CollectionsJul 17, 2025
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.
Events & AwardsMay 24, 2016
Saul Bell Award Winners for 2016 Announced
Rio Grande revealed the winners of its annual jewelry design contest during a gala dinner at its recent Santa Fe Symposium.
This “Peacock Pin” by Samantha Freeman won second place in the Gold/Platinum Category in the 2016 Saul Bell Awards.
Albuquerque, N.M.--Jewelry supply company Rio Grande announced the winners of the annual Saul Bell Awards earlier this month during a gala dinner at its Santa Fe Symposium.
First and second places winners were celebrated in seven categories: Gold/Platinum, Silver/Argentium Silver, Metal Clay, Enamel, Hollowware/Art Objects, Alternative Metals/Materials and Emerging Jewelry Artists, which highlights designers ages 21 or younger.
Award applicants submit imagery of a design for their chosen category; finalists are required to submit a physical piece for judging. Winners receive Rio Grande gift certificates.
The design competition, created to commemorate the life of New Mexican jeweler Saul Bell, is in its 16th year.
See below for a full list of winners.
2016 Gold/Platinum Category
First Place
“The Queen”
Garen Garibian
Los Angeles
Second Place
“Peacock Pin”
Samantha Freeman
Philadelphia
2016 Silver/Argentium Silver Category
First Place
“Unity”
Seung Jeon Paik
Savannah, Ga.
Second Place
“Untitled”
Wolfgang Vaatz
Rio Rico, Ariz.
2016 Metal Clay Category
First Place
“Adore”
Rodica Frunze
Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
Second Place
“Memory Interrupted”
Patrik Kusek
Fairfield, Calif.
2016 Gold/Platinum Category First Place Winner: “The Queen” by Garen Garibian.
2016 Gold/Platinum Category Second Place Winner: “Peacock Pin” by Samantha Freeman.
2016 Silver/Argentium Silver Category First Place Winner: “Unity” by Seung Jeon Paik.
2016 Metal Clay Category First Place Winner: “Adore” by Rodica Frunze.
2016 Metal Clay Category Second Place Winner: “Memory Interrupted” by Patrik Kusek.
2016 Enamel Category First Place Winner: “On the Wing” by Debbie Sheezel.
2016 Enamel Category Second Place Winner: “Orbit #2 Pin/Pendant” by Amy Roper Lyons.
2016 Hollowware/Art Objects Category First Place Winner: “Mace” by Tom Ferrero.
2016 Hollowware/Art Objects Category Second Place Winner: “Symbiotic Relationship” by Sungyeoul Lee.
2016 Alternative Metals/Materials Category First Place Winner: “Moonshine” by Zoltan David.
2016 Alternative Metals/Materials Category Second Place Winner: “Secret Garden Necklace”by Kathleen Nowak Tucci.
2016 Emerging Jewelry Artist Category First Place Winner: “L
2016 Emerging Jewelry Artist Category Second Place Winner: “Monsieur” by Justine B. Gagnon.
2016 Emerging Jewelry Artist Category Third Place Winner: “A Gothic Melody” by Jason Baide.
2016 Silver/Argentium Silver Category Second Place Winner: “Untitled” by Wolfgang Vaatz.
2016 Enamel Category
First Place
“On the Wing”
Debbie Sheezel
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Second Place
“Orbit #2 Pin/Pendant”
Amy Roper Lyons
Summit, N.J.
2016 Hollowware/Art Objects Category
First Place
"Mace”
Tom FerreroWindsor, Conn.
Second Place
“Symbiotic Relationship”
Sungyeoul Lee
Seoul, Republic of Korea
2016 Alternative Metals/Materials Category
First Place
“Moonshine”
Zoltan David
Bee Cave, Texas
Second Place
“Secret Garden Necklace”
Kathleen Nowak Tucci
Atmore, Ala.
2016 Emerging Jewelry Artist Category
First Place
“L'Oiseau de la Nuit”
Justine Quintal
Carignan, Quebec, Canada
Second Place
“Monsieur”
Justine B. Gagnon
Repentigny, Quebec, Canada
Third Place
“A Gothic Melody”
Jason Baide
Bozeman, Mont.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
Supplier BulletinJul 17, 2025
The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025: Your Holiday Preparations, All Wrapped Up! Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025
SurveysJul 17, 2025
The Most Recommended Brands in the World, According to YouGovGlobally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
IndependentsJul 17, 2025
Gina Ferranti of GiGi Ferranti Jewelry Dies at 59The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.
Weekly QuizJul 10, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJul 17, 2025
Rio Tinto Names New CEO, Production Rises at DiavikProduction at the mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories topped 1 million carats in Q2, the third consecutive quarter of growth.
SurveysJul 16, 2025
Signet Jewelers Falls Lower on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListThe middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
FinancialsJul 16, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Up 7% in Q1It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.
WatchesJul 16, 2025
The Top-Selling Rolex Models of the Last 15 Years, According to Bob’s Watches The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.
AuctionsJul 16, 2025
Christie’s To Honor Dinh Van With ExhibitionThe auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.
IndependentsJul 16, 2025
Clyde Duneier Ushers In Fourth GenerationJake Duneier and Danielle Duneier-Goldberg have stepped into the roles of CEO and president, respectively.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Calls Attention to Nature’s ImpermanenceThe “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.
MajorsJul 15, 2025
James Avery Expands to 2 More StatesThe Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.
MajorsJul 15, 2025
Ben Bridge Jeweler Acquires Olympic ManufacturingIn addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Guzema Debuts First Colored Gemstone JewelryThe “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.
MajorsJul 14, 2025
Nanis Opens First StoreThe seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.
IndependentsJul 14, 2025
It’s the Summer of Love at Long’s JewelersThe New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.
SourcingJul 14, 2025
Ethical Gem Fair Heads to SeattleThe trade-only event will host its debut fair in the Emerald City later this month.
Events & AwardsJul 11, 2025
The Edge’s Annual Conference Returns in SeptemberIts sessions will focus on inventory strategies, staff performance, retention and acquisition, emerging market trends, and more.
CollectionsJul 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: Miseno’s ‘Arco’ EarringsFor its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.
Policies & IssuesJul 11, 2025
James Avery to Donate $1M to Texas Hill Country Relief EffortsThe jewelry company is one of several contributing to relief efforts in the region after the recent floods.
TrendsJul 11, 2025
Kelly Osbourne’s Engagement Ring Is Sweet as HoneyInspired by fiancé Sid Wilson’s nickname for her, the white and yellow diamond ring features a unique honeycomb design.
CollectionsJul 10, 2025
Penny Preville Celebrates 5 Decades of Jewelry DesignThe brand is marking its 50th anniversary with a limited-edition bangle, high jewelry suites, new collections, and more.
IndependentsJul 10, 2025
Steven Goldfarb to Retire, Close Alvin Goldfarb JewelerGoldfarb said changes in the industry, coupled with his age and the updates needed to modernize his business, drove his decision.
MajorsJul 10, 2025
LVMH Names New Chairman, CEO of the AmericasLongtime LVMH executive Michael Burke has stepped into the role.
Events & AwardsJul 10, 2025
IAC Gold and Diamond Conference Returns to NYC Central topics of next week’s event include climate action, labor rights, artisan preservation, and value retention in producing countries.
