Designers from Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, South Carolina, and Arkansas each won an award at the 16th annual JA Affiliate Design Competition, held during the recent JA New York Show, January 22-24, 2006. The contest featured 29 entries that won design competitions hosted by JA’s state and regional affiliate organizations during 2005. JA members or employees of JA member stores created all of the jewelry in the competition.

The entries were divided into three competition categories, according to the cost of materials used. A panel of industry experts selected by JA served as judges. Each contest entry was evaluated on craftsmanship, marketability, practicality/wearability, and overall design. A separate balloting of attendees at the JA New York Show was conducted to determine the recipient of the Buyers’ Choice Award. The winners of the design competition receive an engraved trophy and a framed certificate.

* First place, Category I ($1,000 and Under) is Joseph Bonasso III of JAB Jewelry Inc., McMurray, Pa., representing the Pennsylvania Jewelers Association. The winning ring was in 18k two-tone gold with rubellite, yellow sapphire, and pavé-set diamond meleé.

* First place, Category II ($1,001 to $3,000) is Thomas Dailing of Lee Ayers Jewelers, Stevens Point, Wisc., representing the Wisconsin Jewelers Association with a pendant in 18k yellow & white gold with tourmaline and round baguette diamonds.

* First place, Category III ($3,001 and Over) is Steece Hermanson & David Chandler, Galloway & Moseley Jewelers, Sumter, S.C., representing the South Carolina Jewelers Association with a platinum and 22k gold ring with fancy yellow diamonds and a white diamond center.

* First Place winner for the Buyers’ Choice Award is Faye Rodgers, Faye’s Diamond Mine, Clinton, Ark., representing the Arkansas Jewelers Association for a necklace in 14k white gold with diamonds in micropavé geometric design.

The JA Affiliate Design Competition is open only to JA members and their employees. Any JA member interested in participating in next year’s competition must first enter the design competition held by their state or regional JA affiliate this year.

JA members seeking to enter their affiliate’s state or regional contest should contact their JA affiliate for competition dates and details. Contact information for JA’s state and regional affiliates is available on JA’s Web site, www.jewelers.org.

JCK