SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Events & AwardsOct 10, 2017
Revere Academy Hosts Tahitian Pearl Design Contest
The jewelry school has announced the winners of its second pearl-focused competition, which was open to past and present students and, for the first time, instructors.
These are the two grand prize-winning designs from the Revere Academy of San Francisco’s Tahitian pearl jewelry design competition. The entry on the left is from the student grand prize winner William Robertson. On the right is the winning entry from Jenny Reeves in the instructor category.
San Francisco--For the second time, the Revere Academy of San Francisco hosted a Tahitian pearl jewelry design competition.
The competition was open to anyone who has been a student at Revere during its 40-year tenure.
“The talents and skills of our students are so diverse,” said the academy’s founder Alan Revere, who is set to retire. “They work in many styles and with a wide range of techniques. What made this competition so captivating was witnessing the stunning range of creative interpretation, all under the same guidelines.”
Revere, award-winning jewelry designer Sarah Graham and award-winning jeweler, designer and president of the American Jewelry Design Council Barbara Heinrich judged the competition.
William Robertson of Cedarburg, Wisconsin, earned the grand prize in the student category for his piece “Tahitian Tides,” a pendant featuring a 13 mm gray semi-baroque Tahitian pearl, Akoya pearl, 18 white diamonds and five Paraiba tourmalines, set in 18-karat yellow gold with 20-karat yellow gold details.
This year, there was also an instructor category open to past and present instructors.
Jenny Reeves of San Francisco was awarded the grand prize in this category for her hollow form pendant “Sun and Sea,” made in Argentium sterling silver, 18-karat, 22-karat and 23-karat gold with Tahitian pearl, watermelon tourmaline and a 0.07-carat “reclaimed” white diamond on stainless steel cables.
The grand prize winners received round-trip airfare to Tahiti and cash prizes from contest sponsors Black Mart Pearls and Air Tahiti Nui.
Additional prizes were awarded in two categories: student jewelry under $1,500 and student jewelry over $1,500.
For student jewelry under $1,500, Melissa Skarsten of Park City, Utah took home first prize, Cynthia Clearwater of Pleasant Hill, California won second prize and Meggie Roy of Walnut Creek, California took third place.
For student jewelry over $1,500, Karen Keit of Princeville, Hawaii was awarded both the first and second place prizes, and Jordan J. de Haan of San Francisco won third place.
The winning designs will be on view at Sofia Gallery in Mill Valley, California from Oct. 30 through Nov. 5.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy BoardThe three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.
