Events & Awards

These Are the Winners of the 2017 Couture Design Awards

Events & AwardsJun 05, 2017

These Are the Winners of the 2017 Couture Design Awards

Diamonds that move, a hamburger ring and the presentation of the Cindy Edelstein Award were some of the evening’s highlights.

20170605_CoutureDesignAwards.jpg

Las Vegas--Diamonds that move, a hamburger ring and the presentation of the Cindy Edelstein Award were just some of the highlights of the 2017 Couture Design Awards, held Sunday evening in Las Vegas.

This year, the show moved to the glitzy Encore Theater, a venue that made the night “feel like an actual awards show,” Couture show director and annual host Gannon Brousseau joked from the stage to open the show.

The first award presented was Best in Silver, which went to Atelier Zobel for an industrial, honeycomb-inspired design. The German brand, helmed by Peter Schmid, is known for its cool mixed-metal creations.

WINNER! Congratulations @atelier_zobel for Best of Silver #cda2017

A post shared by COUTURE (@by_couture) on Jun 4, 2017 at 7:27pm PDT


Nadine Ghosn, a young designer who debuted in Couture’s Design Atelier this year, received the award for Best in Innovative for her multi-layered hamburger ring, which is equal parts luxurious and humorous.

In one of the evening’s best shout-outs, Ghosn made sure to thank her intern for attending the show on her birthday weekend.

WINNER! Congratulations @nadineghosnjewelry for Best in Innovative! #cda2017

A post shared by COUTURE (@by_couture) on Jun 4, 2017 at 7:32pm PDT


Yvel was awarded with Best in Pearls for its unique pearl bracelet design. It’s one of many awards the edgy pearl-centric company has received from various trade shows and organizations over the years.

WINNER! Congratulations @yvel_jewelry for Best in Pearls! #cda2017

A post shared by COUTURE (@by_couture) on Jun 4, 2017 at 7:33pm PDT


The Best in Platinum award went to Heinrich and Denzel, another German brand that specializes in the material.

WINNER! Congratulations @henrich.denzel for Best in Platinum! #cda2017

A post shared by COUTURE (@by_couture) on Jun 4, 2017 at 7:36pm PDT


In the prestigious Best in Bridal category, Jade Trau--who described herself as a fifth-generation diamantaire but a first-generation designer--received top honors. Fittingly, she honored those who came before her, dedicating her award to her late grandfather who introduced her to the diamond business.

WINNER! Congratulations @jadetrau for Best in Bridal! #cda2017

A post shared by COUTURE (@by_couture) on Jun 4, 2017 at 7:37pm PDT


In its second year at the Couture show, New York-based brand Cadar, designed by Michal Kadar, received the award for Best in Gold, adding to the splash it’s made in the short time since its launch.

WINNER! Congratulations @cadardesigns for Best in Gold! #cda2017

A post shared by COUTURE (@by_couture) on Jun 4, 2017 at 7:40pm PDT


Best in Colored Gemstones Under $20,000 went to Amali Jewelry, known for its elegant gemstone and milgrain pieces.

WINNER! Congratulations @amalijewelry for Best in Colored Gemstones Below $20k

A post shared by COUTURE (@by_couture) on Jun 4, 2017 at 7:43pm PDT


Best in Colored Gemstones Above $20,000 went to John Hardy for a spectacularly elaborate cuff. It’s a promising way for John Hardy’s new designer to start her tenure at the Bali and New York-based house.

WINNER! Congratulations @johnhardyjewelry for Best in Colored Gemstones Above $20K! #cda2017

A post shared by COUTURE (@by_couture) on Jun 4, 2017 at 7:44pm PDT


Garavelli’s cool sculptural cuff that, even in a photograph, denotes the movement of ripples across water was awarded Best in Diamonds Below $20,000.

WINNER! Congratulations @garavelli_1920 for Best in Diamonds Below $20K! #cda2017

A post shared by COUTURE (@by_couture) on Jun 4, 2017 at 7:46pm PDT


Best in Diamonds Above $20,000 was another design full of movement, a pair of elaborate diamond earrings from Fernando Jorge, who went from exhibiting at a showroom’s
booth last year to his very own space at this Couture. His winning earrings, a result of a brand-new diamond collection he debuted at the show, were nominated across multiple categories.

WINNER! Congratulations @fernandojorge for Best in Diamonds Above $20K! #cda2017

A post shared by COUTURE (@by_couture) on Jun 4, 2017 at 7:48pm PDT


Meanwhile, Best in Haute Couture was given to Pasquale Bruni for one of its spectacular diamond collars with an emerald drop, a style that has become a high jewelry signature for the company.

WINNER! Congratulations @pasqualebruni for Best in Haute Couture! #cda2017

A post shared by COUTURE (@by_couture) on Jun 4, 2017 at 7:50pm PDT


This year, men’s jewelry had its very own category and the Best in Men’s Jewelry award was given to Furrer Jacot, the historic Swiss design house that excels in pieces that can be worn by both genders.

WINNER! Congratulations @furrerjacotus for Best in Men's Jewelry! #cda2017

A post shared by COUTURE (@by_couture) on Jun 4, 2017 at 7:52pm PDT


Best in Debuting at Couture, always a hot category, went to Leyla Abdollahi, a Central Saint Martins graduate whose emerald and diamond necklace pays equal attention to the back of the design as the front.

WINNER! Congratulations @leylaabdollahilondon for Best in Debuting! #cda2017

A post shared by COUTURE (@by_couture) on Jun 4, 2017 at 7:55pm PDT


Italian designer Giovanni Ferraris was the recipient of the Editor’s Choice award for his lightweight titanium and diamond earrings.

WINNER! Congratulations @giovanniferrarisgioielli for Best in Editor's Choice! #cda2017

A post shared by COUTURE (@by_couture) on Jun 4, 2017 at 7:57pm PDT


The People’s Choice award, which was determined by the audience at the show via text message for the second year, was awarded to fine jewelry house Mariani.

WINNER! Congratulations @mariani1878 for Best in People's Choice! #cda2017

A post shared by COUTURE (@by_couture) on Jun 4, 2017 at 8:04pm PDT


Last year, show organizers announced that an award would be created in honor of Cindy Edelstein, the brand consultant and designer advocate who passed away unexpectedly in January 2016.

And Edelstein’s daughter, Remy Stankus, was on hand to present the award, which went to British jewelry designer Stephen Webster for the work he’s done to help the careers of young jewelry designers and to ensure a sustainable supply chain for his own line.

Webster--who promotes promising U.K. designers, and shares his Couture space with them, through Rock Vault--was visibly emotional when accepting the award, thanking this team, his family and paying homage to the late Edelstein, whom he described as the advocate for jewelry designers in the United States.

“I’m lost for words. I feel really emotional here … because obviously I knew Cindy very, very well. I was right there in the beginning when she was the champion of designer jewelry in America, and as a Brit, I always felt very much a part of the spirit that she just passed on to everybody.”

But he also joked about the size of his award, which was smaller (and presumably lighter) than the awards presented to the design winners.

“Why is my award so small?” Webster quipped.
Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

The Nordstrom Men’s Store in New York City
MajorsDec 24, 2024
Nordstrom Family, Partner to Take Retailer Private in $6B Deal

Members of the founding family have partnered with Mexican retail company El Puerto de Liverpool to acquire Nordstrom.

Boucheron Las Vegas Storefront
MajorsDec 24, 2024
Boucheron Bets on Las Vegas

The brand has opened its second U.S. location in the Fontainebleau resort and casino.

B & B Fine Gems gemstone suite
EditorsDec 24, 2024
The Spectrum Jewels I Want to Find Under the Tree

Associate Editor Lauren McLemore highlights pieces from the AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards she’d be thrilled to unwrap on Christmas.

ride_or_die_1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday Campaign

A Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’

Gemfields emeralds
SourcingDec 24, 2024
Gemfields to Temporarily Suspend Emerald Mining

The move is one of several cost-cutting measures outlined by the company as it faces a weaker luxury market and other challenges.

Weekly QuizDec 19, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Tyrese Maxey The 1916 Company campaign
IndependentsDec 23, 2024
Philadelphia 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey Stars in The 1916 Company’s New Campaign

The retailer’s “On the Clock” campaign celebrates how time, precision, and purpose come together.

Jewelry by Sorellina, Francesca Villa, Cece Jewellery, Retrouvai, Ray Griffiths, Cartier, Cocoerow Fine Jewelry, and Gumuchian
EditorsDec 23, 2024
My Favorite Piece of the Week Jewels of 2024

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco chose her 12 favorite Piece of the Week picks from the year gone by.

me_myself_and_I_1872x1052 .jpg
Brought to you by
De Beers Group Launches Holiday Campaign for Natural Diamonds

‘Forever Present’ campaign revives the iconic A Diamond is Forever tagline and celebrates the diamond dream.

GIA emerald report
GradingDec 23, 2024
GIA Adds Filler Identification to Emerald Reports

Lab clients have the option to request this addition on their emerald reports.

Retrouvai Green Sapphire and Diamond Heirloom Bezel Ring for Charity
CollectionsDec 20, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Ring for Charity

In the spirit of giving, Retrouvaí will donate $4,000 from the sale of this ring to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

DeVries Jewelers
IndependentsDec 19, 2024
Michigan’s DeVries Jewelers Unveils New Location in Time for the Holidays

Co-owner Dan DeVries shared what it’s like moving into a space triple the size of its old store and how it feels to be a “real jeweler” now.

State Property Gardens Collection Campaign
CollectionsDec 19, 2024
State Property Transforms Spain’s Generalife Gardens into Jewelry

Along with the latest “Gardens” collection, the brand has released limited-edition designs offering more indulgent pieces.

Two people in a rowboat
CrimeDec 19, 2024
Alleged Jewelry Thieves Attempt Rowboat Escape

The man and woman are accused of stealing jewelry from a shipping container then trying to flee by paddling a small boat out into a bay.

2488-carat diamond found in Botswana
SourcingDec 19, 2024
The Second-Largest Diamond Ever Found Now Has a Name

The 2,488-carat diamond recovered from a mine in Botswana has been dubbed “Motswedi” while its 1,094-carat sibling is “Seriti.”

Rough rubies
SourcingDec 19, 2024
Gemfields Reports Record Ruby Auction Results Despite Challenges at Source

The average price per carat hit a record high for the miner, which said it remains unaffected by the conflict in Mozambique.

alexandrite ring
AuctionsDec 18, 2024
Alexandrite Ring Sells for Record-Setting $1.9M at Sotheby’s

The nearly 17-carat stone made history for the color-change gem that, according to the auction house, is experiencing a “notable surge” in the market.

Tiffany & Co. pocket watch gifted to captain of the Carpathia
WatchesDec 18, 2024
Historic Titanic Pocket Watch Winds Its Way Back to Tiffany & Co.

More than a century after survivors gifted a Tiffany timepiece to the captain of the ship that rescued them, the jeweler has reclaimed it.

Picchiotti Spotlight Campaign Video Still
TechnologyDec 18, 2024
Picchiotti Utilizes AI in ‘Spotlight’ Video Campaign

The videos highlight how pieces from the “Xpandable” and “Reversible Xpandable” collections put the wearer in the spotlight.

Steve Feldman
IndependentsDec 18, 2024
Industry Veteran Steve Feldman Set to Retire

Feldman reflected on 45 years in the jewelry industry and clarified that it’s not a total retirement.

Frank Circelli
SourcingDec 17, 2024
Frank Circelli, Founder of Gem Shopping Network, Dies at 75

Circelli was a pioneer in the world of TV shopping who is remembered for his passion for gemstones and his big personality.

Blue diamond ring
AuctionsDec 17, 2024
Blue Diamond Fetches $8.8M at Christie’s

The nearly 6-carat stone headlined the recent jewelry auction, which also featured Mica Ertegun’s jewelry.

Stock image of a gavel, handcuffs, and books
CrimeDec 17, 2024
‘Black Bin Crew’ Robbers Get 14-16 Years in Prison

The three men, who got their nickname because they’d toss the jewelry they stole into black plastic bins, were arrested back in August.

Cover of the new book “The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance”
TrendsDec 16, 2024
Marion Fasel’s New Book Delves Into the History of Engagement Rings

“The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance” is a 128-page small-format book containing more than 165 images.

Rolex store on Rodeo Drive
WatchesDec 16, 2024
Take a Look Inside the New Rolex Boutique on Rodeo Drive

Gearys opened a 6,200-square-foot Rolex store with a design that pays homage to the brand’s connection to the ocean.

GCAL 8X pear and marquise-cut diamonds
GradingDec 16, 2024
GCAL By Sarine Expands 8X to 2 More Fancy Shapes

The diamond cut grade is now available for marquise- and pear-shaped diamonds.

Claudia Cividino, Sissy’s Log Cabin, Shri Govind Dholakia, Tanishq
SourcingDec 16, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces 2025 Award Recipients

DDG said the honorees’ business practices embody a commitment to positive social impact, industry innovation, and community empowerment.

Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco, Engagement Ring
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Selena Gomez Said ‘Forever Begins Now’ to Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring

Estimates on the size and value of the solitaire diamond, which is mounted on a diamond pavé-set yellow gold band, vary.

×

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