1ST PLACE: CHRISTOPHER DESIGNS
Ladies platinum and diamond signature cocktail ring pave-set with round diamonds (0.55 TCW) and center 10.05-carat L’Amour Crisscut diamond flanked by two fancy cut diamonds (approx. 1.40 TCW)
$946,000
Sometimes the star of a jewelry design is the motif, sometimes it’s the combination of metals or gemstones … and sometimes, the star is a stunningly cut diamond, as in this cocktail ring by Christopher Designs. The unique L’Amour Crisscut, developed by company founder Christopher Slowinski, resembles an emerald cut diamond but is significantly more shallow, providing superior light performance and a silhouette size up to 50 percent larger than standard cuts.
Of course, when the diamond is already 10-plus carats in size, it already looks really big.
“This platinum mounting shows off the L’Amour Crisscut to its best advantage and is durable enough that the owner wouldn’t need to worry about it,” says Michael O’Connor, the company’s chief marketing officer. “Of course, this piece is a showstopper, but it perfectly illustrates the superior qualities of our proprietary diamond cut. Additionally, although this style is aspirational, a Christopher Designs engagement ring featuring a L’Amour Crisscut diamond can be very attainable for most couples, starting at approximately $2,700 and providing a couple with both a superior-looking diamond and a more impressive silhouette.”
WHAT THE JUDGES SAY
LU: This unique cocktail ring is perfect for a special occasion. I have a weakness for a creative diamond cut like this L’Amour Crisscut diamond in platinum setting. Christopher Designs definitely deserves 1st place in the Platinum category!
EH: I absolutely love the cut of this diamond. It is a big ring that has quite a bit of softness and elegance to it, which can be missing in a ring with a stone of this size.
RS: A magnificent platinum and diamond ring.
JJ: I mean, simply, wowza!
2ND PLACE: PAMELA FROMAN
Roman Empire platinum ring with four scroll arches supporting a 3.74-carat octagonal cut Csarite with diamond pavé and diamond accents (0.45 TCW)
$15,000
WHAT THE JUDGES SAY
JJ: Overall, there are traditional aspects to a traditional medium with an overwhelming surprise in design. The unusual center stone and heavy scrollwork take this ring to a new platinum dimension. I especially like the octagon versus rounded layers.
RS: The setting of this ring is spectacular. I feel like I’m in ancient Rome.
3RD PLACE and RETAILER’S CHOICE: LASHBROOK
Men’s platinum band with eternity set Ceylon sapphire accents and a distinctive distressed finish
$5,500
WHAT THE JUDGES SAY
LU: Distressed finish adds glamour to this platinum band and Ceylon sapphires soften this masculine design and add a touch of subtle color.
JJ: This piece speaks to my wish that more men would wear stones in their wedding bands. Sapphire-studded side rims offer the perfect opportunity. RS: A beautiful men’s platinum ring.
HONORABLE MENTION: UNEEK FINE JEWELRY
Signature collection 5.85-carat pear-shaped diamond housed in diamond double halo platinum pendant hanging from platinum chain featuring round bezels alternating with navette-shaped openwork filigree stations
$200,116