Winners in the U.S. Division are as follows:
President’s Trophy. This top prize is given to the piece deemed the most beautiful and original design concept that is well made, celebrates pearls, and leaves a lasting impression of pearls as must have gems.
Winner: Echo earrings in 14k white gold and 14k, 18k, and 22k yellow gold with an ombré effect of white Akoya pearls graduating in size and color into golden South Sea pearls (22 total) with 2.40 cts. t.w. diamonds by Adam Neeley Designs.
Luster Award These winning pieces represent the evolution of best-selling pearl jewelry designs bearing covetable and marketable concepts with wide appeal for the marketplace. New for 2022: these pieces must retail for $3,000 or less.
Winner: Amor ring in 22k gold with a 17.23 mm South Sea Mabé pearl by Amanda Rich of Stratford & Isabella, $3,000 retail
Visionary Award for Classic Styles. This winning piece is attractive, creative, and salable, championing a fresh look for an iconic pearl style – strands, studs, bracelets, or a ring – to help change the dated perception of pearls in the market. Tie!
Winner 1: Harmony ring in 18k yellow gold with a 15.58 x 13.54 mm white cultured South Sea pearl, 1.27 cts. t.w. G-color, VS-clarity diamonds, and 0.65 ct. t.w. black color-enhanced diamonds by Robin Callahan Designs
Winner 2: Daphne Toi & Moi ring in 18k yellow gold with a 13 by 13 mm button-shape golden South Sea pearl, a 9.14 ct. carved peridot, 1.47 cts. t.w. akoya pearls, and 0.42 ct. t.w. diamonds by Stella Flame Jewelry
Wedding Day Pearls. These winning pieces best capture what a contemporary bride or groom might wear on their wedding day.
Winner: Lacey necklace in 18k yellow gold with white South Sea pearls, 13.26 cts. t.w. pink sapphires, and 6.21 cts. t.w. pink sapphires by Aloha Pearls
Fashion Award. This winning piece features a creative compilation of materials fashioned into a youthful, high-fashion, and original pearl jewelry design that looks as if it came straight from a Paris runway.
Winner: Geometric earrings in 18k rose gold with akoya pearls, cultured freshwater pearls, and ceramic beads by Tariq Riaz Jewelry
Spotlight Award – Multicolor Pearls for 2023. This category focuses on designs where 75 percent of the piece features a combination of three or more colors of any variety of pearl. The design should be attractive, clever, challenge the traditional-looking pearl jewelry aesthetic, entice a non-pearl-lover to start collecting, and serve as a celebration of the many different colors of pearls.
