1ST PLACE (Engagement and Wedding Jewelry Category)

Michelle Fantaci

1.70-carat double-sided checkerboard rose cut diamond in 18K green gold with round diamonds (0.45 TCW)

$9,500

Many brides want the cleanest, shiniest diamond they can get for their engagement ring. This ring is not for those brides.

Designer Michelle Fantaci chose this particular diamond precisely because of its imperfections, and then designed the ring around it. “This trillion is a Canadian diamond that has some interesting ribbons of mineral inclusions in an otherwise very clear and white body, which reminds me of veining in Calacatta marble,” she says.

Like all the rings in this collection, this one is made in green gold, which Fantaci says gives the diamonds a more neutral setting than yellow or rose and looks more modern. And like a lot of her other designs, it balances polish with soul, doing more with less. Most of the diamonds in the collection are rose cuts like this one or step cuts — “more about light and clarity than sparkle and fire,” says Fantaci.

It’s the designer’s personal favorite piece. And if your client is drawn to a minimalist, asymmetrical aesthetic, it might be hers, too.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAY

“An innovative interpretation of a classic design and category.” – Jenny Luker

“The rose cut diamond is the perfect choice for this non-traditional engagement ring. The shape is flattering on the finger and would be a statement piece for the woman who wants something different.” – Amanda Gizzi

“I love this stone and the way it is offset on the eternity band. Seems like it would play well with others …” – Tara Silberberg

“A perfect alternative wedding ring.” – Paul Schneider

“Alternative bridal at its finest!  There's some geometric vibes going on too, which I love! Best part, pairing a wedding band with it will be SO easy!” – Danielle Miele

 

 

2ND PLACE
(Engagement and Wedding Jewelry Category)

K. Mita

Crown Ring from the Sand Dune collection in 18K yellow gold featuring a 0.85-carat champagne rose cut diamond and brown diamonds (0.21 TCW)

$4,140

WHAT THE JUDGES SAY

“I like this wide sculptural statement wedding band. A very dynamic design.” – Tara Silberberg

“This diamond is soft and subtle, which pairs beautifully with the textured finish of this 18K yellow gold setting.” – Amanda Gizzi

 

3RD PLACE – TIE
(Engagement and Wedding Jewelry Category)

Pamela Froman Fine Jewelry

An 18K yellow gold ring featuring a 3.39-carat pear shape ruby cabochon framed by diamond pavé and a single bezel-set diamond for balance (0.22 TCW)

$10,780

WHAT THE JUDGES SAY

“A pretty adaptation for a non-traditional engagement ring.” – Amanda Gizzi

“Great alternative engagement ring. Hammered gold and pear shaped ruby. No wedding band needed.” – Paul Schneider

“A ring fit for a queen. Beautiful ruby cabochon.” – Tara Silberberg

3RD PLACE – TIE
(Engagement and Wedding Jewelry Category)

Christopher Designs

18K white gold ring featuring 1.81-carat L’Amour Crisscut diamond center with Crisscut baguettes (1.38 TCW) and round cut diamonds (0.92 TCW)

$76,576

WHAT THE JUDGES SAY

“Intricate and carefully crafted. There is a lot going on in the ring, but it is definitely a statement ring.” – Amanda Gizzi