Couture Design Awards Celebrate Excellence, Unveil New Talent

The annual Couture Design Awards, a cornerstone event for the jewelry industry, recently took place in Las Vegas, celebrating outstanding achievements in jewelry design and providing a crucial platform for emerging talent. The ceremony not only recognized established excellence but also honored the legacy of industry figures like Cindy Edelstein and Jan Mohr. Gannon Brousseau, Couture Director, emphasized the night as a recognition of brilliant creativity and the dedication of designers worldwide.

Honoring Industry Legacies

The event commenced with the presentation of the inaugural Jan Mohr Award for Excellence, presented by Madelyn Fischer, daughter of the late Jan Mohr. This new award, established to honor individuals deeply committed to the jewelry community, was bestowed upon Mildred Marcano, director of sales and marketing at Reinhold Jewelers. Marcano expressed her gratitude, crediting her mentor Marie Helene Reinhold and her team for her success.

This year also marked the 10th anniversary of Cindy Edelstein's passing. The award created in her honor was presented to Elizabeth “Beth Anne” Bonanno, co-founder of The Gems Project, recognized for her advocacy for independent designers.

Recognizing Design Prowess Across Categories

The Couture Design Awards featured 12 categories judged by a panel of industry experts, alongside the Editor’s Choice and People’s Choice awards, determined by show attendees. Notable winners included:

• Best in Below $10,000 Retail: Itä, for its ‘Yarí İznik Whirl’ ring, featuring enamel inspired by the Turkish city of İznik.
• Best in Bridal: Uniform Object, for its ‘Mantle’ ring.
• Best in Colored Gemstones Below $40,000 Retail: Jorge Adeler, for an opal ring.
• Best in Colored Gemstones Above $40,000 Retail: Jared Lehr, for a ring featuring colored gemstones.
• Best in Platinum: Demeglio, for a piece that broke the streak of ring winners in this category.
• Best in Diamonds Below $40,000 Retail: Zahn-Z, for designer Hiba Husayni’s ‘Big Zaha Art Deco’ ring, featuring an old European-cut diamond.
• Best in Diamonds Above $40,000 Retail: Stenzhorn, for a necklace.
• Best in Gold: Rainbow K, for its ‘Tourbillon’ necklace, accented with diamonds.
• Best in Innovative: Pen Mané, for a necklace.
• Best in Haute Couture: Ashna Mehta, for her ‘Gilded Bloom’ haute bag bijoux, a transformative piece featuring a large yellow diamond.
• Best in Pearls: Jiahn.
• Best in Debuting: Crisscut, for a necklace.
• Best in Editor’s Choice: Pen Mané, for a necklace.
• Best in People’s Choice: Helena Rose.

Design Atelier: A Hub for Emerging Talent

The Design Atelier section of COUTURE continues to be a vital space for discovering new and exciting brands. This curated area provides emerging designers with a three-year opportunity to showcase their collections, build relationships, and grow within the industry. Brands like Itä and Pen Mané, both debuting in the Design Atelier, made a significant impact by winning awards in their respective categories.

This year, 17 new brands were welcomed to the Design Atelier, each bringing unique perspectives and exceptional craftsmanship. Designers such as 12th House, ASHAHA, Ashna Mehta, BAETYL Jewelry, Camille Beinhorn, Clara Chehab, Cultus Artem, Daniel Yu, Dorothée Potocka, İTÄ, Jack Ferrero, Juliana Xerez, Orly Marcel, Pen Mané, Shola Branson, U Los Angeles, and YÉ Brand were highlighted for their innovative approaches and dedication to artistry. These designers emphasized the importance of COUTURE as a platform for visibility, credibility, and connection with retailers and press who appreciate true artistry.

The Design Atelier fosters a sense of community, mentorship, and collaboration, allowing new designers to connect with industry veterans and peers. The journey through the Design Atelier is seen as a crucial foundation for brands before they potentially graduate into larger salon spaces within COUTURE.