Events & Awards

See Who Won the CPAA’s Jewelry Design Contest

Events & AwardsNov 02, 2018

See Who Won the CPAA’s Jewelry Design Contest

The ninth annual International Pearl Design Competition crowned 14 winners and included a People’s Choice award.

20181102_Pearls6.jpg
This Assael cuff took home an award from the CPAA for best use of Akoya pearls.

New York—The Cultured Pearl Association of America has chosen what it considers to be the most compelling pearl designs today.

From a pool of 33 finalists the panel of judges—Tara Silberberg, owner of The Clay Pot jewelry stores in Manhattan and Brooklyn, New York; Jean Francois Bibet, Cartier’s workshop and production director; and brand consultant Cheryl Kremkow—selected six winners from the United States based on pieces presented in person and eight from the international group based on images.

Winners were selected across seven categories, plus one People’s Choice winner based on Instagram likes.

See the full group of domestic winners, which will go on a retail tour across the country beginning with The Clay Pot’s Nolita location this month, below.

President’s Trophy: Awarded to the design considered most beautiful and original


Adam Neeley Designs “Rivoli” earrings in 14, 18 and 22-karat gold with golden South Sea pearls, cream-to-white Akoya pearls, and diamonds

Luster Award: Awarded to a best-selling pearl design


Little h Jewelry “Day-to-Night” pendant in 14-karat gold with sliced and carved Tahitian pearls, and black and colorless diamonds


Orient Award: An item ideal for a new pearl collector with an accessible price


Timo Krapf Jewelry “Orbit” pendant in platinum with a Tahitian pearl and cord


Visionary Award for Classic Styles: Awarded to a design that provides an update on a pearl staple


Jennifer Pusenkoff Designs “Time is Now Convertible” skull necklace with Tahitian pearls, a white South Sea pearl, a white freshwater pearl, a carved howlite skull, diamonds and 18-karat gold components


Wedding Day Pearls: A design fit for bridal


Adam Neeley Designs “Rivoli” earrings in 14-karat, 18-karat and 22-karat gold with golden South Sea pearls, cream-to-white Akoya pearls and diamonds


Fashion Award: Given to a design that is creative, youthful and original


Patrick Mohs Jewelry “Sea Star” earrings in 18-karat gold with golden South Sea pearls and diamond accents


Spotlight Award—Akoya Pearls: Awarded to a piece in which 75 percent of the design or more features Akoya pearls (a different type of pearl will be chosen for the Spotlight Award each year)


Sean Gilson for Assael “Flex cuff” in 18-karat gold with Akoya pearls


Popularity Award: Chosen by number of Instagram likes on the CPAA account


Camilla Marcondes “Constellation” necklace made of bamboo tubes, freshwater pearls, leather straps and a mother-of-pearl button

Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

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