The awards recognize outstanding design.
(Press Release) NEW YORK, NY – Jewelers of America has announced the winners of its 27th annual CASE Awards jewelry design competition.
The CASE Awards recognize JA Retail Members who exhibit creativity, artistry, style and excellence in jewelry design. The winning entries were slated to be on display at Jewelers of America’s booth #1866 at the JA New York Show, March 12-14, at the Jacob Javits Center.
Winners were selected from 58 entries from JA Retail Members in five categories: Jewelry to $2,000, $2,001 to $5,000, $5,001 to $10,000, $10,001 to $50,000 (retail values) and, for the first time, a “People’s Choice” award determined by the public’s votes. Voting for the “People’s Choice” took place at JA’s website, www.jewelers.org, March 6-10 and garnered over 4,500 votes.
“The CASE Awards exemplifies the talent and fine craftsmanship found in the stores of JA Member jewelers nationwide,” said David J. Bonaparte, JA president and CEO. “We are excited that the the new ‘People’s Choice’ CASE Award generated so much enthuasism and gave even more exposure to the skill and creativity of Jewelers of America members.”
The 2017 CASE Awards winners:
Jewelry Up to $2,000
The Gem Vault
Flemington, NJ
Designed by Sharon Curtiss-Gal
A 14K white gold jellyfish pendant featuring an Ethiopian opal (2.12 ctw) with a line of pave set round diamonds, and prong set diamonds scattered throughout the jellyfish tentacle (SI1 clarity, G-H color).
Jewelry $2,001 to $5,000
Aucoin Hart Jewelers
Metairie, LA
Designed by David White
Diamond and sapphire earrings set with two 8.5 mm pearls, round sapphires (0.60 ctw) and round brilliant cut diamonds (0.43 ctw) set in 18K white gold.
Jewelry $5,001 to $10,000
White & Ivory
Leesburg, VA
Designed by Avalina
18K rose gold ring with Black Australian doublet opal, marquise blue sapphire (0.53 ctw) and round brilliant diamonds (0.12 ctw).
Jewelry $10,001 to $50,000
The Gem Vault
Flemington, NJ
Designed by Sharon Curtiss-Gal
14K white gold necklace containing a 5.89 marquise shape Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline. Diamond strands connects four flower stations containing pave set Brazilian paraibas and diamonds. Total weight of the diamonds is 3.08ct , VS-SI1 clarity, F-G color.
“People’s Choice” Winner
Christian Caine Design
Shepherdstown, WV
Designed by Christopher Rankin
Milano pendant in 14K rose gold and includes 28 round ideal cut diamonds of varying weights (0.90 ctw) shown on a 22 inch adjustable cable chain.
The winners in the four price categories were determined by a panel of design experts who evaluated the entries on the following criteria: overall design, marketability, practicality/wearability and quality of manufacture. Judges included Natalie Bos Betteridge, Jewels du Jour; Amy Elliott, JCK Contributing Writer and About.com Engagement RIngs Editor; Severine Ferrari, Engagement 101; Amanda Gizzi, Jewelers of America; Michelle Graff, National Jeweler; and Maria Tsangaropoulos, GIA Jewelry Manufacturing Arts instructor.
Jewelers of America awards $500 cash prizes for first-place winners of the four retail value categories and $500 worth of Facebook advertising for the winner of the “People’s Choice” CASE Award. All five winners will receive a customized CASE Award trophy, national and local media coverage, and a feature in National Jeweler magazine.
The 2017 CASE Awards were sponsored by Synchrony Financial. The CASE Awards is open only to employees of JA Retail Member companies. For more information about the competition and to view the Winner’s Photo Gallery, visit www.jewelers.org/caseawards or contact Jewelers of America’s Member Services at (800) 223-0673.
JA is a national trade association for businesses serving the fine jewelry marketplace.