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Jewelers of America Honors Top Designs in 36th Annual CASE Awards

14-karat yellow gold necklace with multicolor tourmalines and diamonds. - nationaljeweler.com

Jewelers of America (JA) has announced the winners of its 36th annual CASE Awards, recognizing exceptional creativity, artistry, style, and excellence within the jewelry design community. The competition saw over 120 entries across eight categories, with winners selected by a panel of design experts.

CASE Awards Showcase Industry Talent

The CASE Awards, an acronym for Creativity, Artistry, Style, and Excellence, are a cornerstone event for JA, highlighting the innovative spirit and craftsmanship of its member designers. Amanda Gizzi, senior vice president of corporate affairs for JA, stated, 'The CASE Awards continue to showcase the incredible talent and creativity within the Jewelers of America community. Each year, our members demonstrate a remarkable balance of craftsmanship, innovation, and artistry, reflecting both the enduring traditions and evolving direction of the jewelry industry. We are proud to recognize these designers whose work not only inspires, but helps shape the future of fine jewelry.'

The judging panel, composed of industry professionals including Brecken Branstrator of GemGuide, writer Tanya Dukes, Deirdre Featherstone of Featherstone Design, Natalie Francisco of National Jeweler, GIA Graduate Gemologist Adrianne Sanogo, and Amina Sorel of Amina Sorel Fine Jewelry, evaluated entries based on overall design, marketability, originality, and quality of manufacturing.

Best in Show Honors Awarded

Two pieces were distinguished with the coveted ‘Best in Show’ awards, one in the retailer category and one for suppliers. Kennedy’s Jewelers, based in Blue Springs, Missouri, took home the retailer ‘Best in Show’ for a custom 14-karat yellow gold necklace designed by Trisha Kennedy-Thompson. This striking piece features 201.64 carats of pink, green, and bi-color cabochon tourmalines, accented with 6.63 carats of diamonds, valued at $56,150.

The supplier ‘Best in Show’ was awarded to Renisis of New York City for a double bullet diamond ring designed by Sardwell. This exquisite ring is crafted from 18-karat yellow gold and features two rose-cut bullet diamonds totaling 4.09 carats, pavé diamonds, and navy blue vitreous enamel, with a price tag of $68,000.

Category Winners Highlight Diverse Designs

The CASE Awards featured eight categories, divided by retail price points and membership type (retailer and supplier). These categories recognized jewelry up to $5,000, $5,001 to $10,000, $10,001 to $20,000, and $20,001 to $75,000.

Retailer Category Winners:

Jewelry up to $5,000: Atelier Mythique (New York City) for the ‘La Dragonne’ ring in sterling silver with 18k yellow gold plating and blue sapphire eyes ($780).
Jewelry $5,001 to $10,000: Susan Eisen Fine Jewelry and Watches (El Paso, Texas) for an 18k yellow gold watermelon tourmaline crystal brooch with diamonds and pink/green tourmalines ($9,500).
Jewelry $10,001 to $20,000: Nicole Mera (San Antonio, Texas) for a 14k yellow gold skull brooch featuring a red beryl cabochon, ruby, and diamonds ($11,995).
Jewelry $20,001 to $75,000: Michael Ryan Personal Jeweler (Birmingham, Alabama) for a 14k rose gold pendant with a pink tourmaline, diamond rondelles, and Akoya pearls ($42,500).

Supplier Category Winners:

Jewelry up to $5,000: Loriann Jewelry (Westport, Connecticut) for the ‘Etheria’ cluster earrings in 14k yellow gold with diamond slices, opals, and sapphires ($4,995).
Jewelry $5,001 to $10,000: Olga Shatrova (Irvine, California) for ‘The Universe Lives Quietly Within You’ ring in 18k white gold with various sapphires and diamonds ($9,500).
Jewelry $10,001 to $20,000: Jack Ferrero Inc. (Los Angeles) for an 18k yellow gold ‘Pomegranate’ ring with enamel artwork and rubies ($20,000).
Jewelry $20,001 to $75,000: Hearts On Fire (Boston, Massachusetts) for the ‘Dream’ floating necklace in 18k yellow gold with diamonds ($35,500).