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Jewelry Designer Wins International Pearl Design Competition for 6th Time

The winning category was Visionary Award for Classic Styles.

Published

5 years ago

January 27, 2020

INSTORE Staff

Jewelry Designer Wins International Pearl Design Competition for 6th Time

Adjustable chain from 18-19”; Round brilliant diamonds 0.70ctw, SI-H

(PRESS RELEASE) Brenda Smith has a love affair with pearls as confirmed by her numerous awards with the International Pearl Design Competition sponsored by the Cultured Pearl Association of America.

The winning category was Visionary Award for Classic Styles. As defined by the Cultured Pearl Association, this winning piece is attractive, creative, and salable, championing a fresh look for an iconic pearl style—strands, studs, bracelets, or a ring—to help change the dated perception of pearls in the market. Winner: Chimera pendant necklace in 18k white gold with freshwater pearls and diamonds by Brenda Smith of Brenda Smith Jewelry. Brenda describes “Chimera” as a thing which is hoped for but is illusory.

The design inspiration came first from my love of pearls. Secondly, I enjoy designing jewelry that is unexpected from traditional pearl jewelry. Pendants are very versatile and pearls compliment any ensemble. For this design, more is better incorporating a lush pearl design, like a cluster of bubbles, accented with the sparkle of diamonds.

Pearls are Chinese fresh water, 42 pearls, approximately 40ctw, ranging in size from 4-8mm diameter.

Winners were announced by the Cultured Pearl Association after the judging of the 10th Annual International Pearl Design Competition, in New York City, November, 2019. The judges were Jean Francois Bibet, workshop and production director at Cartier; Nancy Schuring, owner of Devon Fine Jewelry (whose store will show and offer for sale the winning entries and the finalists of Schuring’s choice); Michelle Graff, editor in chief of NationalJeweler.com; and Hector Hassey, jewelry designer of his own same-name firm.

Jean Francois Bibet of Cartier said, “This necklace reminds me of a strand of fine pearls cupped in your hand and forming a new look. It is a perfect example of the definition for the Visionary Award.”

Let’s see what winning pearl visions come from Brenda Smith Jewelry in the future.

Brenda Smith Jewelry features award-winning one-of-a-kind jewelry and unique collections such as Jewelry of Faith, Black ‘n Gold ‘n Diamonds and the new Simply collection. Prices range from $300 and up.

You Wouldn’t Cut Your Own Hair. Why Run Your Own Retirement Sale?

After being in business for over a quarter of a century, Wayne Reid, owner of Wayne Jewelers in Wayne, Pennsylvania, decided it was time for a little “me time.” He says, “I’ve reached a point in my life where it’s time to slow down, enjoy a lot of things outside of the jewelry industry. It just seemed to be the right time.” He chose Wilkerson to handle his retirement sale because of their reputation and results. With financial goals exceeded, Reid says he made the right choice selecting Wilkerson to handle the sale. “They made every effort to push our jewelry to the forefront of the showcases,” he says, lauding Wilkerson for their finesse and expertise. Would he recommend them to other jewelers who want to make room for new merchandise, expand their business or like him, decide to call it a day? Absolutely he says, equating trying to do this kind of sale with cutting your own hair. “The results are going to happen but not as well as if you have a professional like Wilkerson do the job for you.”