Winners Announced at Inaugural 'JNA Jewellery Design Competition'

Some of the finalists for the JNA Jewellery Design Competition

The winners of a new competition dedicated to design were announced Thursday during the June Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair.

The name of the awards program is the JNA Jewellery Design Competition for 2018/19.  The winners were named at a press event during the fair’s opening day attended by officials representing Informa Markets and JNA magazine, and corporate sponsors, Crossfor Co Ltd, Platinum Guild International (PGI) and the Tahitian Pearl Association Hong Kong (TPAHK).  The competition celebrates artistry, innovation and excellence in jewelry design and production.

Organizers and sponsors of the JNA Jewellery Design Competition during the announcement of the winners at the June Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair

The winners of the JNA Jewellery Design Competition 2018/19 are as follows:

* Dancing Stone Category – New Fashion Tech - “Heptagram” by Mami Ochiai of Japan

* Platinum Category – Platinum Attitude - “Star Lingers” by Liang Fan of China

* Tahitian Pearl Category – Asymmetric Perfection - “The Leonidas Man” set by Alessio Boschi of Italy

The winners will be featured at an awards presentation during at the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair. Each winner will also receive a cash prize of $2,000, and have their creations showcased at the June and September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fairs.

The Leonidas Man by Alessio Boschi, one of the winners of the JNA Jewellery Design Competition

The competition’s judging panel was led by jewelry designer Fei Liu, who served as chair. He was joined by jewelry designer Robert Tateossian, visual artist Bradley Theodore, and publisher and editor-in-chief of the JNA group, Christie Dang. The three category judges were Hidetaka Dobashi, founder and CEO of Crossfor, Suzanne Wong, senior product manager of PGI, and Ida Wong, general manager of TPAHK.

The winners were selected out of 15 finalists across three categories, and evaluated against the criteria set by the organizers as well as the entries’ adherence to the respective themes. Of the 15 finalists, five were from China; three were from Taiwan; with the rest from Bulgaria, Egypt, Iran, Italy, Japan, Malaysia and the U.S.

The competition drew 2,588 entries from jewelry designers and students from 39 countries and regions.

Charriol to Become Alor in Rebranding Effort

Alor's new advertising campaign.

The parent company of cable jewelry company Charriol USA is taking back its name. 

Alor International Ltd., said it is returning to its roots with a name change back to Alor. Founded in 1979 by Jack and Sandy Zemer, Alor designs, creates and manufactures stainless steel cable, 18k gold and diamond jewelry collections and timepieces (which debuted in 2013). Jack is the chief designer. It was branded as Alor jewelry from 1979-1992. In 1992, the name changed to Charriol to reflect the company's relationship with Philippe Charriol International. 

The new name will be supported by a multi-tiered advertising and marketing campaign beginning in March. 

In March, the name will appear in case displays, signage and support materials where its products are sold, which includes Nordstrom, Holt Renfrew, Sidney Thomas and hundreds of independent jewelers in the US, Canada, Caribbean and Mexico. It’s also in more than two dozen independent jewelry stores in Australia. 

In April, Alor will debut a new national ad campaign featuring model Noot Seear photographed by Justin Coit that will attempt to appeal to younger customers. Jack says the new campaign has “a current, relevant and fashionable feel.” The print campaign will appear in Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Town & Country, Elle Canada, Niche Media publications and regional fashion media. 

The brand’s official re-launch will be on exhibit at Couture at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas at the end of May.

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Luxury Jewelry Holiday Gifts For Procrastinators

Best-known as Angelina Jolie’s jewelry design partner, Robert Procop has created a colorful interpretation of Paris’ most famous monument, the Eiffel Tower. The diamond and gem expert, and luxury jeweler created a ring made of white gold and amethyst topped with a 50.83-carat aquamarine. The Eiffel Tower ring is available at, Robert Procop private locations in Beverly Hills, Geneva and Hong Kong.

There’s only eight shopping days left before Christmas and you still have no idea what to give your loved one. It’s difficult to go wrong with luxury jewelry as a gift for the holidays. However, choosing that will make your loved one swoon is difficult because tastes in fine baubles are personal and there are endless choices available for every need.

This one-of-kind fringe necklace by Graff has 69.40-carats of diamonds and 108.10-carats of rubies. The price is available upon request at Graff Diamonds boutiques.

The 10 pieces of jewelry I provide include one-of-a-kind high jewelry creations, pieces that can be worn throughout the day and fine designer pieces. They include items made of diamonds, colored gems and pearls. There’s even a colored-enhanced diamond ring.

Emerald and diamond earrings from gem and jewelry company, Omi Privé, are handcrafted with 13.06 total carats of pear-shaped emeralds accented with 1.05 carats of brilliant diamond rounds set in platinum. The suggested retail price is $225,000. Visit www.omiprive.com to find a retailer.

Prices range from “If you have to ask” to more affordable pieces. When available I listed the price and where the item can be purchased. Hopefully these gifts ideas can help you procrastinators buy something appropriate before it’s too late. I provided the price and availability for most of the pieces.

The Exclusive Collection Double Strand Tahitian Pearl Necklace by Mastoloni is made of Tahitian Pearls (12-14mm) secured with a diamond encrusted clasp set with 18k white gold. It has a suggested retail price of $42,500. To find a retailer, visit www.mastoloni.com.

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The Ruby Divine Ring by Martin Katz features a 2.56-carat natural cushion shape ruby microset with 336 round diamonds and 26 round rubies set in 18k white gold. Price is available upon request at the Martin Katz Beverly Hills boutique.

Amethyst and diamond earrings by jewelry designer and manufacturer, Miiori, are centered with two amethysts stones (8.19-carats) and 5.73cts of white diamonds set in 18k white gold. It retails for $17,275.

Venetian Rose Windows Earrings by Italian jewelry designer, Bizzotto, are made of 18k white and rose gold, diamonds and pink sapphires. Suggested retail price is $8,740.

The Petales Entrelaces Petits Pétales bracelet from Montblanc’s Princess Grace collection is a delicate and discreet pink gold piece of jewelry that can be throughout the day and for any occasion. It is available at Montblanc boutiques throughout the world.

The Etoile de Vie Ring by Mauboussin features a pair of 18k white gold stars, one topped with white mother of pearl alongside a second covered in pavé diamonds. It retails for $2,100 and is available at the Mauboussin boutique on Madison Avenue, New York.

Natural pink diamonds are among the most sought after in the world. Fiamma Jewelry has developed a proprietary technology to create color-enhanced pink diamonds. The Beverly ring is centered with a 1.3-carat cushion-cut diamond surrounded by 82 round brilliant pink and white diamonds mounted in 14k white and pink gold. It retails for $6,799. To find retailers visit fiammajewelry.com.

Rare Gems, Fine Diamonds and Shimmering Gold on Display at JCK Las Vegas

Outside the entrance of JCK Las Vegas on opening day.

The first day of JCK Las Vegas, the largest of the nine jewelry tradeshows that set up camp at Sin City, started off slow on May 31 but quickly picked up as buyers filled the aisles of the Mandalay Bay Convention Center during the next two days.

On display was everything under the sun for the jewelry industry, from jewelry-making equipment to finished jewelry from well-known brands and less-familiar names whose pieces fill jewelry store shelves throughout the country.

Below are several examples of some of the jewelry that was available at five-day event. The first nine examples were from a grouping of exhibitors known as the Prestige Promenade—international designers and manufacturers who mostly specialize in high-end jewelry and deal directly with the trade. You may not know their names but you have seen their jewelry. The remaining companies consist of more familiar brand names.

Alexandrite and diamond ring handcrafted with a 2.69 carat oval alexandrite center stone accented with 0.52 carats of round alexandrites and 0.62 carats of brilliant diamond rounds set in platinum by Omi Prive.

A cross of a peacock feather and a fishbone in 18k White gold earrings with round brilliant-cut diamonds and ruby stone studded in and engraved yellow gold by Bapalal Keshavlal.
 

Blue sapphire pave drop and blue sapphire tassel earrings by Mariani 1878.

18k yellow gold link necklace by Old World Chain.

Emerald hoop earrings in 18k white gold and diamonds by Facet Barcelona.

Earrings featuring a central round diamond surrounded by emeralds and diamond-covered petals in 18k gold by Picchiotti.

Diamonds and white gold petal earrings and ring by Universal Jewellery Design Centre.

Yellow 14k hand-crafted pendant necklace by I. Reiss.

 
Yellow gold ring covered in colored gemstones by Ramon.

Le Vian Chocolate Cravings ring in rose gold with its trademarked “chocolate” and “vanilla” diamonds set in “strawberry” gold. 

From Galatea’s new "Pearlfection" collection, a hand-carved, tear-drop shaped Tahitian pearl set in 14k yellow gold. This piece is one of 20 new styles created by Chi Huynh, founder of Galatea. The pearls take the form of acorns, lotus buds and tulips.

An elaborate yellow and white diamond necklace and matching earrings by L’Dezen.

The iconic Effy Panther in diamonds and emeralds set in 14k rose gold from the brand’s Signature collection.

Love Beads bracelet made of Swarovski crystals by Chamilia.

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PPR Acquires Chinese Fine Jewelry Brand Qeelin

On Wednesday in New York, François-Henri Pinault, chairman and CEO of PPR, told me he was in the market for more jewelry and watch brands for the luxury portion of the international holdings company’s portfolio. In particular he was looking at the fast-growing Asian market (which almost always means China). What he didn’t tell me was how close he was to making a deal. Sunday, the French company said it acquired a majority stake in the Chinese fine jewelry brand Qeelin. The transaction is expected to be finalized in January 2013.

Qeelin describes itself as a company that “embraces the mythical essence of China’s cultural heritage with the excellence of French craftsmanship” through contemporary fine jewelry design. It interprets mythical and superstitious Chinese symbols as contemporary jewels. Founded in 2004 by Chinese designer, Dennis Chan, and French entrepreneur, Guillaume Brochard, the brand operates 14 boutiques (seven in Mainland China, four in Hong Kong and three in Europe). Its jewelry can also be found in trendy multi-brand stores, such as Colette in Paris, and Restir in Tokyo.

Pinault, said Qeelin “shows strong growth potential in China and beyond. We thus have great ambitions for the brand and will make it benefit from our expertise and know-how, so that it can speed up its development.”

PPR operates brands in the luxury and “Sport & Lifestyle” markets specializing in apparel and accessories. Distributed in more than 120 countries, PPR generated revenues of €12.2 billion ($15.7 billion) in 2011. Its brands are Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Yves Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Brioni, Stella McCartney, Sergio Rossi, Boucheron, Girard-Perregaux, JeanRichard, Puma, Volcom, Cobra, Electric, Tretorn and Fnac.

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The 2012 Niche Award Winners for Jewelry Design

Cityscape Lisa Hawthorne, the winner in the gold jewelry with stones category. 

The annual Niche Awards, which honors the best in contemporary design by American and Canadian artisans, were presented February 18 during a ceremony at the Buyers Market of American Craft tradeshow in Philadelphia.

Professionals and college students received awards in several categories including gold, silver and gemstone jewelry; fashion accessories; fiber arts and quilts; baskets; blown, fused and cast glass; metalwork; outdoor art; tables and seating; cabinetry; and teapots.
The awards competition, in its 22nd year is sponsored by Niche magazine, which serves retailers of American-made and Canadian-made gift and art products.

You can view the winners in the jewelry categories by following this link.

PROFESSIONAL WINNERS:

Fashion Jewelry, Penelope Bracelet, Kathleen Nowak Tucci 

Fine Jewelry, Mizu Wave Ring, Andrea Williams

Gold Jewelry, Circus, Circus, Pierre-Yves Paquette

 Gold Jewelry with Stones, Cityscape, Lisa Hawthorne

Jewelry Sculpture to Wear, Reconfiguring the Ordinary: Twist Looped and Linked, Yong Joo Kim

Silver Jewelry, Collar, Michael and Maureen Banner.

Silver Jewelry with Stones, Le Mirage, Aleksandra Vali

Wedding Jewelry, Cell Band Wedding Set, Emily Johnson

STUDENT WINNERS:

Fashion Jewelry, Summer Dream, Leeyeon Yoo

Fine Jewelry, Beautiful Coexistence, Hyangmi Kim

Jewelry Sculpture to Wear, Garden of Eden - Haircomb, Kristopher Leinen