Events & Awards

Couture reveals 2015 Design Awards winners

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.


Designer Tomasz Donocik accepting the award for the Best in Colored Gemstones below $20K category at the Couture Design Awards.

“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

The Latest

Stock image a police car
Policies & IssuesOct 06, 2026
6 Charged in Connection to String of New Jersey Smash-and-Grabs

The alleged thieves used crow bars and sledgehammers to smash into jewelry stores across the state.

The Retail Smiths Principal Partner Sherry Smith
ColumnistsOct 06, 2026
Sherry Smith: Is the Consumer Really Trading Up?

Ahead of the holidays, Smith urges jewelers to take a hard look at who’s buying jewelry, what they’re purchasing, and who’s stopped buying.

Molly Stillman @fashionveggie, Beth Jones @bjonesstyle, Helene Cortez @cortezhelene, and Haley Jordan @haleyjordan12 
SourcingOct 06, 2026
DDG Taps Influencers for ‘My Diamond Does Good’ Campaign

In the new consumer-facing campaign, four fashion and lifestyle creators share the stories behind their natural diamond pieces.

1872 x 1052 Gemolite.jpg
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional Edition

Experience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.

Bryan Cowan and Tom Schwartz
MajorsOct 06, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names COO, CMO

FGI President John Orrico is also leaving the company after more than 13 years.

Weekly QuizOct 01, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Gahcho Kue rough diamonds
SourcingOct 05, 2026
De Beers to Take Full Ownership of Gahcho Kué

It is the last fully operational diamond mine in Canada following the recent closures of Ekati and Diavik.

Tiffany gold cat pin Sandy Lerner
AuctionsOct 05, 2026
The Star Cats of the Sandy Lerner Auction

These jewels stood out at Bonhams’ sale of the cat-loving tech entrepreneur’s collection of objects depicting the feline form.

Cover.jpg
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk About

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

Sorellina Postscript Collection Campaign Imagery of Paper Plane Pendant
CollectionsOct 05, 2026
Sorellina Writes Another Love Letter for ‘Postscript’ Collection

The fine jewelry brand has expanded the collection that debuted at Couture with four new designs based on its most popular styles.

Bruce Bridges CIBJO
SourcingOct 05, 2026
Bruce Bridges Joins CIBJO Board

The AGTA president was elected for a two-year term on the board of directors.

Aerial image of the Lungwebungu River
SourcingOct 02, 2026
De Beers, National Geographic Society Renew Okavango Eternal Partnership

The partnership, a pledge to protect Africa’s Okavango River Basin, has been extended for an additional five years.

Pandora facility Vietnam front view
MajorsOct 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New $150M Manufacturing Facility in Vietnam

The new facility, its first outside of Thailand, will boost its manufacturing capacity by 50 percent.

Hearts On Fire Dream Heart Pendant
TrendsOct 02, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30th Anniversary With Heart Pendant

The special-edition “Dream” pendant, our Piece of the Week, was created to mark Hearts On Fire’s 30-year milestone with 30 diamonds.

Surveillance images of robbery suspects
CrimeOct 01, 2026
Police Looking for 4 Suspects in $600K Smash-and-Grab Robbery

Dubai Jewelers in Springfield, Virginia, was once again the target of an armed robbery.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40 in 18-karat Jubilee gold with aventurine dial
SurveysOct 01, 2026
Rolex Ranks Among Most Recommended Brands in US, Survey Says

YouGov’s 2026 U.S. Most Recommended Brands report’s out, and a fast-fashion giant is sitting at No. 1 while Rolex is just shy of the top 5.

Peoples Training & Research Centre Gujarat India
SourcingOct 01, 2026
Columbia Gem House Opens ‘Cutting Toward Change’ Fundraiser

Proceeds from its jewelry raffle will benefit an organization working in India to combat silicosis, a lung disease affecting stone cutters.

Jason of Beverly Hills Stanley Cup Championship Ring for Carolina Hurricanes
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Carolina Hurricanes’ Championship Ring Reveals Hidden Hockey Puck Pendant

The rings, crafted by Jason of Beverly Hills, celebrate the hockey team’s Stanley Cup win with design elements that honor its traditions.

Meredith Young Nebula ring
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Color Range

This roundup of birthstone jewelry for October features vibrant tourmalines and opals with personality.

Time CEO Jessica Sibley, Botswana President Duma Boko, and Botswana Minster of Minerals and Energy Bogolo Joy Kenewendo in New York
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Botswana’s President, De Beers CEO Say Diamond Demand Is Recovering

President Duma Boko spoke at back-to-back events in the city last week, touting Botswana’s stability and the diamond “bounceback.”

Oscar Heyman A Living Archive Holiday Book
CollectionsSep 30, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Holiday Book Is ‘A Living Archive’

The catalog showcases 112 new, one-of-a-kind pieces amid highlights from the jeweler’s historic archive.

Gemfields rubies
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Gemfields Posts $98.5M Loss, Writes Down Value of Ruby Mine

Its Montepuez Ruby Mining operation in Mozambique, which is not yielding enough high-quality rubies, has taken a $125 million hit.

Hand holding a gas pump
SurveysSep 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls to 12-Year Low in September

Those surveyed were worried about the present and the future, with write-in responses mentioning high oil and gas prices.

Christy Bromberg
IndependentsSep 29, 2026
Christy Bromberg, Longtime Gift Buyer for Underwood Jewelers, Dies at 68

She is remembered for her joie de vivre, upbeat personality, genuine interest in other people, and love of the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Dionne Warwick brown diamond ring from Sultan of Brunei
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
Dionne Warwick’s Jewelry Goes Up for Auction

Online bidding is open now for Julien’s sale of items owned by the “Walk On By” singer, whose final album comes out this fall.

Matt Stuller
Events & AwardsSep 29, 2026
Matt Stuller to Receive 2027 Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement

The founder and executive chairman of Stuller Inc. is being honored for his impact on the jewelry industry at the 25th annual Gem Awards.

Emmanuel Raheb, CEO of Smart Age Solutions
ColumnistsSep 29, 2026
Your Holiday Marketing Has a Bridal Blind Spot

December is the most popular month to propose, and jewelers need to keep that in mind when planning their holiday marketing.

Sandy Lerner’s 18-karat gold and diamond cat brooch
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for You

Cat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction Wednesday.

×

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