Stephanie Jae-Eun Baik, G.G., took top honors at the 28th annual George A. Schuetz Design Competition with her suite of tie tacks and matching cufflinks. The international competition is dedicated to men’s jewelry design.

Baik used a square piece of onyx with diamond linear accents and yellow gold beads in a channel setting. A rounded piece of onyx, diamond, and a gold piece are attached. Baik, a native of Korea who previously worked for an Italian jewelry company, studied at GIA’s Vicenza, Italy, location. She is an alumna of GIA’s Jewelry Design class and accepted a position teaching design at GIA Korea just before learning about her win.

Ranked by a panel of independent industry specialists, the entries were judged blindly, based on the same criteria that is used in GIA’s jewelry design classes: design, wearability, manufacturability, and appeal.

Drorit Ronnen, a design student in Israel, earned second place for her unique cufflinks made of white gold and triangle-cut diamonds.

Third place winner So Yung Yu, of South Korea, who recently completed GIA’s Jewelry Design class and Working with Wax Extension class, designed a white gold tie tack that features an emerald-cut black diamond, accented by yellow gold and onyx.

Named in honor of men’s jewelry designer and entrepreneur George Schuetz, the Schuetz Design Competition recognizes the best original designs in men’s jewelry and accessories. Entry forms for the 29th Annual Schuetz Design Competition will be available for download on GIA’s website, www.gia.edu, beginning April 1, 2005. Entries must be received no later than June 3, 2005.

JCK