond pavé. ($38,000)
Supplier, Best in Show
Katherine Jetter in Boston, Massachusetts, designed by Katherine Jetter. A “Unicorn” ring set with an 11.77-carat square emerald-cut tanzanite, 1.15 carats of tapered baguette diamonds, and 2.01 carats of ombré blue sapphires set in 18-karat yellow gold and blue rhodium finish. ($39,300)
