Policies & IssuesSep 17, 2026
Tariffs on India Could Increase as Russian Sanctions Bill Heads to Trump’s DeskThe bill has a provision that allows the president to raise tariffs on countries that import Russian oil and gas to as much as 100 percent.
Events & AwardsJun 03, 2019
Couture Names 15 Brands Winners at Design Awards
Plus, why this year’s Cindy Edelstein Award came as such a big surprise.
Japanese brand Kataoka won the Best in Diamonds Above $20,000 category with this ring at the 2019 Couture Design Awards.
Las Vegas—The annual Couture Design Awards are known for motivating designers to produce some of the jewelry trade show’s most spectacular pieces, and also for delivering a few surprises.
This year’s edition of the awards, held Saturday at the Encore Ballroom, was no exception.
The biggest surprise of the evening came at the very end—the awarding of the Cindy Edelstein Award to veteran industry publicist Michelle Orman, president of Last Word Communication, which handles public relations for the Couture and JA New York shows, and myriad other jewelry projects.
A beloved friend to brands, retailers and editors, Orman is known for going above and beyond to guide and support industry players, as individuals like Buddha Mama’s Nancy and Dakota Badia and Leyla Torre; designer Victor Velyan; The EAB Project’s Elizabeth Anne Bonanno; and Couture Show Director Gannon Brousseau explained in a video tribute.
Brousseau also noted that the most difficult part of deciding to award Orman the honor was to keep it a secret from the heavily involved, and all-knowing, publicist. (In the months leading up to the show, she had been told—as was the audience for the greater part of the evening—that Couture would not be giving out the Cindy Edelstein Award this year.)
The 2019 edition of the awards also ushered in the inaugural “WTF Award?!,” given to the biggest jewelry design fail, as submitted by the designers themselves.
Commemorated with a special medallion in which each winner’s name will be engraved, the first honor went to Stephen Webster for this necklace.
Winners for design successes included Jade Trau, Kataoka and Adam Foster Jewelry. See the full roster of winners and their work below.
Best in Debuting at Couture: Ara Vartanian
Best in Bridal: Jade Trau
Best in Haute Couture: Mike Joseph
Best in Innovative: Silvia Furmanovich
Best in Men’s: Jan Leslie
Best in Colored Gemstones Above $20,000: Adam Foster Jewelry
Best in Diamonds Above $20,000: Kataoka
Best in Pearls: Karen Suen
Best in Platinum: Jorg Heinz
Best in Silver: Syna
Best in Colored Gemstones Below $20,000: Noor Fares
Best in Diamonds Below $20,000: Baentelli
Best in Gold: Nikos Koulis
Editor’s Choice: Vendorafa (voted on by editors at Couture, originally entered in the Best in Diamonds Below $20,000 category)
People’s Choice: Gismondi 1754 (voted on by the audience via text at the awards, originally entered in Haute Couture category)
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CollectionsSep 17, 2026
Cynthia Erivo, Zoë Chicco’s Jewelry Collab Is an Ode to TransformationThe “Chrysalis” capsule centers butterfly motifs representing growth, transformation, and the unfolding of who you are.
PodcastsSep 16, 2026
Episode 9: Remembering Cindy EdelsteinTwo special guests join the podcast to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the designer advocate, mentor, and author’s untimely passing.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
CollectionsSep 16, 2026
Jessica McCormack, L’Objet Collab on Homewares CollectionMcCormack brings sea-inspired motifs from her “Beaches” collection to L’Objet’s tableware, vanity pieces, and first-ever cutlery set.
Weekly QuizSep 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeSep 16, 2026
JSA Issues Warning to NJ Jewelers After Rash of Smash and GrabsNine New Jersey jewelers have been victims of smash-and-grab robberies this year, prompting JSA to circulate a list of recommendations.
IndependentsSep 16, 2026
Bromberg & Co. Names New PresidentMarlin “Brian” Hood, who has been with the store for 20 years, will succeed Ricky Bromberg, who died earlier this month.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
MajorsSep 16, 2026
Midas Chain Releases ‘House of Midas’ Bridal CatalogThe new bridal catalog features the latest jewelry collections and designs from timeless classics to modern silhouettes.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
2026 Emmys Jewelry: An Either/Or Proposition Stars wore either a necklace or earrings at 78th Primetime Emmy Awards but rarely both, Natalie Francisco notes.
ColumnistsSep 15, 2026
The Levels Your Website Must Clear Before AI Recommends YouJennifer Shaheen compares this new era of AI-powered SEO to a video game: your website must clear one level before advancing to the next.
IndependentsSep 15, 2026
Armadani Launches Retail Support Program for Holiday SeasonThe program highlights “Made in Italy” fine jewelry with digital merchandising, sales education, and local marketing support.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
Q&A: Signet Jewelers’ Joan Hilson on Diamond Demand, the HolidaysHilson, Signet’s chief operating and financial officer, discussed Q2, resurgent natural diamond demand, and why Blue Nile is a standout.
ColumnistsSep 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
AuctionsSep 14, 2026
22 Carats of ‘Sunshine’ Are Up for AuctionThe 22.09-carat fancy yellow “Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond” is part of the fall jewelry sale at Heritage Auctions.
IndependentsSep 14, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers to Unveil Photography Exhibition“Adornos: Jewelry, Memory & What We Pass Down” honors the jewelry’s importance to New York City’s Latine communities.
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Gemfields Sells All Lots at First Emerald Auction in 9 MonthsThe company’s managing director of sales said the results demonstrate “continued strong demand for commercial-quality emeralds.”
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Pledges Support for Eye Care ProgramThe nonprofit awarded a grant to the Gift of Sight initiative spearheaded by South African musician Black Coffee.
CollectionsSep 11, 2026
A Sapphire ‘Stardust’ Ring From Greenwich St. Jewelers The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
MajorsSep 11, 2026
The Wishing Place by JTV OpensThe jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.
Events & AwardsSep 11, 2026
The Edge Awards Scholarships to 2 Young Jewelry ProfessionalsThe recipients were recognized at the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States’ annual banquet.
MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.
CrimeSep 10, 2026
FBI Offers $50K Reward for ‘Most Wanted’ Fugitive in $1M Jewelry HeistAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Massive Matched Pair of Paraíba Tourmalines Head to Sotheby’sThe “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.
SourcingSep 10, 2026
AGTA Announces 4 Newly Elected DirectorsFour directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Former Sotheby’s, Christie’s Exec Appointed CEO of Julien’s Auctions Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.
FinancialsSep 09, 2026
Signet Jewelers to ‘Double Down’ on Blue Nile Amid Strong SalesThe jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.
