(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK — The Cultured Pearl Association of America (CPAA) announces the finalists in the U.S. division of the 10th Annual International Pearl Design Competition (IPDC). Thirty-eight submissions were narrowed down to eighteen finalists after judges viewed images of all entries. The judges are Jean Francois Bibet, workshop and production director at Cartier; Nancy Schuring, owner of Devon Fine Jewelry (whose store will show and offer for sale the winning entries and the finalists of Schuring’s choice); Michelle Graff, editor in chief of NationalJeweler.com; and Hector Hassey, jewelry designer of his own same-name firm.
Finalists in the U.S. division are as follows. Winners will be announced on Thursday, Oct. 31, following a day of judging live pieces.
Chrysanthemum Fold Black Pearl earrings by Karin Jacobson
Pearl Empress earrings by Deborah Meyers of Deborah Meyers Experience
Black Diamond and Pearl earrings by Timo Krapf of TBK Jewelry
Polka Dots cuff by Alishan Halebian of Alishan
Glamorous Keshi Swing earrings by Dilly Kirby of Elizabeth Blair Fine Pearls
Mandala ring by Paul Klecka of Paul Klecka Inspired Design
Esther ring by Polly Baumgartner
Lydia Lighthouse Beacon ring by Lika Behar of Lika Behar Jewelry
Chimera pendant necklace by Brenda Smith of Brenda Smith Jewelry
Golden pearl strand with Wavy O interchangeable clasp by Llyn Strong of Llyn Strong Jewelry
The Kiss of the Spider Woman necklace by Martina Buck of Haute Metal
Power of Pearl pendant by Kelly Charveaux of Scottsdale Bead Supply and Charveaux
South Sea Pearl Paisley ring by Assael
South Sea Pearl Fan earrings by Assael
Ocean Diva necklace by Jennifer Pusenkoff of Jennifer Pusenkoff Jewelry
Rocking Love ring by Jennifer Pusenkoff of Jennifer Pusenkoff Jewelry
Rocking Dandy lapel pin by Jennifer Pusenkoff of Jennifer Pusenkoff Jewelry