Bo Kyoung Moon, G.G., of Korea, won the Gemological Institute of America’s 26th annual George A. Schuetz Design Competition for her 18-karat white gold and diamond tie tack and cufflink suite in the contest for men’s jewelry and accessories designs.

Blind judging by an autonomous panel of industry specialists was conducted on the 77 entries representing various countries, including Japan, South Korea, Thailand, India, Malaysia, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Canada, and the U.S. Phillip Weeks, contest coordinator and GIA Financial Aid Manager said the entries were judged on overall design, wearability, manufacturability, and appeal. Moon received $500 and a plaque to honor her accomplishment.

Moon, G.G., who graduated from GIA Korea, said the significance of the award is tremendous, and the challenge of designing a winning piece encouraged her to create a unique style. “My design follows with the modern trend. I tried to free myself from simplicity and concentrated on new changes of the form with feminine softness.”

The second place award was presented to recent GIA graduate Claire Berney, G.G., of Switzerland, for a silver tie tack and cufflink set, with yellow-gold wire and a sun, accompanied by a sapphire bezel setting. Berney, who this year completed her Graduate Gemologist and Design diplomas at GIA’s world headquarters in Carlsbad, Calif., said the powerful California sun was the inspiration for her design. “I loved the strong sun when I studied at GIA Carlsbad, and it was a wonderful experience to learn from so many pleasant professionals.”

Cufflinks made of 18-karat white gold decorated with black onyx and diamonds won third place recognition for Kim Ah-Rong of South Korea. Ah-Rong said her design title is “Creation and Disappearance,” and was inspired by a science fiction story she read. “The onyx part means disappearance, like a black hole, and the diamonds mean newborn star, it’s a creation,” said Ah-Rong.

Visit http://www.gia.edu/GIA-Insider/misc-articles/091302.html to view all the winning designs.

Bob Ahrens, GIA jewelry design instructor, said placing in a contest such as this can help a jewelry designer’s career soar to new heights. “I’ve witnessed countless occasions where an up–and–coming designer’s career was launched after winning an award in the Schuetz Competition,” said Ahrens. “It’s an excellent opportunity for those wanting to enter and become recognized in the design arena.”

“There is a world of career opportunities available for those interested in jewelry design,” adds Brook Ellis, GIA’s vice president of education.

The annual competition, named in remembrance of California jeweler George A. Schuetz, whose business specialized in men’s jewelry, is open to all current or aspiring designers. Entry forms for the 2003 George A. Schuetz Jewelry Design Contest will be available April 1, 2003 from GIA’s Office of Student Financial Assistance, at 760-603-4005, or email dcastellon@gia.edu. The deadline to return entry forms is June 1, 2003.

JCK