1ST PLACE (Silver Jewelry Category)

Kothari

Handmade hollow hammered silver Carbon Flow hoop earrings from the kAuge collection with inverted brilliant cut black diamonds (0.06 TCW)

$300

When Tej Kothari joined his mother Taru’s jewelry design business in 1995, he brought a degree in biology, a knowledge of the natural world and an appreciation for the clean lines of modern design. Today, Tej is the owner and designer of the Kothari and kAuge By Kothari lines, and his influence is evident in these earrings, which were inspired by the formation of an oxbow lake. The entire collection owes its aesthetic to water: its movement, its volume and its droplets.

“To me, the piece embodies the concept of the collection while maintaining a clean and striking look that is always hard to achieve,” says Kothari. “The feedback we get on this design is always that it is a fresh take on a basic hoop and has a lot of presence.”

WHAT THE JUDGES SAY

“Great texture and balance. These would be so fun to wear!” – Tara Silberberg

“Whimsical! Great fun!” – Jenny Luker

“Simple is difficult. These earrings are elegant, quiet and wearable.” – Paul Schneider

“Loving earrings that incorporate modern elements with mobile silhouettes. So chic.” – Danielle Miele

2ND PLACE – TIE
(Silver Jewelry Category)

K. Mita

Flexible ombré earrings from the Sand Dune collection in 18K yellow gold, 14K green gold, argentium and oxidized sterling silver

$1,120

WHAT THE JUDGES SAY

“I like the texture, finish and feeling of movement in these earrings. The transition between the gold and silver is visually appealing.” – Amanda Gizzi

“Beautiful combo of colors and textures. Would love to see in person.” – Tara Silberberg

2ND PLACE – TIE
(Silver Jewelry Category)

Aida Bergsen

One-of- a-kind Fauna earrings handcrafted in 18K yellow gold, oxidized silver and enamel with diamonds and rose-cut diamonds (2.62 TCW)

$14,200

WHAT THE JUDGES SAY

“Flowers never go out of style and these are beautifully designed.” – Amanda Gizzi

“I love the oxidized silver in these, really makes them pop and look more Tim Burton and less botanical garden.” – Tara Silberberg

“Wow. Amazing workmanship, design and use of materials. Super complicated but extremely wearable.” – Paul Schneider

RETAILER’S CHOICE
(Silver Jewelry Category)

Ed Levin Jewelry

Encore earrings in sterling silver

$198

“Very popular with young and older shoppers alike.” – Mary Kay Koerner, Appalachian Spring, Washington, DC

“Great movement with sculptural design. I think the style works for many categories.”

– Maria Aguirre, Benold’s Jewelers, Austin TX