INSTORE Design Awards 2023 – COUTURE’S Choice Award for INSTORE

Published

11 months ago

May 30, 2023

INSTORE Staff

INSTORE teamed up with COUTURE, organized by Emerald X and one of most renowned names in high-end jewelry shows, to make a category that captures the coveted COUTURE aesthetic: high-end, innovative designer fine jewelry featuring exceptional craftsmanship and representing the highest level of artistic expression. Any entrant who has not been a COUTURE exhibitor since 2018 and did not plan to exhibit in 2023 was eligible to receive the COUTURE’s Choice Award for INSTORE. To choose the artisan, COUTURE show representatives scrutinized the Voting Guide in the April issue. Their choice? Rachel Atherley of the eponymous firm receives the first COUTURE’s Choice Award for INSTORE for her Talisman Charm Chain necklace, which also took First Place in the Best Necklace Over $5,000 category. Atherley also nabbed two other First Place awards.

Morgan Miller, senior account executive, and Elana Cutler, show manager:

This Rachel Atherley necklace is the culmination of design sensibility juxtaposed with individualized expression. From the gemstones to the silhouettes, this one-of-a-kind piece highlights a unique point of view from concept to craftsmanship.

INSTORE Design Awards 2023 – COUTURE’S Choice Award for INSTORE

One-of-a-Kind Talisman Charm Chain necklace in recycled 14K and 18K gold with owl, feather, stingray, scarab, butterfly, and lily pad motifs with pink tourmaline, amethyst, blue sapphire, chrysoprase, labradorite, aquamarine, Peruvian opal and rhodochrosite, $10,410

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”