Designers Donate Signature Pieces to GIA

Staff -- JCK Online, 3/1/2004 2:00:00 AM

Internationally renowned jewelry designers Stephen Webster, Tamara Comolli, Katey Brunini, and Paula Crevoshay each have donated a signature gift to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The four new custom pieces will become part of the GIA Signature Collection, one of several themed collections on display in the exhibit "From the Vault: Gifts to Our Collection" featured in the Mikimoto Rotunda at GIA world headquarters in Carlsbad, Calif.

Webster, a London-based designer and recipient of several international awards, contributed an 18k gold "Crystal Haze Classic" ring set with a black goldstone and a faceted quartz doublet.

Comolli donated a bangle bracelet set with three star-cut diamonds from the Curriculum Vitae Collection, her first design. Brunini donated a sterling silver cuff bracelet set with white baroque-shaped South Sea cultured pearls (13 mm) from her Twig Collection.

Crevoshay, an award-winning designer whose works can be found in the Smithsonian and other museums, contributed "Sandia Sunset," an interchangeable brooch, pendant, or necklace/bracelet clasp that can also accommodate a pearl drop or briolette. The 18k gold setting, built around a 6.18-ct. black opal, is enhanced with two round faceted 1.18-ct. Mandarin garnets from Namibia, a 0.50-ct. square Burmese red spinel, a 1.25-ct. round Ceylon sapphire, and eight round diamonds totaling 0.99 ct.