The Cultured Pearl Association of America announced the winners of its Second Annual International Pearl Design Contest today from headquarters in Providence, R.I. Winners—who were selected from 94 entries—receive a certificate, international publicity in a variety of publications, blogs, and websites, as well as exposure in the CPAA booth at the American Gem Trade Association Tucson GemFair 2012 and JCK Las Vegas. A fun by-product for winners: jobs from manufacturers and design houses, according to organizers.
President’s Trophy: (dual winners) Inspiration ring by Joel Green, Joel Green Designs, Bristol, R.I.; Shades of Paradise necklace by Jorge Adeler, Adeler Jewelers, Great Falls, Va.
The highest honor awarded to a design that unanimously captivated judges as the best of the best.
Luster Award: Swirl Earrings with Pearls by Terry Barbero of Barbara Heinrich Studio, Pittsford, N.Y.
The entry deemed “most marketable,” with overall appeal for the retail marketplace.
Designer’s Award: Telepathy cuff by Anita Dickey, Simplicity, Dallas
The entry that takes pearls to the far corners of the imagination and beyond.
Brilliance Award: Shades of Paradise necklace by Jorge Adeler, Adeler Jewelers, Great Falls, Va.
Given to the entry that best illustrates the spectrum of pearl colors in the most beautiful way.
Orient Award: Simply Natural ring by Jorge Adeler, Adeler Jewelers, Great Falls, Va.
The entry that would inspire a newfound affinity in someone for cultured pearls.
The Visionary Award: Queen Beads necklace by Chi Huynh, Galatea, San Dimas, Calif.
The entry that redefines the iconic pearl strand, shifting the perception of cultured pearls for today’s buyer.
Wedding Day Pearls: Endless Joy necklace by Francis Morris, Francis Morris Designs, Burlingame, Calif.
Brides and pearls are synonymous, but this design offers a fantasy-inspired wedding theme with pearls.
Fashion Award: Zinnia Ring with Pearl by Terry Barbero, Barbara Heinrich Studio, Pittsford, N.Y.
A fun, fresh, and modern design that looks as if it came from a runway in Paris.
Judging took place in Manhattan on Oct. 4; the panel included Denise O’Donoghue from Brides, Robert Bentley of Robert Bentley Company, Cartier designer Jean Francois Bibet, and yours truly.
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