Events & AwardsMar 31, 2021
Meet the First 6 Participants in the Emerging Designers Diamond InitiativeEvents & AwardsApr 08, 2021
Here Are the 2021 CASE Award Winners
Jewelers of America’s national competition recognizes members who exhibit creativity, artistry, style, and excellence in jewelry design.
Jewelers of America has announced the winners of its 2021 CASE Awards. Among them is this pair of blue sapphire and 18-karat blue rhodium gold earrings from Graziela Gems.
New York—The judges have spoken, and the winners of the 31st annual CASE Awards have been announced.
Jewelers of America’s CASE Awards, a national design competition, recognizes members who exhibit creativity, artistry, style, and excellence in jewelry design.
This year brought a record number of entries, nearly 200 in total, JA said.
The association also expanded the competition to include 14 different categories based on jewelry style and price.
The judges named a total of 15 winners, one per category except for “Necklaces $5,001 and Up,” in which there were two winners.
All winners will receive a customized CASE Award trophy, and national and local media coverage.
A panel of design experts chose the winners, evaluating entries on overall design, marketability, originality, and quality of manufacture.
Judges were: Terry Chandler, Diamond Council of America; Deirdre Featherstone, Featherstone Design; Amanda Gizzi, JA; Brecken Branstrator, National Jeweler; JB Jones, NYC Jewelry Week; Adrianne Sanogo, Black in Jewelry Coalition and GIA Graduate Gemologist; and Iveta N. Stephanopoulos, GIA.
Related stories will be right here …
Jewelers of America’s CASE Awards, a national design competition, recognizes members who exhibit creativity, artistry, style, and excellence in jewelry design.
This year brought a record number of entries, nearly 200 in total, JA said.
The association also expanded the competition to include 14 different categories based on jewelry style and price.
The judges named a total of 15 winners, one per category except for “Necklaces $5,001 and Up,” in which there were two winners.
All winners will receive a customized CASE Award trophy, and national and local media coverage.
A panel of design experts chose the winners, evaluating entries on overall design, marketability, originality, and quality of manufacture.
Judges were: Terry Chandler, Diamond Council of America; Deirdre Featherstone, Featherstone Design; Amanda Gizzi, JA; Brecken Branstrator, National Jeweler; JB Jones, NYC Jewelry Week; Adrianne Sanogo, Black in Jewelry Coalition and GIA Graduate Gemologist; and Iveta N. Stephanopoulos, GIA.
The competition was open only to employees of JA member companies.
“Jewelers of America’s CASE Awards design competition showcases the fine craftsmanship and talent of JA Members across the country,” said Gizzi.
“Judging was incredibly difficult this year, as we had a wide variety of immensely talented jewelry designers enter in every category. The judges had to carefully consider the judging criteria, and it had to come down to the finest details to determine winners.”
See the winners in the slideshow below.
Category: Engagement Rings up to $5,000. Designed by: Angela Hope of Ben Bridge Jeweler in Seattle. Entry information: Diamond engagement ring inspired by a sunrise, made of 14-karat palladium alloyed recycled white gold with 0.42 carats of baguette diamonds ($2,399 for semi-mount)
Category: Engagement Rings $5,001 and Up. Designed by Niveet Nagpal of Omi Privé in West Covina, California. Entry information: Platinum ring featuring an 8.86-carat oval blue moonstone accented by pear-shape Paraíba-type tourmalines (1.10 total carats), round Paraíba tourmalines (0.34 total carats) and round diamonds (0.96 total carats) ($34,000)
Category: Earrings up to $5,000. Designed by: Eddie LeVian of Le Vian in Great Neck, New York. Entry information: 14-karat yellow gold earrings with natural pink and white freshwater pearls and natural carved prehnite leaves ($4,999)
Category: Earrings $5,001 and Up. Designed by Graziela Kaufman of Graziela Gems in Highwood, Illinois. Entry information: Blue sapphire earrings (5.79 total carats) set in 18-karat blue rhodium gold ($7,800)
Category: Necklaces up to $5,000. Designed by Lynn Gambino of Lilly Street in Old Brookville, New York. Entry information: Mini Capulet necklace in 18-karat pink gold with natural herkimer crystals and a ruby center ($2,320)
Category: Necklaces $5,001 and Up. Designed by Mike Anderson of Brody Designs in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Entry information: 57-carat carved untreated Colorado blue topaz necklace in 14-karat white gold ($16,000)
Category: Necklaces $5,001 and Up. Designed by: Hans Schullin of Schullin in Graz, Austria. Entry information: Necklace made of red Mediterranean coral branches, silver sheen obsidian cabochons (227.96 total carats) and 1.09 carats of brilliant-cut diamonds set in 18-karat rose gold ($22,500)
Category: Bracelets up to $5,000. Designed by Hans Schullin of Schullin in Graz, Austria. Entry information: Green galuchat cuff with a branch of green oval cut tourmalines (5.36 total carats) and white brilliant-cut diamonds (0.05 total carats) in 18-karat fair trade rose gold ($2,900)
Category: Bracelets $5,001 and Up. Designed by Heena Shah of Valani in New York, New York. Entry information: Bracelet in 18-karat white gold set with 14 brilliant-cut rubies (14.90 total carats), 30 trillion-cut rubies (4.52 total carats), 56 marquise-cut diamonds (7.99 total carats), 14 pear-shaped diamonds (2.77 total carats), and 490 brilliant-cut diamonds (4.76 total carats) ($345,000)
Category: Rings up to $5,000. Designed by Steven Kistner of Steven Paul Designs in Delafield, Wisconsin. Entry information: Prosthetic eye set in sterling silver with mechanism to open and close eye ($4,800)
Category: Rings $5,001 and Up. Designed by Alexandra Mor of Alexandra Mor in New York City. Entry information: Eternity band set with 15.27 carats of one-of-a-kind hexagon-cut Muzo Columbian emeralds and diamonds wide-set in platinum on an 18-karat yellow gold Alexandra Mor logo gallery ($55,000)
Category: Pins/Brooches/Cufflinks (any price). Designed by Sharon Curtiss-Gal and William Brewer of The Gem Vault in Flemington, New Jersey. Entry information: Fine Oregon sunstones from the Dust Devil mine in Plush, Oregon (14.96 total carats) surrounded by pink spinels (3.70 total carats) and accented by tsavorites (.91 total carats) and round diamonds (.56 total carats) in 18-karat yellow gold ($13,000)
Category: Wedding Bands up to $5,000. Designed by Gabriel & Co. of New York City. Entry information: 14-karat white gold wide anniversary band with round and baguette diamonds (1.37 total carats) ($2,265)
Category: Wedding Bands $5,001 and Up. Designed by Eddie LeVian of Le Vian in Great Neck, New York. Entry information: Platinum and 18-karat yellow gold accent ring with 6.80 carats of yellow diamonds and 0.48 carats of white diamonds ($42,400)
Category: Other (non-jewelry items made of precious metals or stones, any price). Designed by Samuel Behnam and Neda Behnam of Samuel B. Collection in Great Neck, New York. Entry information: Oxidized sterling silver ballpoint pen with faceted black spinel endcap ($417)
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
Weekly QuizFeb 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for AprilThe event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
At Meeting in South Africa, Support for Natural Diamonds Picks Up Steam Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.
TrendsFeb 10, 2026
Bad Bunny Wears Football-Shaped ‘Desert Diamond’ for Halftime PerformanceLady Gaga, Cardi B, and Karol G also went with diamond jewelry for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show honoring Puerto Rico.
SurveysFeb 10, 2026
Shoppers to Spend Big on Jewelry This Valentine’s Day, Says NRFJewelry is expected to be the No. 1 gift this year in terms of dollars spent.
FinancialsFeb 10, 2026
Kering Plans Transformation as 2025 Sales Sink 13%As star brand Gucci continues to struggle, the luxury titan plans to announce a new roadmap to return to growth.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
AGTA To Debut ‘Stuller Color of the Year’ Spectrum Awards CategoryThe new category asks entrants for “exceptional” interpretations of the supplier’s 2026 color of the year, which is “Signature Red.”
Policies & IssuesFeb 09, 2026
U.S., India Trade Deal One Step Closer to Being FinalizedThe White House issued an official statement on the deal, which will eliminate tariffs on loose natural diamonds and gemstones from India.
Events & AwardsFeb 09, 2026
JA Now Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE AwardsEntries for the jewelry design competition will be accepted through March 20.
IndependentsFeb 09, 2026
James Free Jewelers Unveils Revamped FlagshipThe Ohio jeweler’s new layout features a curated collection of brand boutiques to promote storytelling and host in-store events.
TrendsFeb 09, 2026
These 14 Jewels Will Melt Your Heart This Valentine’s DayFrom heart motifs to pink pearls, Valentine’s Day is filled with jewelry imbued with love.
CrimeFeb 06, 2026
Florida Man Sentenced After Selling Fake Native American Jewelry for a Decade Prosecutors say the man attended arts and craft fairs claiming he was a third-generation jeweler who was a member of the Pueblo tribe.
FinancialsFeb 06, 2026
Pandora’s North America GM Departs Amid Executive ChangesNew CEO Berta de Pablos-Barbier shared her priorities for the Danish jewelry company this year as part of its fourth-quarter results.
TrendsFeb 06, 2026
Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi Wear Matching Cece Jewellery Signet RingsOur Piece of the Week picks are these bespoke rings the “Wuthering Heights” stars have been spotted wearing during the film’s press tour.
MajorsFeb 05, 2026
Pandora to Begin Selling Platinum-Plated JewelryThe introduction of platinum plating will reduce its reliance on silver amid volatile price swings, said Pandora.
SourcingFeb 05, 2026
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2026, Anglo Mulls Another WritedownIt would be the third impairment charge in three years on De Beers Group, which continues to grapple with a “challenging” diamond market.
