Usually divas have a bad reputation, but winning a DIVA on the
other hand is a very good thing! Yilin Choo of Amber Point, Singapore and Holly
Hosterman of Arcata, Calif. snagged top honors in the WJA DIVA
2010 Design Competition. This year’s competition theme, New Dawn, reflects a
new decade, new techniques, new materials, and the new woman of today. The
association will celebrate the award recipients and all competition designers
from 8:00-10:00 p.m. Fri., June 4 at its WJA DIVA Private Garden Bungalows 6
and 7 at the JCK Opening Reception held at The Beach at Mandalay Bay Las Vegas.
Cindy Edelstein, president of Jewelers Resource Bureau and
chair of the WJA DIVA Design Competition, announced an historic first for the
WJA DIVA Design Competition. “One designer won top honors in two
categories and another received two honorable mentions in the same
category,” Edelstein announced. “Our panel of judges reviewed
submissions in a blind judging process, so they were unaware that the designs
were submitted by the same designers.”
Yilin Choo, the recipient in the Daytime and Evening Jewels
award categories, remarked, “It’s a huge honor to be awarded these prizes
because it’s an acknowledgement from the industry experts that we are marrying
sustainability with design-driven fine jewellery well.”
First place winners in each category will receive a cash
prize of $500. Those winning Honorable Mentions in each category will receive a
certificate of recognition.
Daytime Jewels
Winner: Yilin Choo, Choo Yilin Artisan Jewellery, Amber Point,
Singapore,
for Coral Branch Ring with Gemstones
Honorable Mention:
Alicia Arnold, Arlington,
Va., for Branches to Sky Bracelet
Amanda Knox, Red Start Design, San Francisco, Calif.,
for Infinite Embrace Necklace
Halle Richardson, Atlanta
Ga., for Butterfly locket
Evening Jewels
Winner: Yilin Choo, Choo Yilin Artisan Jewellery, Amber
Point, Singapore, for Hilltribe Cuff with Silver Dewdrops, Sapphires and
Zircons
Honorable Mention:
JJ Williams, Laguna
Beach, Calif., for
Moroccan Lantern Necklace
Konstantina Mahlia, Mahlia Collection, Tucson, Ariz.,
for Brystana Bracelet
New Media Jewels
Winner: Holly Hosterman, Holly Yashi, Arcata, Calif.,
for Contessa Bracelet
Honorable Mention:
Katey Brunini, K. Brunini Jewels, Solana Beach, Calif.,
for Carved Bone Orchid Brooch
Katey Brunini, K. Brunini Jewels, Solana
Beach, Calif., for Body Armor
Carved Buffalo
Horn Earnings
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