Events & Awards

MJSA honors designers with vision

Events & AwardsAug 10, 2016

MJSA honors designers with vision

MJSA has announced the winners of its annual Vision Awards, which celebrate outstanding talent in jewelry design and “represent the future of the jewelry manufacturing industry.”


Leon Mege’s custom-made platinum and rose gold ring set with blue moonstone was the winning design in MJSA’s Vision Awards Professional Design Excellence category for a designer who has been in business for four years or more.
Attleboro Falls, Mass.--MJSA has announced the winners of its annual Vision Awards, which celebrate outstanding talent in jewelry design and “represent the future of the jewelry manufacturing industry.”

A panel of jewelry designers, manufacturers and editors judged the submitted designs based on originality, presentation quality, effective use of materials, wearability and the design’s perceived manufacturing and marketing potential.

There were three new categories in the awards this year, for use of a laser in creating jewelry, use of CAD/CAM and digital marketing.

The winning entries will be showcased at MJSA Expo New York, scheduled to take place in March 2015 at the Hilton New York, and also will be mentioned in the MJSA Journal and on the organization’s website, and in ads in InStore and Metalsmith magazines.

The winners in each category are as follows.

--Professional Design Excellence (1-3 years in business): Evan deJonghe of Evan Maxwell Design, Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

This category honors designs that exhibit exceptional creativity, craftsmanship and marketability by jewelers who have been in business for one to three years.

--Professional Design Excellence (4-plus years in business): Leon Mege of Leon Mege Inc., New York

This category honors designs that exhibit exceptional creativity, craftsmanship and marketability by jewelers who have been in business for four years or longer.

--Custom Design Distinction: Chelsea Knights of Mark Schneider Design, Long Beach, Calif.

Sponsored by TechForm Advanced Casting, this category recognizes designs that met a client’s request as well as the challenges encountered during the design process and how they were overcome.

--Laser Distinction: Ryan Roberts of Ryan Roberts Ltd., Santa Fe, N.M.

This award honors entries in which the design relied upon the use of a laser, and takes into consideration any technical challenges that were overcome to take the piece from concept to completion. LaserStar Technologies sponsored this category, which is new for 2014.

--CAD/CAM Distinction: Robin Waynee of Ryan Roberts Ltd., Chimayo, N.M.

New for 2014, this category recognizes designs that were created with the use of CAD/CAM technologies and the challenges that were overcome to take the piece from concept to completion.

--Digital Marketing Distinction: Danielle Ginsberg of Mark Schneider Design

Also new for 2014,

this category honors a business that has created a digital marketing program (website, social media, blog, etc.) that is “above and beyond.”

--Future of the Industry Award: Jinbee Park of the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York

Sponsored by the MJSA Education Foundation, this award recognizes the work of students in jewelry-related programs who exhibit exceptional design talent and creativity.

Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Arena Club Twilight and Eclipse Time Boxes
TechnologyJul 10, 2026
There’s a New Blind Box for Luxury Watches

Collectibles platform Arena Club’s new Time Boxes could contain a Rolex or Patek Philippe watch.

Jade Trau Constellation Plié Collar
TrendsJul 10, 2026
Jade Trau Creates a Constellation of Diamonds

The “Constellation Plié” collar, our Piece of the Week, features diamonds arranged in a constellation of shining stars.

Former De Beers CFO of Brands and Consumer Markets Shaun Wills
SourcingJul 10, 2026
CFO of De Beers’ Consumer-Facing Division Leaves Company

Shaun Wills joined the company in 2024 and was chief financial officer of the De Beers Brands and Consumer Markets division.

Brought-To-By-Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center Stage

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

Brilliant Earth watches
WatchesJul 10, 2026
Brilliant Earth Expands Into Watches

In honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.

Weekly QuizJul 09, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Boucheron Human Being Collection Tattoo Necklace
CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch

“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.

Baume & Mercier watch
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & Mercier

Richemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.

DCA-NJ-article-1872x1052-060826.jpg
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce Solutions

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

Joopiter Logo
AuctionsJul 09, 2026
Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Hires Former Bonhams Exec to Head New Watch Division

Nate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.

Kendra Scott
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor

The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.

Hands crossed with rings on
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers List

Plus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.

René Lalique “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum

René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.

Arien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 Execs

Arien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.

The Retail Smiths partner and National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin Paradox

A podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.

Jewelers of America Impact Initiative Recipients 2026
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative Recipients

The association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.

Zahn Z In Rubies We Clicked
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue

Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.

Police van outside of Musée Lalique
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée Lalique

Around 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.

Robinson Pelham Summer of ’96 Campaign
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996

The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.

Sean Gilbertson
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps Down

After eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.

Bachendorf’s New Dallas Location Exterior Rendering
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In Dallas

The new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.

Jung Kook for Graff
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New Ambassador

The pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.

Pandora pearl jewelry campaign imagery
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’

One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.

London Diamond Bourse President Charlotte Rose
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female President

Charlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”

Bracelets_1872_1052.jpg
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet Trends

Sponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply

Oscar Heyman Flag Brooch
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates America

The American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.

D. Geller & Son store mural
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store Mural

The artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.

Hand taking jewelry out of jewelry box
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying Events

Its team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.

×

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