From a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
JA announces winners of 2015 Case Awards
Jewelers of America has released the names of the five winners of its CASE Awards, which recognize JA retail members who exhibit creativity, artistry, style and excellence in jewelry design.

New York--Jewelers of America has released the names of the five winners of its CASE Awards, which recognize JA retail members who exhibit creativity, artistry, style and excellence in jewelry design.
The first place winners in each category is as follows.
--Jewelry up to $2,000 (retail prices): Dianna High of Dianna Rae Jewelry in Lafayette, La.
--Jewelry from $2,001 to $5,000: Susan Drake of Spectrum Fine Jewelry in Wilmington, N.C.
--Jewelry from $5,001 to $10,000: Sarkis Sarkissian of Giraux Fine Jewelry in San Francisco
--Jewelry over $10,000 and Best in Show: Lisa Perantoni of Khamis Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis
--Buyer’s Choice: Kiera Baines of Dianna Rae Jewelry in Lafayette, La.
The judging was held during the JA New York Winter show from Jan. 18 to 20 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York.
Winners were chosen out of 54 entries from JA member retailers by a judging panel of industry experts who all voted based on a specific area of concentration. Voting for the Buyers’ Choice award was open to all JA New York attendees through a separate ballot.
The CASE Awards were sponsored by Synchrony Financial and Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company. Winners will receive a trophy from Jewelers of America.
“Each year, Jewelers of America uses the CASE Awards retail design competition to shine a national spotlight on the craft and creativity of independent jewelers,” JA President and CEO David Bonaparte said. “The jewelry entered into the CASE Awards highlights the fine craftsmanship that consumers can find in Jewelers of America member stores nationwide.”
The awards are open only to JA retail members and their employees. Additional information about the competition can be found on the JA website.
The Latest

Groundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.

Jost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine


From shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.

The designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.

“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.

The lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.

A Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.

New collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.

Lanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.

A replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.

Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.

To enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.

The winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.

The rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.

It is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.

Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.

The jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.

Spectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.

Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.

Alexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.

The Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.

Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.






















