CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ PendantThe Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.
Events & AwardsFeb 07, 2016
Couture reveals 2015 Design Awards winners
This year, a mix of newcomers and well-known names took the top prizes in what is considered one of the industry’s premier design contests.
Las Vegas--The winners of the Couture Design Awards were announced Saturday night in Las Vegas, with a mix of newcomers and well-known names taking the top prizes in what is considered one of the industry’s premier design contests.
“When we cut through all of the pageantry and ceremony of Couture, we are left with the reason we all came together in the first place--the designs,” Couture Director Gannon Brousseau said from the stage of the Encore Ballroom.
In addition to revealing the design award winners, Couture organizers announced the recipient of this year’s Human Spirit Award, Todd Reed.
The Colorado-based designer known for his use of “raw” diamonds was recognized for his commitment to his community, the environment and the industry at large.
The winners of the 2015 Couture Design Awards are as follows, as well as the first and second runners-up in each category. This year’s awards include one new category, Editor’s Choice.
Best in Bridal -- Nikos Koulis
First runner-up: Jemma Wynne
Second runner-up: Jade Trau
Best in Colored Gemstones above $20K -- Etho Maria
First runner-up: Fernando Jorge
Second runner-up: Buccellati
Best in Colored Gemstones below $20K -- Tomasz Donocik
First runner-up: Federica Rettore
Second runner-up: Brooke Gregson
Best in Diamonds above $20K – Pleve
First runner-up: Stephen Webster
Second runner-up: Harry Kotlar
Best in Diamonds below $20K -- Reho
First runner-up: J Jewels Milano
Second runner-up: Astley Clarke
Best in Gold -- Spinelli Kilcollin
First runner-up: Ray Griffiths
Second runner-up: Bizzotto Gioielli
Best in Haute Couture -- Hearts On Fire
First runner-up: New Italian Art
Second runner-up: Arunashi
Best in Innovative -- Silvia Furmanovich
First runner-up: Amrapali
Second runner-up: Alison Lou
Best in Pearls -- Autore
First runner-up: Yvel
Second runner-up: Savanna Stranger
Best in Platinum -- Christian Tse
First runner-up: Kuwayama
Second runner-up: Yunis and Eliza
Best in Silver -- Majoral
First runner-up: Arman Suciyan
Second runner-up: Atelier Zobel
Debuting at Couture -- Spinelli Kilcollin
First runner-up: Dezso Sara Beltran
Second runner-up: Kuwayama
Editor’s Choice -- Jorg Heinz
First runner-up: Monique Pean
Second runner-up: Elena Votsi
People’s Choice -- Yeprem
First runner-up: Reho
Second runner-up: Stenzhorn
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated StoreThe jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day CampaignThe “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.
CollectionsApr 17, 2025
John Hardy, Athena Calderone Partner on Art Deco Decor-Inspired CollectionInterior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.
Weekly QuizApr 18, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsApr 17, 2025
Movado Group to Increase Prices to Offset Tariffs ImpactDuring a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
Lab-GrownApr 17, 2025
NDC Launches Its Diamond Learning CenterThe free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2025
Jewelers of America Requests Tariffs Testimonials from MembersThe feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.
TechnologyApr 17, 2025
Technology Therapy Group Expands AI Training for Jewelry RetailersThe online sessions are designed to teach jewelers to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to grow their business.
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Catbird Expands to ChicagoThe opening marks the jewelry retailer’s first location in the Midwest.
CollectionsApr 16, 2025
Foundrae’s First Commitment Jewelry Collection Unites Through LoveThe “United in Love” collection offers tangible mementos of hearts entwined with traditional and non-traditional commitment heirlooms.
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Indiana Jeweler to Host Black Jewelry Designer Pop-UpRobert Goodman Jewelers will hold a “Black Jewelry Designers and Makers” event on April 27.
MajorsApr 16, 2025
WJA Announces Board Members, New Chicago Chapter PresidentThe announcements follow a tumultuous start to 2025 for WJA, which saw a wave of resignations following controversial statements about DEI.
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Tariffs: What We Know Right Now Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff answers questions about how the new taxes levied on countries like India and China will impact the industry.
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Q&A: Bogolo Joy Kenewendo on Making Deals, Marketing DiamondsKenewendo, Botswana’s minster of minerals and energy, discusses closing the deal with De Beers and the work that was missed along the way.
AuctionsApr 15, 2025
23-Carat ‘Golconda Blue’ Heads to AuctionThe historic fancy vivid blue diamond set to headline Christie’s Geneva sale next month could sell for up to $50 million.
FinancialsApr 15, 2025
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Slip 2 PercentLVMH CFO Cécile Cabanis also discussed the effects of tariffs so far.
CrimeApr 15, 2025
Jon Hamm Plays a Jewel Thief on Apple TV+The “Mad Men” and “The Morning Show” star steals jewelry, art, and handbags from his wealthy neighbors in “Your Friends & Neighbors.”
SourcingApr 15, 2025
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2025 BoardThe organization has reelected Kalpesh Jhaveri as president.
FinancialsApr 14, 2025
Movado to Restate Years of Financials Due to ‘Misconduct’ in Dubai An investigation found that the former managing director of Movado’s Dubai branch overstated and prematurely recorded sales.
CollectionsApr 14, 2025
Sauer Embraces Emptiness Through ‘Ma’ CollectionThe collection pays tribute to the Japanese philosophy of Ma, studying balance, stillness, and the interplay between presence and absence.
IndependentsApr 14, 2025
Illinois Jeweler Closing After 45 YearsMari Lou’s Fine Jewelry in Orland Park, a suburb of Chicago, is closing its doors.
GradingApr 14, 2025
GIA Expands Overseas Services as Tariffs Kick InGIA’s labs in Dubai and Hong Kong are now accepting larger diamonds in light of the “logistical challenges” presented by the new tariffs.
AuctionsApr 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Replica of Princess Grace’s Wedding EarringsThese earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels, featuring the same design as a pair worn by Princess Grace, are up for auction at Woolley & Wallis.
Recorded WebinarsApr 11, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Saving Time With AITwo experts share how artificial intelligence tools can help retailers run a more efficient business.
SourcingApr 11, 2025
Mikimoto Names New President, CEO for U.S. DivisionKentaro Nishimura, who has been with the pearl company since 1997, has been promoted to president and CEO of Mikimoto America.
