The INDESIGN Awards competition recognizes the most creative jewelry of the year — and now, it’s time to reveal the winners!

More than 150 entries were received in eight categories, each piece more stunning than the last. In order to determine the very best of the best, we recruited seven judges – four top retailers and three important industry influencers – to vote on their favorites in a “blind voting” process. We also opened voting to retailers, and nearly 3,000 votes were cast to decide the “Retailer’s Choice” winner in each category.

And like last year, we wanted to recognize an up-and-coming designer who most embodied the inventive spirit so long encouraged by our colleague Cindy Edelstein, who passed away in January 2016 but not before helping us build this design competition.

Each weekday through June 1 we’ll bring you the winners from a different category, along with judges’ comments. Today’s category: Diamond Jewelry.

Also be sure to check out our photo gallery showing all of the entries from each category. From never-before-seen material combinations to unusual shapes and arrangements to “just right” color mixes, you’ll see where design is headed and, ultimately, where your clients are headed as well.

1ST PLACE (Diamond Jewelry Category)

LITTLE H

14K white gold ring featuring cultured white South Sea baroque pearl sliced and lined with irradiated blue diamonds (0.60 TCW) and cultured Vietnamese blue baroque pearl carved and accented with white baguette diamonds (0.03 TCW)

$3,375

What if the core of the pearl told a story as unique as its surface? That’s the question that inspired Little H owner/designer Hisano Shepherd when creating her Pearl Geode collection, in which pearls are sliced open, carved out and filled with lustrous gemstones – or, in this case, diamonds. The Blue Trio ring conjures the birthplace of the pearl. “I decided to create a geode with blue diamonds to mimic waves of water surrounding the pearl as it grew, reversing the elements,” says Shepherd. “To complement the pearl geode, I added a rare Vietnamese blue baroque Akoya pearl. I accented it with white baguette diamonds that peek out to add an unexpected element to the ring.”

Shepherd says her goal was to use diamonds in a surprising way that tossed out tradition. “The color of blue diamonds is unlike any other gemstone, and by combining with white South Sea and exotic blue Akoya pearls, the piece becomes an innovative take on the bridal ‘something blue.’ I’ve heard it’s on the wish list of few brides!”

WHAT THE JUDGES SAY

“The double pearl ring is a winner! Look forward to meeting the artist!” – Marie-Helene Morrow

“The blue diamonds create a pool-like setting in the pearl. The design is creative and the finished piece is fun and wearable.” – Amanda Gizzi

“Talk about design that is pushing limits and boundaries — the Pearl Geodes are original, unique and so cool.” – Danielle Miele

“Wow, I have never seen anything like this before. Very creative and unexpected use of materials!” – Nadine McCarthy Kahane

“A truly amazing combination of materials.” – Tara Silberberg

“Innovation at its best.” – Jenny Luker

2ND PLACE
(Diamond Jewelry Category)

JYE’S INTERNATIONAL

Vintage-inspired 18K white gold necklace with G/VS round diamonds (2.84 TCW) and G/VVS baguette diamonds (3.71 TCW)

$30,000

WHAT THE JUDGES SAY

“I love all the individual elements, would be very fun to wear.” – Tara Silberberg

“Great rhythm and texture for a diamond necklace. Beautiful craftsmanship.” – Paul Schneider

“A new take on a classic style.” – Amanda Gizzi

3RD PLACE
(Diamond Jewelry Category)

PENNY PREVILLE

18K art deco earrings with baguette, pear shape and round brilliant cut diamonds (3.07 TCW)

$14,520

WHAT THE JUDGES SAY

“I love the Art Deco elements of these earrings and the movement of the baguettes.” – Amanda Gizzi

“Beautifully constructed, a pair of earrings that will be handed down through generations. I love how much movement they have.” – Tara Silberberg

“These are so fun! Love the modern yet classic feel.” – Jenny Luker

“I would love to see these being worn. Everything moves and sparkles. Great variation of stone shapes in a simple form.” – Paul Schneider

“What makes these earrings for me are the dainty dangles!” – Danielle Miele

RETAILER’S CHOICE
(Diamond Jewelry Category)

JYE’S INTERNATIONAL

18K white gold bangle with G/VS round diamonds (0.84 TCW) and G/VVS baguette diamonds (0.90 TCW)

$10,500

“Gorgeous DNA bracelet. So pretty. I want one.” – Andrea Riso, Talisman Collection, El Dorado Hills, CA and Carmel, CA