Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
CPAA Launches 8th Annual Jewelry Design Contest
Entries for the International Pearl Design Competition will be accepted through Sept. 21.
Providence, R.I.--The Cultured Pearl Association of America’s eighth International Pearl Design Competition has kicked off, officially launching during the recent JCK Las Vegas trade show.
The CPAA created the contest to celebrate and recognize design excellence using cultured pearls.
It will be judged by a panel of jewelry industry leaders including editors, writers, buyers, craftsmen and sellers of cultured pearls.
Nine different awards are given.
-- President’s Trophy, the highest honor given to a design that “unanimously captivated all judges as the best of the best”
-- Luster Award, given to the entry that is thought to be the “most marketable” of all entries in the competition and that has the most appeal for the retail marketplace
-- Designer’s Award, given to the entry that takes pearls to the “far corners of the imagination and beyond,” meaning it displays originality
-- Brilliance Award, for the entry that best shows the spectrum of pearl colors
-- Orient Award, for the design that would inspire a newfound affinity for cultured pearls
--The Visionary Award, to the entry that redefines the iconic pearl strand
-- Wedding Day Pearls, for creating a “fantasy wedding” with cultured pearls
-- Fashion Award, for the design that is the most fun, fresh and modern
-- Fantasy Award, for the best conceptual, aspirational design
Contestants can enter up to five different designs, and each entry can be submitted with up to five different images and/or drawings. The first costs $150, and each additional entry is $100.
The contest will run through Sept. 21.
Winners will be announced on Nov. 2; winning entries will be put on display during the AGTA and JCK shows in 2018.
For more information or to submit a design, visit CPAA.org.
The Latest

The credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.

Kimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

The “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.


“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.

The jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

The singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.

The nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.

As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.

January’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.

The annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.

Footage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.

The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.

The Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”

Linda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.

The governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.

Sparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.

The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.

In its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.

Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.

Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.

Shekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.

This year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.

Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.

As part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.






















