Gregoré Morin of Gregoré Joailliers in Santa Barbara, Calif., has earned kudos again for his memorable and masterful entries into the American Gem Trade Association’s Spectrum and Cutting Edge Awards. This year, he’s taken the Editor’s Choice designation, an honor earned when editors, bloggers, and stylists view the live entries, choose their three favorite pieces overall, and the jewel with the most votes then becomes the Editor’s Choice, the final category of judging for the annual contest. Morin’s Goleta’s Pride (Goleta is a town in the Santa Barbara area where the artist works) earrings in 18k gold with Mexican fire opal and diamonds took the honor.

Being a longtime fan of Morin’s handiwork—which is sure to be coveted by auction houses in the future—I voted for these earrings because they are exquisite. Who carves fire opal, a notoriously soft material, in this manner? Only a master could create these delicate fireball-colored butterflies softly landing on pavé branches, wrestling the metal in whimsical ways that look lovely and light on the lobe. No one will show up at a holiday party wearing the same pair; these are one-of-a-kind earrings destined for heirloom status. They could be yours, too, for $22,000, since they are not yet sold.

 See the full list of winners here.

Earrings in 18k white gold with 68.88 cts. t.w. Mexican fire opal and 2.19 cts. t.w. diamonds, $22,000

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JCK