Events & Awards

These Are the Winners of the 2017 Couture Design Awards

Events & AwardsJun 05, 2017

These Are the Winners of the 2017 Couture Design Awards

Diamonds that move, a hamburger ring and the presentation of the Cindy Edelstein Award were some of the evening’s highlights.

20170605_CoutureDesignAwards.jpg

Las Vegas--Diamonds that move, a hamburger ring and the presentation of the Cindy Edelstein Award were just some of the highlights of the 2017 Couture Design Awards, held Sunday evening in Las Vegas.

This year, the show moved to the glitzy Encore Theater, a venue that made the night “feel like an actual awards show,” Couture show director and annual host Gannon Brousseau joked from the stage to open the show.

The first award presented was Best in Silver, which went to Atelier Zobel for an industrial, honeycomb-inspired design. The German brand, helmed by Peter Schmid, is known for its cool mixed-metal creations.

WINNER! Congratulations @atelier_zobel for Best of Silver #cda2017

A post shared by COUTURE (@by_couture) on Jun 4, 2017 at 7:27pm PDT


Nadine Ghosn, a young designer who debuted in Couture’s Design Atelier this year, received the award for Best in Innovative for her multi-layered hamburger ring, which is equal parts luxurious and humorous.

In one of the evening’s best shout-outs, Ghosn made sure to thank her intern for attending the show on her birthday weekend.

WINNER! Congratulations @nadineghosnjewelry for Best in Innovative! #cda2017

A post shared by COUTURE (@by_couture) on Jun 4, 2017 at 7:32pm PDT


Yvel was awarded with Best in Pearls for its unique pearl bracelet design. It’s one of many awards the edgy pearl-centric company has received from various trade shows and organizations over the years.

WINNER! Congratulations @yvel_jewelry for Best in Pearls! #cda2017

A post shared by COUTURE (@by_couture) on Jun 4, 2017 at 7:33pm PDT


The Best in Platinum award went to Heinrich and Denzel, another German brand that specializes in the material.

WINNER! Congratulations @henrich.denzel for Best in Platinum! #cda2017

A post shared by COUTURE (@by_couture) on Jun 4, 2017 at 7:36pm PDT


In the prestigious Best in Bridal category, Jade Trau--who described herself as a fifth-generation diamantaire but a first-generation designer--received top honors. Fittingly, she honored those who came before her, dedicating her award to her late grandfather who introduced her to the diamond business.

WINNER! Congratulations @jadetrau for Best in Bridal! #cda2017

A post shared by COUTURE (@by_couture) on Jun 4, 2017 at 7:37pm PDT


In its second year at the Couture show, New York-based brand Cadar, designed by Michal Kadar, received the award for Best in Gold, adding to the splash it’s made in the short time since its launch.

WINNER! Congratulations @cadardesigns for Best in Gold! #cda2017

A post shared by COUTURE (@by_couture) on Jun 4, 2017 at 7:40pm PDT


Best in Colored Gemstones Under $20,000 went to Amali Jewelry, known for its elegant gemstone and milgrain pieces.

WINNER! Congratulations @amalijewelry for Best in Colored Gemstones Below $20k

A post shared by COUTURE (@by_couture) on Jun 4, 2017 at 7:43pm PDT


Best in Colored Gemstones Above $20,000 went to John Hardy for a spectacularly elaborate cuff. It’s a promising way for John Hardy’s new designer to start her tenure at the Bali and New York-based house.

WINNER! Congratulations @johnhardyjewelry for Best in Colored Gemstones Above $20K! #cda2017

A post shared by COUTURE (@by_couture) on Jun 4, 2017 at 7:44pm PDT


Garavelli’s cool sculptural cuff that, even in a photograph, denotes the movement of ripples across water was awarded Best in Diamonds Below $20,000.

WINNER! Congratulations @garavelli_1920 for Best in Diamonds Below $20K! #cda2017

A post shared by COUTURE (@by_couture) on Jun 4, 2017 at 7:46pm PDT


Best in Diamonds Above $20,000 was another design full of movement, a pair of elaborate diamond earrings from Fernando Jorge, who went from exhibiting at a showroom’s
booth last year to his very own space at this Couture. His winning earrings, a result of a brand-new diamond collection he debuted at the show, were nominated across multiple categories.

WINNER! Congratulations @fernandojorge for Best in Diamonds Above $20K! #cda2017

A post shared by COUTURE (@by_couture) on Jun 4, 2017 at 7:48pm PDT


Meanwhile, Best in Haute Couture was given to Pasquale Bruni for one of its spectacular diamond collars with an emerald drop, a style that has become a high jewelry signature for the company.

WINNER! Congratulations @pasqualebruni for Best in Haute Couture! #cda2017

A post shared by COUTURE (@by_couture) on Jun 4, 2017 at 7:50pm PDT


This year, men’s jewelry had its very own category and the Best in Men’s Jewelry award was given to Furrer Jacot, the historic Swiss design house that excels in pieces that can be worn by both genders.

WINNER! Congratulations @furrerjacotus for Best in Men's Jewelry! #cda2017

A post shared by COUTURE (@by_couture) on Jun 4, 2017 at 7:52pm PDT


Best in Debuting at Couture, always a hot category, went to Leyla Abdollahi, a Central Saint Martins graduate whose emerald and diamond necklace pays equal attention to the back of the design as the front.

WINNER! Congratulations @leylaabdollahilondon for Best in Debuting! #cda2017

A post shared by COUTURE (@by_couture) on Jun 4, 2017 at 7:55pm PDT


Italian designer Giovanni Ferraris was the recipient of the Editor’s Choice award for his lightweight titanium and diamond earrings.

WINNER! Congratulations @giovanniferrarisgioielli for Best in Editor's Choice! #cda2017

A post shared by COUTURE (@by_couture) on Jun 4, 2017 at 7:57pm PDT


The People’s Choice award, which was determined by the audience at the show via text message for the second year, was awarded to fine jewelry house Mariani.

WINNER! Congratulations @mariani1878 for Best in People's Choice! #cda2017

A post shared by COUTURE (@by_couture) on Jun 4, 2017 at 8:04pm PDT


Last year, show organizers announced that an award would be created in honor of Cindy Edelstein, the brand consultant and designer advocate who passed away unexpectedly in January 2016.

And Edelstein’s daughter, Remy Stankus, was on hand to present the award, which went to British jewelry designer Stephen Webster for the work he’s done to help the careers of young jewelry designers and to ensure a sustainable supply chain for his own line.

Webster--who promotes promising U.K. designers, and shares his Couture space with them, through Rock Vault--was visibly emotional when accepting the award, thanking this team, his family and paying homage to the late Edelstein, whom he described as the advocate for jewelry designers in the United States.

“I’m lost for words. I feel really emotional here … because obviously I knew Cindy very, very well. I was right there in the beginning when she was the champion of designer jewelry in America, and as a Brit, I always felt very much a part of the spirit that she just passed on to everybody.”

But he also joked about the size of his award, which was smaller (and presumably lighter) than the awards presented to the design winners.

“Why is my award so small?” Webster quipped.
Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

Stack of gold bangles on denim
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat

The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.

Saks Fifth Avenue door sign
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More Stores

The retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.

Julianne Moore
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as Ambassador

The award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.

TopImageCrop.jpg
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.

Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.

Sorellina Large Bloom Inlay Pendant
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New Collection

The “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.

Weekly QuizMar 05, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Jake Gyllenhaal as Bulgari Brand Ambassador
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest Ambassador

Bulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.

Model wearing diamond necklace and ring
AuctionsMar 09, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Lead White-Glove Sale

The top jewelry lot of the late model’s estate sale, hosted by John Moran Auctioneers, was an Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier necklace.

dca-laptop.jpg
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry Education

With refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.

Tom Moses
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 Years

Moses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.

Charles & Colvard showroom in Morrisville, North Carolina
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price Pressures

Increased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.

Zome Solara Earrings
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial Beauty

The earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.

Pomellato’s International Women’s Day “The Price of Freedom” Campaign
MajorsMar 06, 2026
Pomellato’s 2026 IWD Campaign Spotlights Economic Abuse

“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says

Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.

Common Era Difficult Women Pandora Pendant, Anne Boleyn Signet Ring, Cleopatra Pendant
CollectionsMar 05, 2026
Common Era Honors ‘Difficult Women’ in Collection

The ever-growing collection, which just expanded with the addition of Olga of Kyiv, features cameos of 12 women from history.

Diamond engagement rings by designer Lorraine West
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and Why

We asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.

American Gem Society Conclave 2026 Orlando logo
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2026
AGS Announces Conclave 2026 Speaker Lineup

The annual event will be held in Orlando, Florida, from Sept. 14-17.

Caitríona Balfe on Only Natural Diamonds Spring 2026 Issue Cover
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Caitríona Balfe Fronts Only Natural Diamonds Cover

The “Outlander” star modeled for the digital cover of the magazine’s spring issue, which features a story on her relationship with jewelry.

CIBJO Milan
MajorsMar 05, 2026
Registration Opens for CIBJO Centenary Congress

This year’s annual congress, which will mark the confederation’s 100th anniversary, will take place this fall in Italy.

Michael M Beverly Hills Flagship Interior Rendering
MajorsMar 04, 2026
Michael M Opens First Store

Beverly Hills was chosen as the location for the brand’s first store, designed as a “private residence for modern monarchs.”

Dubai mall
Policies & IssuesMar 04, 2026
Luxury Brands Temporarily Shutter Middle East Stores

Kering, Apple, and other retailers have reportedly temporarily closed stores in the Middle East region in light of the recent conflicts.

Brilliant Earth Beverly Hills showroom
EditorsMar 04, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills Store

Beth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”

JIS Miami Spring 2026
Events & AwardsMar 04, 2026
JIS Miami Spring Show to Feature New Gifts Pavilion, Pop-Up Trends Talks

Nearly half of buyers are prioritizing silver and fashion collections this season, organizers said.

Spinelli Kilcollin Live Now. Polish Later. Campaign
TrendsMar 04, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Rides Free In Year of the Horse Campaign

The “Live Now. Polish Later.” campaign features equestrians wearing the brand’s jewels while galloping across the icy plains of Kazakhstan.

Jennifer Ashworth
MajorsMar 04, 2026
LeachGarner Names New Brand Director

The precious metals provider has promoted Jennifer Ashworth to the role.

Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Award Grant Graphic
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards Grant

Nelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on March 13.

New Forevermark store in India
SourcingMar 03, 2026
7 Trends That Could Define the Diamond Industry’s Future

Experts from India weigh in the politics, policies, and market dynamics for diamantaires to monitor in 2026 and beyond.

Gannon & Scott and Metalor Technologies employees
MajorsMar 03, 2026
Swiss Refiner Completes Acquisition of Gannon & Scott

The American precious metals refiner’s day-to-day operations remain the same post-acquisition.

×

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