MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in ItalyLocated in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2016
‘Illusion’ earrings take top honors in design contest
The Cultured Pearl Association of America has announced the winners of its 6th annual International Pearl Design Competition.
Providence, R.I.--The Cultured Pearl Association of America has announced the winners of its sixth annual International Pearl Design Competition.
The winners are as follows.
--President’s Trophy: “Illusion” by Alexia Gryllaki of Athens, Greece
--Luster Award: “Yes or No” by Wei-Na Tu of Taipei City, Taiwan
--Designer’s Award: “Pearls and Lace in Space” by Brenda Smith of Woodstock, Ga.
--Brilliance Award: “There is More to Them Than Meets the Eye” by Shu-Yi Huang of New Taipei City, Taiwan
--Orient Award: “Sizing Up Shapes” by Kuan-Chen Hou of Taipei City, Taiwan
--The Visionary Award: “Candies” by Ting-Ju Lin of Taipei, Taiwan
--The Fashion Award (shared by two): “Josie” by Mary Feliciano of Union City, N.J., and “Spiral Revolution Earrings” by Geoffrey Middle of Leicestershire, England
--Wedding Day Pearls: “Dancing with the Stars” by Shin Yue Chen of Taipei City, Taiwan
--Fantasy Award: “Splash & Love” by Indika Wijayarathna of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Commendations also were given to 12 entries that demonstrate high standards of achievement in accordance with judging criteria. Those winners are as follows.
--Jorge Adeler of Great Falls, Va.
--Paula Crevoshay of Albuquerque, N.M.
--Aspen Demirdjian of Los Angeles
--Hector Hassey of The Woodlands, Texas
--Chi Huynh, Galatea Jewelry by Artist of San Dimas, Calif.
--Michael Jensen of Rio Rancho, N.M.
--Patrick King of Durham, N.C.
--Elizabeth Kirby of Harbor Springs, Mich.
--Francesco Lops of Dubai, United Arab Emirates
--Mark Schneider of Long Beach, Calif.
--Hisano Shepherd of Los Angeles
--Saul Waxman of Miami
All winning entries not created upon submission will be produced in time to be displayed. For the first time, the CPAA is asking those who received commendations to display their winning pieces at the 2016 AGTA GemFair show in Tucson, Ariz. and the 2016 JCK Las Vegas show, along with the winners’ pieces.
Jean Francois Bibet of Cartier, Cheryl Kremkow of Citrine Media, Jewelers of America’s Amanda Gizzi, Claudia Mata of W magazine, and JCK’s Jennifer Heebner judged the competition this year.
A nonprofit group founded in 1957, the CPAA serves to cultivate awareness, interest, demand and marketing for cultured pearls for retailers and consumers.
Shu-Yi Huang of New Taipei City, Taiwan, won the Brilliance Award for “There is more to them than meets the eye.” The award is given to the best illustration for the spectrum of pearl colors.
The Designer’s Award, given to the entry that takes pearls “to the far corners of the imagination,” was given to the “Pearls and Lace in Space” design from Brenda Smith of Woodstock, Ga.
Indika Wijayarathna of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s “Splash & Love” design won the Fantasy Award for the best conceptual, aspirational design.
The Fashion Award, given to the modern, fresh design that could be seen on a Paris runway, was given to two different contestants. At left is Mary Feliciano of Union City, N.J.’s “Josie” piece, and at right are the “Spiral Revolution Earrings” by Geoffrey Middle of Leicestershire, England.
These “Yes or No” earrings by Wei-Na Tu of Taipei City, Taiwan were honored with the Luster Award, given to the most marketable design for retail.
The Orient Award goes to a compelling design aesthetic that inspires a new affinity for pearls. In the 2015-2016 contest, it was given to Kuan-Chen Hou of Taipei City, Taiwan for “Sizing Up Shapes.”
The President’s Trophy, the highest honor awarded in the competition, was given to Alexia Gryllaki of Athens, Greece, for the “Illusion” earrings.
The “Candies” necklace from Ting-Ju Lin of Taipei was honored with the Visionary Award, given to the design that redefines the iconic pearl strand and shifts the perception of cultured pearls for today’s consumer.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to AuctionA platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen BrownThe basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessThe risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine JewelryThe Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.
Weekly QuizApr 18, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry CollectionThe 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of MouthLilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth OfficerGCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow IndependentThe Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 YearsVan Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise StrategyIndustry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host ConventionThe two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
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.
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.
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.
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.
