Four jewelry designers were recognized as winners of the 11th Annual JA Affiliate Design Competition.

JA members or employees of JA member stores created all jewelry pieces in the competition, held during the JA New York show, Feb. 4-6, at the Jacob Javits Center. The contest, hosted by JA’s state and regional affiliate chapters, attracted 30 entries.

Entries were divided into three categories based on the cost of materials used. A panel of industry experts served as judges for the three categories. Each piece was evaluated based on craftsmanship, marketability, practicality, and overall design.

The winners are as follows:

Category 1 ($1,000 and under)

Virginia P. Anderson, T.K. Anderson Jewelry Ltd., Athens Ga.

Anderson designed a convertible ring-pendant in 18k white and yellow gold featuring an oval, 12.72-ct. checkerboard-cut blue topaz that flips on a riveted base with round brilliant diamonds and sapphires.

Category 2 ($1,001 to $3,000)

Karen J. Feldman, Feldman Design Fine Jewelry, Emmaus, Pa.

Feldman’s entry was a two-tone 18k gold necklace featuring an oval-cut, 2-ct. blue sapphire, plus round, brilliant-cut diamonds and yellow and blue sapphires.

Category 3 ($3,001 and over)

Russ Copping, Aucoin Hart Jewelers, Metairie, La.

Copping’s entry was an antique-style platinum ring featuring a 7-ct., emerald-cut sapphire, two trillion-cut diamonds, and 10 round brilliant diamonds.

In addition to the awards based on judging criteria, a ”Buyer’s Choice Award” was presented. Ballots from JANY show attendees determined the award.

That award went to Jeffery Dunnington of Designs in Gold, Houston, for his 18k gold necklace featuring a 14.98-ct. ”Hale-Bopp Aurora” black opal in platinum wiring with five diamonds.

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