Events & Awards

The CPAA’s Annual Design Contest Starts Now

Events & AwardsJul 01, 2021

The CPAA’s Annual Design Contest Starts Now

Winning designs will be offered for sale at Aaron Faber Gallery in New York City.

20210701_Pearls.jpg
The “Spotlight Award” category of the Cultured Pearl Association of America’s Annual International Pearl Design Competition highlights a different pearl variety every year. This year, it’s the blue akoya pearl, pictured here alongside white akoya and Tahitian keshi pearls by Baggins Pearls. (Image by Ted Morrison)
New York—The Cultured Pearl Association of America (CPAA) is now accepting entries for the 12th edition of its Annual International Pearl Design Competition.

The award categories will be the same as last year, CPAA said.

The “Spotlight Award,” which highlights one specific pearl variety annually, will this year be awarded to one design featuring 75 percent or more blue akoya pearls.

International and domestic entries will be judged separately, with a winner in each for every award category.

International entries will consist of renderings and sketches, while U.S. entries will be based on finished jewelry.

For the U.S., entries in the first round will consist of photographs of finished pieces, showcasing one to three angles of the work per the designer’s discretion.

Judges will announce finalists on Monday, Nov. 1.

In the second stage, those finalists will ship their jewelry for live judging in New York City.

Winners will be selected on Thursday, Nov. 18, and go immediately for sale at Aaron Faber Gallery.

Any items that do not sell will be returned in January 2022.

The judges are Aaron Faber co-owner Patricia Faber and Jean Francois Bibet, workshop and production director at Cartier.

Entries are being accepted now through Friday, Oct. 22.

CPAA has extended its special pandemic pricing for this year, with the first two entries costing a total $175, and each additional entry costing $150 each. Entries are limited to five.

The association encourages both new and seasoned designers to enter.

“The International Pearl Design Competition is now in our 12th year and is stronger than ever,” CPAA Marketing Manager Kathy Grenier said. “CPAA is especially excited for 2021 because creativity needs an outlet, and the circumstances of the pandemic have silenced many in the past year.

“Now is the time to bring those pearl creations into existence! The world of pearls is your oyster; let the designing begin!”

A cocktail reception will celebrate winners and finalists at Aaron Faber on Nov. 18, the day the winners are announced.

Winning designs must be available to go for sale at the gallery; designs that are already sold or otherwise unavailable should not be submitted.

Full rules and guidelines are available online

 Related stories will be right here … 

The Latest

Diamond center in Saurimo, Angola
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Angolan Diamond Cos. Join NDC as Rio Tinto, Murowa Exit

Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.

Francesca’s boutique
MajorsJan 26, 2026
Francesca’s To Close All Stores

The retailer operates more than 450 boutiques across 45 states, according to its website.

Thomas Davis, Monalisa DePina, Jamie Batiste, Namwezi Nicole Batumike, Lavina Hunt-Lewis
MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board Members

The new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.

JamAlert 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell Jammers

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

Tiffany & Co. Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837 Campaign
CollectionsJan 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates 189 Years of Love Stories

The jeweler’s 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, “Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837,” includes a short firm starring actress Adria Arjona.

Weekly QuizJan 22, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
DCA colored gemstone course
GradingJan 26, 2026
DCA Updates Colored Gemstone Course

The new features include interactive flashcards and scenario-based roleplay with AI tools.

Deutsch & Deutsch jewelers team
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in Texas

Family-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.

Recipients Collage 2025 - NJ (1872 x 1050 px) (1872 x 1052 px).png
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow Today

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

Baume & Mercier Riviera 10812 pink watch
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & Mercier

The Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.

Martin Katz snowflake earrings
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather

Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.

Ella Blum
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand Strategy

Ella Blum was appointed to the newly created role.

National-Jeweler_1872x1502_B copy.png
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone Market

Sponsored by RapNet

Lugano Diamonds Greenwich Connecticut store
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a Buyer

Investment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.

A Diamond Is Forever book
SourcingJan 22, 2026
De Beers To Release ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ Book

It explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.

Sindhu Culas
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America President

Retail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.

Taylor Burgess
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Stuller Names New Chief Merchandising, Marketing, Sales Officer

Taylor Burgess, who has been at Stuller since 2013, was promoted to the newly created role.

My Next Question podcast with Sherry Smith and Edahn Golan
PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s Next

Was 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.

Jules Kim of Bijules, Sophie Howard of By Pariah, Jade Ruzzo, Joy Haugaard of Lionheart, Vanessa Fernández of Vanessa Fernández Studio, Hiba Husayni of Zahn-Z
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026

Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.

Columbia Gem House celestial shapes
SourcingJan 21, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes

Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.

Gavel and books stock image
CrimeJan 21, 2026
4 Men Charged in $1.7M California Smash-and-Grab Jewelry Store Robbery

Plus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.

Felice Korr Morris
IndependentsJan 21, 2026
Delaware Jeweler Felice Morris Dies at 91

Morris’ most cherished role was being a mother and grandmother, her family said.

Bulgari Vimini Collection Campaign
CollectionsJan 21, 2026
Bulgari Weaves New Collection of ‘Vimini’ Creations

“Vimini” is the first chapter of the “Bulgari Eternal” collection that merges archival pieces with modern creations.

Emmanuel Raheb, National Jeweler columnist and CEO of Smart Age Solutions
ColumnistsJan 20, 2026
First-Party Data Is the Most Valuable Asset Jewelers Have in 2026

Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Heath Yarges
MajorsJan 20, 2026
Borsheims Hires New Assistant Facilities Manager

Heath Yarges brings two decades of experience to the role.

Peter Yantzer at a diamond cutting machine
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness

Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.

Buccellati Opera Tulle ring
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3

Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.

Lagos SML High Jewelry Bee Brooch
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden Globes

Our Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy