2012 Palladium Distinction Winners
Although designers have been working with palladium since 1939, it’s been only recently that the metal has gained broad recognition as one of the four precious jewelry metals, alongside gold, silver, and platinum. The winners of this category show that, while it may be the "new" metal, designers are adopting it readily and creating timeless designs.
Our thanks to the Palladium Distinction sponsor:
1st Place Winner
Brian Sholdt, SHOLDT, Seattle, Washington
Palladium Engagement Ring. This cast solitaire engagement ring, made of 950 palladium, weighs 2.75 dwt. It features the designer’s "Fern Finish": The model has a milled surface that allows the jeweler to finish with hand millgraining.
2nd Place Winner
Susan Drake, Spectrum Art & Jewelry, Wilmington, North Carolina
"Green Flash" Ring. Created from a hand-carved wax, this cast ring features a 7.77 carat mint-green tourmaline with an oval flat-top cut; a channel-set 1.23 carat hot-pink spinel; and 0.64 tcw round, pavé-set diamonds.