1ST PLACE (Pearl Jewelry Category)

Little H

Finestrino collection necklace in 14K white gold with carved cultured freshwater soufflé pearls lined with diamonds (1.28 TCW), light to dark blue sapphires (16.24 TCW) and 1mm cultured freshwater seed pearls. Includes 1.80-carat center diamond with surrounding diamonds (0.20 TCW)

$20,000

While Little H designer Hisano Shepherd’s original inspiration for her signature look were the geodes at the Tucson Gem Show, this particular piece has a second inspiration: a special client. “Her favorite color is blue, and I wanted to create an ombré effect of her favorite hue,” says Shepherd. “We worked closely to get the right size pearls that complimented her petite stature and the chain length to fit her neckline perfectly. I picked a fairly large pearl for the center knowing that she can carry it off gracefully.” The seed pearls were added to create the visual effect of a starry sky at dusk.

Shepherd says that one of the interesting things about working with sliced pearls is that you don’t know the color or interior shape until it is carved. In this case, the pearl’s interior was perfect for the effect she wanted to create. “I particularly love how the inner blue tones of the sapphires enhance the silver blue overtone of the white pearl.”

And the client? She loves it. “She is a fashion risk-taker and a trend-setter, and she loves that this piece reflects her individuality,” Shepherd says.

WHAT THE JUDGES SAY

“The sapphires create a visual of a starry night or luxurious pool.” – Amanda Gizzi

“Gorgeous! I have a thing for ombré!” – Tara Silberberg

“Show-stopping in every sense. 10 out of 10.” – Danielle Miele

2ND PLACE

(Pearl Jewelry Category)

Little H

Luxe collection necklace in 14K gold with two pink cultured freshwater pearls carved all the way through and lined with reclaimed rubies (25.40 TCW) diamonds (0.14 TCW) and pink sapphire briolette (0.30 TCW)

$5,000

WHAT THE JUDGES SAY

“Looks like something the Little Mermaid would treasure!” – Danielle Miele

“Very innovative and a refreshing use of pearls.” – Amanda Gizzi

“Love the color combo and the unusual technique.” – Tara Silberberg

“Party in a necklace!” – Nadine McCarthy

3RD PLACE

(Pearl Jewelry Category)

Little H

Pearl Geode collection 14K white gold earrings featuring cultured freshwater soufflé pearls sliced in half and encrusted with 1-2mm cultured freshwater seed pearls

$2,000

WHAT THE JUDGES SAY

“Pearls inside of pearls. This is a creative way to embrace the natural beauty of pearls.” – Amanda Gizzi

“Very cool earrings. Love these.” – Tara Silberberg

RETAILER’S CHOICE
(Pearl Jewelry Category)

Yael Designs

Ozarks 18K white gold necklace from the Orb Collection featuring 5.34-gram cultured freshwater baroque pearl accented with white diamonds (0.63 TCW)

$4,62

“Gorge! LOVE the swirls.” — Michelle Schy, The Diamond Concierge, Pacific Palisades, CA