Eliza Page Shows How Austin Shines for the Shop’s 20th Anniversary

By Karen Dybis | September 18, 2025

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, jewelry boutique Eliza Page brought back its Austin Shines initiative as a jewelry design competition offering winners and finalists an opportunity to showcase their work at the store.

For Eliza Page founder and CEO Elizabeth Gibson, Austin Shines is a way to highlight local talent, create community, and give back—her goals when she opened the boutique two decades ago. Eliza Page was one of the first tenants in Austin’s 2nd Street District, now a popular shopping and dining destination.

Returning after a 15-year hiatus, Austin Shines invited central Texas–based jewelry artists to submit their collections for review by a team of judges. Claire Sommers Buck (pictured above) was selected for the People’s Choice Shining Star Award, and Jamie Turner Designs won the Judges’ Shining Star Award.

Finalists in the competition were asked to create a jewelry piece that represents their aesthetic using a rustic salt-and-pepper diamond. All those pieces have been put up for sale at Eliza Page, with profits going to the local organization Center for Child Protection.

“Austin Shines isn’t just a celebration of beautiful jewelry, it’s about investing in the next generation of Austin artists, mentoring emerging designers, and using our platform to make a positive impact,” says Gibson, who hosted an event at her store on Sept. 9 to honor the winners and finalists. “This is a reflection of Austin’s creative heart and a meaningful way to honor how far we’ve come.”

Winners in Austin Shines receive cash prizes, business consulting services, a six-month residency at Eliza Page to display and sell their jewelry, and a one-year membership in the Austin chapter of the Women’s Jewelry Association. Gibson held a different version of Austin Shines in 2010.

The contest’s finalists this year included Cara Carter; Fail Jewelry, represented by Christine Fail; Haley Lebeuf; Hine Fine Jewelry; Lee Jones; and Lisa Crowder.

Jaime Turner Eliza Page — *Master jeweler Patrick Dobbs of Jamie Turner Designs (left) shows some of his work to Eliza Page customers during the awards ceremony.*

Gibson says she is thankful to be surrounded by talented designers and supportive vendors over the past 20 years. The idea of “It takes a village” has been in full effect for her store, especially during the pandemic, she says.

According to Gibson, Eliza Page is known for its thoughtfully curated collections that emphasize quality, sustainability, and craftsmanship. In addition to handcrafted pieces by local and international artists, the boutique features custom design services by expert jewelers and GIA-trained staff.

“I’m just so grateful to be in business,” Gibson says. “It’s true that you create amazing relationships in the jewelry industry, and the product evolves with you. I have loved being a part of people’s most wonderful moments, like getting engaged. An engagement ring or a wedding band is one of the most important pieces of jewelry a person will ever wear.”

Top: Claire Sommers Buck, one of the winners in the 2025 Austin Shines contest sponsored by jewelry boutique Eliza Page (photos courtesy of Eliza Page/photographer Rick Kern)