This year’s INSTORE Design Awards featured more entries, even more colored gemstone jewels, and nine new categories with modern design themes to honor its 9th annual edition. Story by Jennifer Heebner Entries to the INSTORE Design Awards continue to dazzle (and multiply!). At 249 submissions, the competition’s greatest number yet, some recognizable patterns are clear to see from entrants: They love colored gemstones, on-trend category themes, and creative and personalized styles that will long serve as incredible eye candy. Judges on this year’s panel once again included six well-respected retailers and a trio of journalists and media figures. Panelists voted for their fave designs through a “blind voting” process, while thousands more votes were cast online by North American merchants so that a “Retailer’s Choice” winner could emerge in each category. Congratulations to our winners! Retailers, please enjoy the fruits of their labor, and consider connecting with winners to fill your cases with these memorable looks. Diamond Jewelry (Under $5,000) Diamond Jewelry (Over $5,000) Best Celestial Design COLORED STONE JEWELRY (Under $5,000) COLORED STONE JEWELRY (Over $5,000) Best Hoops Best Fancy-Cut Colored Diamond Jewelry Pearl (Under $5,000) Pearl (Over $5,000) Gold Jewelry (Under $5,000) Gold Jewelry (Over $5,000) Engagement & Wedding (Under $5,000) Engagement & Wedding (Over $5,000) Platinum Jewelry Silver Jewelry (Under $1,000) Silver Jewelry (Over $1,000) BEST SNAKE DESIGN Ring (Under $5,000) Ring (Over $5,000) Necklace (Under $5,000) Necklace (Over $5,000) Bracelet (Under $5,000) Bracelet (Over $5,000) Earring (Under $5,000) Earring (Over $5,000) Men’s Jewelry Best Price Point Fashion/Bridge Jewelry Best Gemstone Engagement Rings Best Enamel Best Initial/Monogram Best Unisex Design Best Floral Designs Best Statement Piece Heart Motif Rainbow Design Best Chain Links Cindy Edelstein Award COUTURE’S Choice Award for INSTORE Grand Prize Winner INSTORE DESIGN AWARDS 2024 JUDGES Ame Van Dyke owner, E.R. Sawyer Jewelers, Santa Rosa and Saint Helena, CA Jenny O’Connor Calleri owner, Huntington Jewelers, Las Vegas Diane Garmendia owner, 33 Jewels at El Paseo, Santa Barbara, CA Julie Phillips Roberts owner, Elizabeth Anthony Jewelers, Houston Andrea Riso, owner Talisman Jewelers, El Dorado Hills, CA Carter Malouf owner, Carter Malouf Private Jeweler, Dallas Smitha Sadanandan Fine jewelry freelance writer, Vogue India contributor Richa Goyal Sikri Gemologist, Robb Report, Vogue, and Natural Diamond Council contributor Julia Hackman-Chafe @JewelsWithJules on TikTok & Instagram
