SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
Events & AwardsJun 20, 2019
CPAA’s Annual Design Content is Open for Entry
The pearl design competition’s winning jewels will be offered for sale at Devon Fine Jewelry.
This Assael cuff won the Cultured Pearl Association of America’s Spotlight Award last year.
New York—The 10th International Pearl Design Competition is now open for entry.
Hosted by the Cultured Pearl Association of America, the competition “casts a spotlight on the creativity of pearl jewelry designers,” said the association’s executive director, Jennifer Heebner, in a press release.
The CPAA said that this year’s awards will have eight categories: the President’s Trophy, awarded to the design considered most beautiful and original; the Luster Award, awarded to a best-selling pearl design; the Orient Award, given for an item ideal for a new pearl collector with an accessible price; the Visionary Award for Classic Styles, awarded to a design that provides an update on a pearl staple; the Wedding Day Pearls Award for a bridal design; the Fashion Award for a design that is creative, youthful and original; the Spotlight Award, reserved for one particular type of pearl, which changes each year; and the Popularity Award, which is chosen by the number of received Instagram likes on the CPAA account.
This year’s Spotlight Award will be given to an entry in which Tahitian pearls make up 75 percent or more of the pearls used in the design.
As with last year’s competition, there will be one winner in each category from both the domestic and international division.
U.S. designers must submit professional-quality photos of their entries by Oct. 4. Finalists will then mail their completed work for the final judging, with winners announced Nov. 1.
International designers will compete only by submitting renderings and sketches by Oct. 4, with the winners also being announced Nov. 1.
Winning domestic jewels will immediately go on display at Devon Fine Jewelry in Wyckoff, New Jersey. Unsold pieces will be returned to their designers in January 2020.
CPAA Marketing Manager Kathy Grenier remarked: “This is our 10th and finest year yet. Our retail component rounds out the contest in the most complete way, designer to consumer. Winners not only gain exposure in a top U.S. retailer’s store, but the jewelry is offered for sale. What designer doesn’t dream of this?”
A panel of judges consisting of Devon Fine Jewelry owner Nancy Schuring, Cartier Workshop and Production Director Jean Francois Bibet and National Jeweler Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff will select the winning designs.
Cost for entries is $175 for one piece and $150 for each additional. Full contest details are available on CPAA.org.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
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.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
