Contests

The Independent Jewelers Organization honored three members for their artistic designs and quality workmanship in its jewelry design contest, held at the semiannual International Buying Show in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va., earlier this year.

Claude Dickinson of C.T. Dickinson Jewelers, Dunkirk, Md., won first place in the Under $500 category for articulated silver and 14k gold two-tone earrings, each set with a 1/3-ct. diamond. Glenn Ballard of Ballard & Sons, Fountain Valley, Cal., won in the $500-$1,000 category for his 14k yellow gold tourmaline and diamond earrings. Rick Thomas of Thomas Jewelers, Logan, Utah, won in the Over $1,000 category for his 14k two-tone men’s diamond ring with green and white gold, a 1.60-ct. center diamond and 36 additional diamonds totaling 3.50 carats.

Entries were judged by designers Jose Hess, Nelly Cohen and Nikki Cohen.

Each winner received a $50 gift certificate to the Gemological Institute of America Bookstore, a fancy-cut gemstone of about 5 carats compliments of Joe Menzie Inc., New York City, and a personalized plaque.

In other IJO news, member David Barthau of Barthua Jewellers in Stouff-ville, Ontario, Canada, received the title of Master Graduate Gemologist after completing his final necessary workshops at the West Virginia show. The program allows members to earn the titles Accredited Jeweler, Master Gemologist, Master Graduate Gemologist and Master Graduate Gemologist Appraiser by attending continuing education workshops and seminars at IJO events.

Hawaii Jewelers Association named winners in three jewelry design contests at its spring convention banquet.

In Contest I (colored stone jewelry under $1,500) Bradley D. Weber of Weber Goldsmith Gallery, Wailea, won first place for an 18k yellow gold ring with black jade and diamonds. Karen E. Omo of Water Lily Jewelry Design, Honolulu, won second place for a geometric 14k yellow gold and pink tourmaline ring. Christina Chang of Kina Jewelry Inc., Honolulu, won third place for a whimsical brooch titled “Us – The Inseparable Pair.”

Winners in Contest II (colored stone jewelry over $1,500) were Dona Wu of Cosmos Designers, Honolulu, first place for a pendant titled “Celestial”; Hildgund Bucky of Hildgund’s, Honolulu, second place for a bracelet titled “Over the Rainbow”; and David L. Welty of Jessica’s Gems, Lahaina, third place for an 18k yellow gold diamond and tanzanite pendant.

Winners of Contest III (men’s jewelry) were Karal Brom of The Rainbow Collection, Honolulu, first place for a ring titled “Out of Africa”; Larry Smith of Turtle Reef Jewelers, Lahaina, second place for a “Basic Black” men’s ring; and Thomas Wheeler of Opal Fields, Honolulu, third place for his band-style men’s ring with black opal and diamonds.

Context Cut® diamonds received the “Best of the Best” award at the Design Innovationen contest sponsored by the Design Center of Northrhein Westfalia.

Context Cut® diamonds and colored gems are based on the natural octahedron shape of the rough and are cut to optimize light reflection.

They are available in the U.S. and Canada exclusively from Michael Good Designs, Stone Coast Gems, P.O. Box 943, Rockport, ME 04856; (207) 236-9624, fax (207) 236-8606.