Providence, RI–Manufacturing
Jewelers & Suppliers of America (MJSA) recently announced
the winners of the 12th Annual MJSA American Vision Award
(AVA) design competition. Four professional jewelry designers
and two students took the honors from a field of more
than 45 entries.
In the professional category, Todd Reed of Todd Reed
Metal Artist in Boulder, Colorado, won first place for
his Necklace 2002 with 18k, 22k, sterling silver, and
natural diamond cubes. Each cube was hand fabricated
and forged with a patina and brushed finish.
Second place in the professional level was awarded to
Avi Raz of A&Z Pearls Inc. in Los Angeles with his
Nicolette-Queen of the Cann Can. Handcrafted in 18k yellow
gold, the dancer’s wardrobe is comprised of a freshwater
pearl with 0.65ctw diamonds and 2.70ctw rubies. The costume
also consists of 18k gold, black enameled dancing shoes.
In the student category, Denise Ruiz of the Gemological
Institute of America (GIA) won first place with her Interchangeable
Ring. Comprised of 22k and 18k yellow, white, and rose
metals, each interchangeable post was made with bezel
set tanzanite and rubies.
GIA student Rayoung Kim’s Winter Wonderland brooch
and earring set took second place in the student category.
With enamel work in the bottom portion of the brooch,
this piece consists of an 18k white gold frame and branches
with cabochon white opals in bezel settings.
In addition, awards in the professional platinum category
are given to designers who include a minimum of 75% of
their design metals in either 90% or 95% platinum. Ricardo
Basta Eichberg, of Beverly Hills, California-based E.
Eichberg Jewelers Inc., received first place honors with
his handmade platinum and 18k gold Star of David. Bordered
by ceylon blue sapphires, this piece also consists of
yellow sapphires and white diamonds.
Gloria Stewart of London Gold in Scottsdale, Arizona,
and her 0.52 carat marquise diamond platinum ring took
second place in the platinum level. Suspended above 15
round peridots, one of the diamond tips is balanced against
a wall with hot pink trillion-shaped tourmaline. There
are also 35 round, blue sapphires along the edge of the
peridots and down the side of the ring.
First and second place winners receive the AVA trophy
made of Swarovski crystal. In addition, professional
division winners receive $1,500 for first place and $750
for second place. Student winners receive a $500 scholarship
for first place and a $250 scholarship for second place.
Both winners in the student division also receive a subscription
to AJM Magazine. On March 1, prizes will be awarded at
Behind the Design: Designer Day 2003 at the Jacob K.
Javits Convention Center in New York City. In addition,
all winning designs are displayed for thousands of buyers
and exhibitors at MJSA’s Expo New York on March
2-4, also at the Javits Center.
Generous sponsorship for the 2003 AVA design competition
was provided by Platinum Guild International, Swarovski
Crystal Components Ltd., the MJSA Education Foundation,
and AJM Magazine
-END-
MJSA is a national jewelry trade association representing
1,500 members. MJSA’s mission is to unite and
empower our members to advance the jewelry manufacturing
industry. To learn more about MJSA and its trade publication,
AJM Magazine, visit www.mjsainc.com and www.ajm-magazine.com. |
