EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
Events & AwardsApr 26, 2017
Rio Grande Announces Saul Bell Awards Finalists
The winners of the jewelry design and hollowware competition will be announced in May at a dinner in Albuquerque.
Jason Baide of Bozeman, Montana, is a finalist in the 2017 Saul Bell Awards competition for his ring, “Flexibility.” Baide competed in the Emerging Jewelry Artist category, which was split into two age groups this year: 18 and younger, and 22 and younger.
Albuquerque, N.M.--Rio Grande has released the names of the artists who are finalists in the 2017 Saul Bell Design Awards.
In its 17th year, the competition, which is named in honor of lifelong jewelry designer Saul Bell, who lived from 1900 to 1996, honors excellence in jewelry-making and hollowware. Entries are accepted from all over the world.
There were five individuals who served as judges for the first round of this year’s competition: Joseph DeBella, Phillip Scott, Royce Kohlmeyer, Maria Samora and Emily Benoist Ruffin.
And five judges for the final round: Debbie Sheezel, Kaminer Haislip, Mark Mann, Michael Good and Kent Riable.
A full list of the finalists is below, including the finalists in the Emerging Jewelry Artists category, which was divided into two age groups this year--18 and under, and 22 and under.
In addition, all the pieces can be seen on the website created specifically for the Saul Bell Awards. Judges’ biographies are available on the website as well.
Winners will be announced at a dinner scheduled for May 21 in Albuquerque.
Gold/Platinum
“Angel’s Teardrops” by Garen Garibian, Los Angeles
“Sinuous Line” by Henry Spencer, Effingham, New Hampshire
“Ruby Flora Cuff” by Ricardo Basta, Century City, California
“Aqua Morgana” by Adam Neeley, Laguna Beach, California
“Unfurl Rebel Jewel” by Sarah Williamson, Nevada City, California
Silver/Argentium Silver
“Origami Butterfly” by Sophia Hu, Las Vegas
“Aspen” by Wolfgang Vaatz, Rio Rico, Arizona
“Stampclastic” by Matthieu Cheminee, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
“Flipping Wedges Bangle” by Dana Fear, Cedar, Michigan
“Passarola” by Arturo Sanfelix Garcia, Valencia, Spain
Metal Clay
“Cultivated Woodland” by Cindy Miller, Athens, Alabama
“Triptych” by Iwona Tamborska, Kraków, Poland
“Fairy Flower Wreath” by Helen Sang, Pärnu, Estonia
“Thorn Bird” by Wendy Wallin Malinow, Portland, Oregon
“Cheshire Cat” by Liz Sabol, Pittsburgh
Enamel
“Dried Flower Series: Chrysanthemum” by Nicolette Absil, Philadelphia
“Fool’s Errand” by Sandra McEwen, Raleigh, North Carolina
“Evolutionary Ring” by Palash Banerjee, (Dubai, United Arab Emirates
“Warm Embrace” by Marcus Synnot, Mt. Claremont, Western Australia
“La Luna” by Karen Olsen Ramsey, Grass Valley, California
Hollowware/Art Objects
“Discovery of Eggcellance” by Aleksandr Maryaskin, Yorktown, Virginia
“Royal Coach” by Leonardo Maldonado, Delray Beach, Florida
“The Crane and Plum” by Haiyin Liang, Richmond, Virginia
“Nuthatch Box” by Henry Spencer, Effingham, New Hampshire
“Golden Botrus Teapot” by Genevieve Flynn, Kansas City, Missouri
Alternative Metals/Materials
“Turning Necklace” by Sophia Hu, Las Vegas
“Old World Vines” by Valerie Ostenak, Phoenix
“Poison Ring No. 2” by Andy Cooperman, Seattle
“Firenze” by Valerie Jo Coulson, Pequea, Pennsylvania
“3 Lines and 9 Dots” by E. Douglas Wunder, Kutztown, Pennsylvania
Emerging Jewelry Artist 18 Years of Age or Younger
“Sovereign Ring” by Matthew Tom, Wellesley, Massachusetts
“Aspirations” by Sinclaire Vandervoort, Wellesley
“Rocket Askew” by Autumn Lee, Auburn, Washington
“The Reign Never Ceases” by Jhordin Prescott, Auburn
“Locked In” by Jordan Harrison, Auburn
Emerging Jewelry Artist 22 Years of Age or Younger
“Tomato Flower” by Valerie James, Lansdale, Pennsylvania
“Embrace” by Yeonjung Hong, Providence, Rhode Island
“Treasure Box” by Steven Voorheis, Cannon Beach, Oregon
“Flexibility” by Jason Baide, Bozeman, Montana
“Mismatched” by Ryan Bodley, Westerville, Ohio
“Aspirations” by Sinclaire Vandervoort, Wellesley
“Rocket Askew” by Autumn Lee, Auburn, Washington
“The Reign Never Ceases” by Jhordin Prescott, Auburn
“Locked In” by Jordan Harrison, Auburn
Emerging Jewelry Artist 22 Years of Age or Younger
“Tomato Flower” by Valerie James, Lansdale, Pennsylvania
“Embrace” by Yeonjung Hong, Providence, Rhode Island
“Treasure Box” by Steven Voorheis, Cannon Beach, Oregon
“Flexibility” by Jason Baide, Bozeman, Montana
“Mismatched” by Ryan Bodley, Westerville, Ohio
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’sSotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.
AuctionsJun 02, 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction 10-Carat Blue Diamond, 1960s Harry Winston Necklace A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.
