The middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.
Couture reveals 2015 Design Awards winners
This year, a mix of newcomers and well-known names took the top prizes in what is considered one of the industry’s premier design contests.
Las Vegas--The winners of the Couture Design Awards were announced Saturday night in Las Vegas, with a mix of newcomers and well-known names taking the top prizes in what is considered one of the industry’s premier design contests.
“When we cut through all of the pageantry and ceremony of Couture, we are left with the reason we all came together in the first place--the designs,” Couture Director Gannon Brousseau said from the stage of the Encore Ballroom.
In addition to revealing the design award winners, Couture organizers announced the recipient of this year’s Human Spirit Award, Todd Reed.
The Colorado-based designer known for his use of “raw” diamonds was recognized for his commitment to his community, the environment and the industry at large.
The winners of the 2015 Couture Design Awards are as follows, as well as the first and second runners-up in each category. This year’s awards include one new category, Editor’s Choice.
Best in Bridal -- Nikos Koulis
First runner-up: Jemma Wynne
Second runner-up: Jade Trau
Best in Colored Gemstones above $20K -- Etho Maria
First runner-up: Fernando Jorge
Second runner-up: Buccellati
Best in Colored Gemstones below $20K -- Tomasz Donocik
First runner-up: Federica Rettore
Second runner-up: Brooke Gregson
Best in Diamonds above $20K – Pleve
First runner-up: Stephen Webster
Second runner-up: Harry Kotlar
Best in Diamonds below $20K -- Reho
First runner-up: J Jewels Milano
Second runner-up: Astley Clarke
Best in Gold -- Spinelli Kilcollin
First runner-up: Ray Griffiths
Second runner-up: Bizzotto Gioielli
Best in Haute Couture -- Hearts On Fire
First runner-up: New Italian Art
Second runner-up: Arunashi
Best in Innovative -- Silvia Furmanovich
First runner-up: Amrapali
Second runner-up: Alison Lou
Best in Pearls -- Autore
First runner-up: Yvel
Second runner-up: Savanna Stranger
Best in Platinum -- Christian Tse
First runner-up: Kuwayama
Second runner-up: Yunis and Eliza
Best in Silver -- Majoral
First runner-up: Arman Suciyan
Second runner-up: Atelier Zobel
Debuting at Couture -- Spinelli Kilcollin
First runner-up: Dezso Sara Beltran
Second runner-up: Kuwayama
Editor’s Choice -- Jorg Heinz
First runner-up: Monique Pean
Second runner-up: Elena Votsi
People’s Choice -- Yeprem
First runner-up: Reho
Second runner-up: Stenzhorn
The Latest

It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.

The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.


Jake Duneier and Danielle Duneier-Goldberg have stepped into the roles of CEO and president, respectively.

The “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

The Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.

In addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.

The “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.

The seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.

The New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.

The trade-only event will host its debut fair in the Emerald City later this month.

For its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.

The jewelry company is one of several contributing to relief efforts in the region after the recent floods.

Inspired by fiancé Sid Wilson’s nickname for her, the white and yellow diamond ring features a unique honeycomb design.

The brand is marking its 50th anniversary with a limited-edition bangle, high jewelry suites, new collections, and more.

Goldfarb said changes in the industry, coupled with his age and the updates needed to modernize his business, drove his decision.

Longtime LVMH executive Michael Burke has stepped into the role.

Central topics of next week’s event include climate action, labor rights, artisan preservation, and value retention in producing countries.

Vickie Rokkos has joined the jewelry company as its new national sales director of North America.

Turbulence will be the new baseline for luxury as it faces its biggest potential setbacks in 15 years, a recent report said.

Sponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply

The “For the Love of Fruits” collection features five fruit pendants, each holding a different meaning.

Diamonds and crimes (some involving diamonds) top the list of National Jeweler’s most popular stories halfway through the year.

They discovered “The Dash Diamond,” named for their dog, at the Crater of Diamonds State Park earlier this month.