1ST PLACE: TAP by TODD POWELL
Free In A Cage I8K yellow gold ring set with mixed round diamonds placed in a darkened 14K white cage
$5,680
Every jewelry retailer knows the thrill of sifting through loose cut diamonds, watching the glint and flash of clear facets. As such, they can identify with Pownell and Rosen, who took inspiration for this engagement ring from the experience of opening up a diamond paper and gazing into the parcel of stones gathered inside.
“Our caged rings and pendants come from the desire to capture a group of random loose diamonds into a combined cluster,” says Rosen. “There is a magic potential of loose gems, and the constructed cage is an attempt to capture that initial thrill of viewing.”
The inspiration became finished concept in the form of a “top gem with many gems.” “The construction of the arbitrary cage that holds fast a cluster of loose diamonds while simultaneously showing them from all angles forms its own implied facets. The ring conveys the multi-faceted emotions of excitement, beauty and love,” she adds.
But why a bridal piece? Because a single “gem” is formed from many, says Rosen. “We felt that the uniqueness of the design and the metaphor of one jewel from many made it a dramatic, heartfelt choice for the bridal category.”
WHAT THE JUDGES SAY
EH: In the world of “alternative bridal”, this ring reigns supreme! It is definitely not for the traditionalist or shy woman. Rather, this ring is for a woman who isn’t afraid to say, “Look at me and listen to what I’m saying.” I love it!
JJ: Innovative and aptly named, the pristine sparkle of the diamonds is offset beautifully by the darkened cage. Someone is going to be thrilled to say YES to this one of a kind treasure.
JG: A truly original ring for a client who is unconventional, confident and chic.
RS: Love the surprise of this engagement ring: a juxtaposition of yellow gold, darkened gold and diamonds. It has the element of “this ain’t no ordinary engagement ring”!
2ND PLACE: Sethi Couture
Enchanted Garden ring with white, black and burnt orange diamonds set in 18K white gold with black rhodium finish
$6,789
WHAT THE JUDGES SAY
EH: I love the idea of stacking rings for an engagement/wedding ring statement. It’s unique, it’s versatile, and it really let’s the wearer’s personality show — especially when there are flowers and burnt orange diamonds in the mix! Beautiful.
JJ: This has all the elements of a good stack: texture, ratio, sparkle, color and contrast. Personally, I love a well-placed channel band against a prong or pavé for definition.
RS: A beautiful stack of rings. Love the burnt orange — it’s that fire adding to the spark!
3RD PLACE: Page Sargisson
The Perfect Ring 18K hand-carved diamond ring, featuring 3.32-carat G VVS2 GIA-graded emerald cut diamond
$75,000
WHAT THE JUDGES SAY
JJ: The ratio of the stone to the bezel and then to the band is magnificent in this piece. Equally as lovely is the hand-carved detail against the clean setting and emerald cut.
JG: It can be tough to interpret a classic, but the texture of the band updates the look really well!
RS: Stunning handcarved emerald cut diamond-just wonderful.
RETAILERS’ CHOICE: Uneek Jewelry
14K rose gold Us Collection wedding set with tapered baguette diamonds (0.76 TCW for both ring and band)
$3,528 (center stone not included)
HONORABLE MENTION: MEGAN THORNE
Evergreen solitaire in 18K yellow gold with horizontal set emerald cut diamond (1.00 TCW) and hand carved detail. Evergreen diamond eternity band in 18K yellow gold with diamonds (0.12 TCW) and hand-carved detail.
$9,975 engagement ring, $1,430 wedding band
HONORABLE MENTION: JEWELYRIE
Orchard three-ring set from the Allongé collection featuring rose-cut diamond eternity band three-ring stacking in 18K yellow gold with rose cut diamonds (0.492 TCW) and brilliant cut white diamonds (0.33 TCW)
$4,234 (14K), $4,594 (18K)