Jewelers of America (JA) held its annual national retailer design competition the CASE Awards at the JA New York Winter Show, 1 to 4 March 2014. The awards, open only JA’s retail members and their employees, aim to recognize its retail members who exhibit creativity, artistry, style and excellence in jewellery design. According to the organizer, many of the winning pieces featured handmade elements, bead settings and high quality stones that reflect the vintage style that has become very popular in current jewellery and fashion trends.
From 63 entries winners were selected for six categories: jewellery up to US$2,000, US$2,001-US$5,000, US$5,001-US$10,000, over US$10,000 (retail values); Buyers’ Choice and the newly-added Best in Show.
Abshire and Haylan's Belinda Vartenuk has won Best in Show and the first place in jewellery over US$10,000 with an 18-karat gold earrings set with moonstones, sapphires and diamonds. (Photo)
“Jewelers of America’s CASE Awards retail design competition is the only national platform that showcases the craft and creativity of independent jewelers,” said JA president and CEO David Bonaparte. “We congratulate all the CASE Award entrants, as they exemplify the talent and fine craftsmanship found in Jewelers of America-member stores nationwide,” he added.
A judging panel of JA’s in-house experts and four industry experts judged the entries in a specific area of concentration. Judges included Marc Adwar from Adwar Casting, Cindy Edelstein from Jewelers Resource Bureau, editor-in-chief of National JewelerMichelle Graff, and Malak Atut from Zaiken Jewelry. Voting in the category of Buyers’ Choice was open to all JA New York attendees with a separate ballot.
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