Editor’s Note
The Jewelers of America has revealed the winners of the 36th annual CASE Awards, recognizing outstanding jewelry designers for their skill and innovation. Selected by a panel of experts based on design, marketability, originality, and craftsmanship, the competition featured over 120 entries across eight categories. Best in Show honors were also awarded to one retailer and one supplier entry.
Jewelers of America (JA) has announced the winners of the 36th annual CASE Awards, which honor jewelry designers who show exceptional skill and innovation.
A panel of design experts selected the winners based on overall design, marketability, originality, and quality of craftsmanship, JA said last week. The competition drew more than 120 entries across eight categories, divided into price range and membership type. One retailer and a supplier entry also received prizes in the Best in Show category.
The winning designs ranged from a $780 sculptured dragon ring to a $68,000 ring with two rose-cut bullet and pavé diamonds. All winners will receive a customized trophy and media exposure.
The CASE Awards — short for Creativity, Artistry, Style and Excellence — are open exclusively to employees of JA member companies. The awards are sponsored by Synchrony.
Retailer: Jewelry up to $5,000
Atelier Mythique
New York, New York
Designed by Paola Mounla
La Dragonne, a long three-finger ring and sculpture in sterling silver with 18-karat yellow gold plating featuring blue sapphire eyes.
Retailer: Jewelry $5,001 to $10,000
Susan Eisen Fine Jewelry and Watches
El Paso, Texas
Designed by Susan Eisen, G.G.
An 18-karat yellow gold watermelon tourmaline crystal brooch with natural diamonds and pink and green round natural tourmalines.
Retailer: Jewelry $10,001 to $20,000
Nicole Mera
San Antonio, Texas
Designed by Nikki Swift
A 14-karat yellow gold skull brooch with 7.14 carats of red beryl cabochon, a heart-shaped, 0.21-carat ruby, and baguette and round brilliant diamonds.
Retailer: Jewelry $20,001 to $75,000
Michael Ryan Personal Jeweler
Birmingham, Alabama
Designed by Michael Ryan Snuggs, Patrick Conway and Mark Gronlund
A 12.63-carat pink tourmaline set in 14-karat rose gold with 2.70 carats of diamond rondels and akoya pearls suspending from a strand of pearls.
Retailer Best in Show
Kennedy’s Jewelers
Blue Springs, Missouri
Designed by Trisha Kennedy-Thompson
A yellow gold custom necklace with 201.64 carats of cabochon tourmalines with a variety of pink, green, and bicolor stones, and 6.63 carats of accent diamonds.
Supplier: Jewelry up to $5,000
Loriann Jewelry
Westport, Connecticut
Designed by Lori Friedman
Etheria cluster earrings from the Fantasia collection with diamond slices, Ethiopian opals and red/orange sapphires set in 14-karat yellow gold.
Supplier: Jewelry $5,001 to $10,000
Olga Shatrova
Irvine, California
Designed by Olga Shatrova
The Universe Lives Quietly Within You ring, featuring 2.58 carats of baguette-cut sapphires, 0.74 carats of round sapphires, 0.28 carats of round tsavorites, and 0.97 carats of diamonds.
Supplier: Jewelry $10,001 to $20,000
Jack Ferrero
Los Angeles, California
Designed by Jack Ferrero and Hrachya Harutyunyan
An 18-karat yellow gold ring featuring a pomegranate with enamel artwork and brilliant-cut red rubies.
Supplier: Jewelry $20,001 to $75,000
Hearts On Fire
Boston, Massachusetts
Designed by Yunjo Lee
An 18-karat yellow gold floating necklace named Dream, bearing 4.1 carats of diamonds.
Supplier: Best in Show
Renisis
New York, New York
Designed by Sardwell
Double Bullet diamond ring with two rose-cut bullet diamonds weighing a total of 4.09 carats, pavé diamonds and navy-blue vitreous enamel, in 18-karat yellow gold.
Main image: Some of the winning jewelry designs. (Jewelers of America)
