The Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America (MJSA) recently announced the winners in the 2002 MJSA American Vision Award design competition. Five jewelry designers-three in the professional category and two in the student category-took the honors from a field of more than 100 entries.

Mark Schneider of Schneider Design Studio in Long Beach, Calif., won first place in the professional division with a platinum, diamond, and black pearl ring (right). The ring features a 12.3 mm pearl, with black and white pavé-set diamond accents. The ring hinges to open and close.

Cornelia Goldsmith of Sausalito, California, took second place with a crown ring in 18k with diamonds, tsavorite, rubies, and sapphires. The ring is further adorned with 18k granulation.

Honorable mention in the professional category was awarded to Francesco Teresi of Philadelphia for his “Mediterranean” ring. Made from olive wood, the ring features a 24k “inside ring” and an 18k rotating arm that holds a lapis lazuli set with a small diamond.

In the student division, first place was presented to Jan Houston of the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City for his 18k pendant necklace with black onyx, rock crystal, diamond brilliant, and citrine.

Second place went to Dilek Sezen of GIA for a platinum “patriotic” necklace with invisible-set ruby, sapphire, and diamond baguettes. The necklace is done in a stars-and-stripes pattern, with the stars made from diamonds bead-set within the sapphires.

First and second place winners receive an elegant Swarovski crystal trophy. In addition, winners in the professional division receive $1,500 for first place and $750 for second place. Student winners receive a $500 scholarship for first place and a $250 scholarship for second place. Both winners in the student division also receive a subscription to AJM Magazine. Prizes will be awarded at Behind the Design: Designer Day 2002, in New York City, March 8.

JCK