1ST PLACE: K. BRUNINI
Twig cuff in 18K yellow and rose gold and black oxidized sterling silver with rustic diamonds (10.81 TCW) and green beryl fancy cut crystal
$44,750
The celebration of life and nature at the heart of K. Brunini’s Eating Watermelon in the Black Forest collection is immediately apparent in this Twig cuff. The green beryl covers the oxidized sterling silver “twig” like moss, with the rustic diamonds serving as earth and bark. The wearer would certainly be transported to the piece’s namesake Black Forest, or to the woods of their youth.
“I find collectors to be desperately craving the authentically unique,” says Brunini. “Pieces with soul, true artisanship, and a real story to back it up.”
As to how each piece was chosen to enter into the awards competition, Brunini says her team votes democratically, and that she carries the Declaration of Independence in her purse.
WHAT THE JUDGES SAY
Regina Sigman: This cuff takes my breath away. I adore the textural aspect of the silver further enhanced by the rose gold. I absolutely love rustic diamonds. K. Brunini is a jewelry magician.
Julie Horowitz Jackson: What a beautiful choice of color between the oxidized silver, the green beryl with hints of yellow gold, and those delicious diamonds! A solid statement piece through and through.
Ellen Hertz: I love everything about this cuff! The color of the stones, the cut of the stones, the different metals and its size and texture. Truly a statement piece that can be rocked with jeans and a t-shirt as well as worn with an elegant black gown.
2ND PLACE: Martha Seely Design
Antares Post oxidized sterling silver earrings from the Shooting Stars collection, each set with a 7mm blue moonstone with blue and gray diamonds and tiny sterling star set with a diamond,
$3,025
WHAT THE JUDGES SAY
Regina Sigman: Oxidized silver with diamonds and blue moonstones with the little star drop! OOOOH! I love earrings that need to be worn either right or left. These beauties are special.
Jennifer Gandia: A mash-up between the celestial and geometric trends that just works! These are bold and fun, and that little dangle will give just the right amount of movement when worn.
3RD PLACE: K. MIta
Shoreline cuff bracelet from the Sand Dune collection in 18K yellow gold, 14K green gold and oxidized sterling silver with diamonds( 0.26 TCW)
$4,380
WHAT THE JUDGES SAY
Julie Horowitz Jackson: The undulations in this piece are just lovely. From the crashing of the diamond surf against the golden sands, to the topographic layers of oxidized sterling, this cuff takes me straight to the sea. Exactly where this city girl needs to be.
Regina Sigman: Beautiful silver and gold cuff; great for everyday wear.
RETAILERS’ CHOICE: E.L. Designs by Ed Levin Studio
Fiddlehead bracelet in sterling silver from the Essence collection with 6mm faceted blue topaz and hand-hammered detail
$352
HONORABLE MENTION: KIR
Stupa Drusy Ring in sterling silver featuring a drusy surrounded by a stupa-inspired dot texture finish
$240
HONORABLE MENTION: HEAVENLY VICES
Corset cuff from the Carnival collection with diamonds (0.09 TCW) and silver,
$1,980
HONORABLE MENTION: PAMELA ZAMORE
Lotus hinged bangle in hand-finished sterling silver
$900