Associate Editor Lauren McLemore headed out West for a visit to Potentate Mining’s operation hosted by gemstone wholesaler Parlé Gems.
Gemvision crowns winners in the Matrix
Five winners have been named in Gemvision’s Matrix Design contest, which recognizes the best work of designers who use computer-aided drafting tools to create jewelry.

Gemvision recognized the winners at its eighth annual Design Symposium, a two-day event that features classes, demonstrations and networking opportunities for industry professionals and includes the design contest.
The symposium took place April 9 to 10 at Hotel Blackhawk in Davenport, Iowa. Gemvision, which Stuller Inc. purchased in 2009, is based in Davenport.
The Matrix Design contest, which attracted more than 300 entries this year, features the best work of CAD designers in five different categories, including a new award this year for a design made using Stuller’s CounterSketch Studio.
The winners in each category are as follows.
Best in Show--Shinya Takahashi, Green Lake Jewelry Works
Best Render, 1st place--Ilah Cibis, Precious Metals Sudbury
Overall Design, 1st place--Brendan Theilman, Out of the Box Gold Store
Technical Merit, 1st place--Chris Ritchie, Chris Ritchie Creations
CounterSketch Studio, 1st place--Candice Todd, Warren Jewellers
“This event is a great way for jewelers to connect with and learn from premier industry professionals and Gemvision experts,” said Gemvision founder and Stuller Chief Merchandising Officer Jeff High. “We always learn something new about how customers are using our products to enhance their business ... Essentially, they help shape the direction for our future endeavors.”
Additional information on Gemvision and the Design Symposium can be found on the Gemvision website.
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