The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
Entries Now Being Accepted for 2019 Saul Bell Awards
Rio Grande has made the call for submissions to its annual jewelry design contest, which features nine categories this year.

Albuquerque, N.M.—Rio Grande now is accepting entries for the 2019 edition of its annual jewelry design contest.
The Saul Bell Design Award competition consists of a two-round judging process in which a total of 10 jewelers and industry leaders look at submissions.
In the first round, five judges look for originality of design, proposed use of materials and aesthetics to select finalists.
For the final round, a second panel of five judges examines completed finalist pieces up close, in the hand and on a model, looking for successful incorporation of materials, wearability (with the exception of the hollowware category) and quality of workmanship.
The 2019 edition of the competition will have nine categories: Gold/Platinum, Silver/Argentium Silver, Enamel, Hollowware/Art Objects, Alternative Metals/Materials, two categories of Emerging Jewelry Artist and two categories of Jewelry Collection.
The Emerging Jewelry Artist categories encompass two age ranges: 18 and younger or 22-19 years old as of Oct. 25.
The two Jewelry Collection categories ask designers to create a cohesive set of wearable pieces. Jewelers can compete in Jewelry Collection Couture/Fine, presenting a line of luxury jewelry, or Jewelry Collection Fashion/Bridge, presenting a line of trend-setting jewelry.
For work submitted through Sept. 17, entrants will pay a discounted early-bird fee of $75. After that, the prices goes up to $125. All Emerging Jewelry Artist submissions are $25 through the final deadline.
The deadline for submissions is Oct. 25. Finalists’ pieces are due by Jan. 25, 2019.
For detailed information about the jewelry design awards, including submission guidelines and information about each of the categories, or to find an entry form, visit SaulBellAward.com.
“The Saul Bell Design Award Competition offers designers a challenge unlike any other to compete on an international level, to have their work judged by iconic names in the jewelry industry and to be celebrated alongside a list of amazing winners and finalists,” Rio Grande Creative Director Jamie Gros said.
The Latest

Led by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.

In his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

José Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.


The owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.

The company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

The retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.

Of the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.

Megan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.

Following decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.

The new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.

The “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.

Buying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.

Lazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.

A portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.

Their partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.

Respondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.

Our Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.

Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.

“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.

Believed to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.

Officials are looking for a group that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers at an outlet mall in Round Rock, Texas, in broad daylight on April 21.

Sponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition

Some retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.

The Edge has announced its new CEO, as well as a new partnership with an investment firm focused on founder-led software businesses.
























