THE INSTORE DESIGN AWARDS 2019 – Winners Announced!

Published

5 years ago

May 9, 2019

Trace Shelton

Jewelry design is the lifeblood of our industry, and those on its forefront are constantly challenging the status quo, pushing boundaries in creativity and wowing jewelry lovers with their skill and passion. These are the creators we seek to honor with the INSTORE Design Awards.

For 2019, we expanded our categories from eight to 25, allowing designers more freedom to enter the best category for each piece. And we received more than 171 entries as a result. In order to determine the best of the best, we recruited a judges panel composed of nine retailers, all of whose businesses carry multiple designer lines, to vote on their favorite jewelry in a “blind voting” process. We also opened voting to all North American jewelry retailers online at instoremag.com, where more than 9,300 votes were cast to decide the “Retailer’s Choice” winner in each category.

And finally, as we have since our competition began, we recognize one up-and-coming designer who embodies the inventive spirit so long encouraged by our former colleague Cindy Edelstein, who passed away in 2016.

Now, turn the page and see the very best that our industry has to offer. Who knows, maybe you’ll find your next hot-selling line right here in this story!

The 2019 INSTORE Design Awards Grand Prize Winner

The Cindy Edelstein Memorial Emerging Designer Award

Best Diamond Jewelry
(Under $10,000)

Best Diamond Jewelry
(Over $10,000)

Best Colored Stone Jewelry
(Under $10,000)

Best Colored Stone Jewelry
(Over $10,000)

Best Pearl Jewelry
(Under $5,000)

Best Pearl Jewelry
(Over $5,000)

Best Gold Jewelry
(Under $5,000)

Best Gold Jewelry
(Over $5,000)

Best Silver Jewelry
(Under $1,000)

Best Silver Jewelry
(Over $1,000)

Alternative Materials

Best Platinum Jewelry

Best Engagement and Wedding Jewelry
(Under $5,000)

Best Engagement and Wedding Jewelry
(Over $5,000)

Best Ring
(Under $5,000)

Best Ring
(Over $5,000)

Best Necklaces
(Under $5,000)

Best Necklaces
(Over $5,000)

Best Bracelet
(Under $5,000)

Best Bracelet
(Over $5,000)

Best Earring
(Under $5,000)

Best Earring
(Over $5,000)

Best Men’s Jewelry

Best Statement Piece

Best Colored Diamond Jewelry

THE JUDGES

THE INSTORE DESIGN AWARDS 2019 – Winners Announced!

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.”