BIG COOL

Wildlike New, York City, NY

Alysa Teichman is an owner and vice-president of business development for Ylang 23 in Dallas as well as owner and founder of Wildlike. Teichman describes Wildlike as the perfect marriage between luxury jewelry and the edge of tattoo and piercing culture. Judges say it’s rare to see a brand so confident in its voice, and even rarer when that voice makes you want to join the party. Wildlike’s branding has taken something that could feel intimidating and turned it into a safe, fun, and seriously stylish experience.

Long’s Jewelers, Boston, MA

Long’s Jewelers, owned by Judd and Craig Rottenberg, delivers a chic, modern retail experience that stands out. Long’s is what real luxury feels like, judges say. It’s understated, flawless, and delivered with absolute confidence. The tagline ‘Long Live Love’ is a stroke of marketing genius; it seamlessly weaves together the timeless essence of love with the enduring legacy of Long’s Jewelers.

Rumanoff’s Jewelers, Hamden, CT

Doug and Leslie Rumanoff turned a tired building into a thoughtfully designed jewelry space that’s warm, modern and impressive. The relaxed, fun vibe of the bar adds to the overall experience, making the store feel approachable and enjoyable. What really sets Rumanoff’s apart, though, is its creative, out-of-the-box marketing, judges say.

REEDS Jewelers, Wilmington, NC

REEDS Jewelers’ 9,000-square-foot flagship store is the company’s first Landmark location, a designation meant to set a new standard for luxury and a commitment to redefining experiential retail. Alan Zimmer is president and CEO of the family-run business, founded in 1946. Judges say it’s impressive to see a retailer with such a long history remain so current and forward-thinking, citing the company’s commitment to digital and technological advancements.

Consider the Wldflwrs, Nashville, TN

Founded by Emily Eggebrecht, Considr the Wldflwrs was born from a desire to create heirloom-quality pieces that stand the test of time. Judges say the business manages to blend creative artistry with deep emotional intelligence. It captures the essence of a fresh, young, and modern brand, from the beautifully designed store and website to the stunning photography.

SMALL COOL

Everglow Jewelry Tampa, FL

Everglow stands out for the personal and thoughtful experience it offers. Owner Derrick Pyke designed the store himself and put his heart into it, creating a welcoming, unique and design-forward store. Judges say the space is bright and airy and feels roomy and inviting. A focus on sustainability and repurposing materials adds even more meaning to each piece of jewelry.

The Diamond Reserve, Austin, TX

Kaeleigh Testwuide founded The Diamond Reserve in Denver, and, with the collaboration of executive administrator Erin Kurtz, opened a second location of the appointment-only business focused on custom engagement rings. Judges say The Diamond Reserve brings authenticity and emotion to the customer journey and simplifies the buying process, which builds customer trust.

Dransfield Jewelers, Richmond, VA

Jeweler Caitie Sellers and curator Maggie Smith bought Dransfield Jewelers from its founder, Dan Dransfield, in 2022. The duo host six annual exhibitions featuring conceptual art jewelry in a space within the store dubbed The Jewelry Box. Judges say Dransfield blends legacy and modern design in a thoughtful way and redefines what jewelry retail can be: artful, inclusive, and deeply personal.

La Maison d’Or Jewellers, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

La Maison d’Or, owned by Brent Harden, has a story rich in tradition, personality, and soul. From the Italian inspired architecture to the memorable anniversary celebrations, the store blends heritage with innovation in a way that feels authentic and lasting. Judges also site the company’s support for local charities and the supply-chain transparency of sourcing Canadian diamond mines “From Mine to Finger.”

Rox Jewelers, Decatur, GA

Rox Jewelers is stylish, unique and approachable with an attention to detail in interior design that reflects the artistry of owner Rakhi Narwani’s custom jewelry designs. At 900 square feet, the space is small, but every inch is used thoughtfully. Noteworthy is the floral arch and bistro seating in front of the store, which creates a social-media scene for clients while at the same time extending the store’s vibes beyond the front door.