Eddie Le Vian, designer and CEO of Le Vian Corp, awarded former U.S. Army Pfc. Jessica Lynch, the POW/MIA who was rescued by US Forces in Iraq last year, with an ensemble of patriotic designs during a special presentation at the 28th annual Mrs. America Pageant held Sept. 14 in Palm Springs, Calif. The Pageant and this special presentation can be seen on PAX TV Monday at 9p.m. EDT. LeVian is the official jewelry designer of the Mrs. America and Mrs. World pageants.

Lynch accepted the ensemble as she made her way on stage with a brace and a cane during the filming of the 2005 Mrs. America pageant at the poolside of the Riviera Hotel and Resort in Palm Springs. She was also presented with a patchwork quilt that was woven by the 50 contestants of the pageant.

Eddie LeVian says he was deeply touched by the terrorist attacks on the United States and the events that led up to the U.S. invasion of Iraq. He says he was especially moved by the heroism of Jessica Lynch, who at the age of 19, survived captivity and severe injuries in Iraq. As a father, LeVian says he wondered about what life is like for young U.S. soldiers in Iraq. He especially pondered the implications of combat duty for US female soldiers. In tribute, LeVian awarded Lynch with a unique ensemble of patriotic American designs worth $15,000:

* A white gold necklace with the U.S.A. initials bead set in red, white, and blue featuring 0.75 cts. of rubies, sapphires and diamonds.

* White gold, art deco style, red, white and blue American Flag Pin containing 1.40 cts. of channel set princess cut rubies and sapphires, which were re-cut to fit in the curving stripes of the flag. The diamonds are bead set in white stripes alternating between the red ruby stripes.

* White gold double hoop earrings featuring stripes of blue and red comprised of 4.90 cts. of round brilliant cut blue and red sapphires.

* White gold ring in a concave cigar band design pave set with a star shaped diamond pattern featuring .36 cts. of diamonds and alternating sections of red and blue with 1.25 cts. of red and blue sapphires.

JCK