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.
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.
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
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
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.
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.
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.
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.
Italian designer Giovanni Ferraris was the recipient of the Editor’s Choice award for his lightweight titanium and diamond earrings.
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.
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.
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.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
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.
