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| July 2003
Professional Insider/In the Industry JA Honors Creativity in Design Competition Three jewelers demonstrate a spectrum of talents A cuff bracelet depicting the New York City skyline, complete with the World Trade Center memorialized in sparkling white diamonds, captured the hearts of those who saw it and won Best of Show in the Jewelers of America Affiliate Design Competition. The bracelet by Richard Kluesener of Gold in Art, Mount Dora, FL, also won Category 2 (materials valued at $1,001-$3,000). Kluesener, representing the Florida Jewelers Association, created the bracelet in platinum with 22k gold and pavé-set diamonds. Joseph A. Bonasso III of JAB Jewelry, McMurray, PA, won Category 1 ($1,000 and under) with his 18k white gold ring with a 1.11-ct. aquamarine and diamond accents. He represented the Pennsylvania Jewelers Association. Michelle M. Harper of McCormack & Puryear Jewelers, Norfolk, VA, won Category 3 ($3,001 and over) for a necklace and earring suite featuring orange drusy quartz leaf carvings and diamonds in 18k peach gold. She represented the Virginia Jewelers Association. The 27 entries, which had already won JA affiliate design competitions, were judged on craftsmanship, marketability, practicality/wearability and overall design. The judges were Donna Frischknecht of Couture International Jeweler; Virginia Halevi of Mazal U Bracha; JA Certified Master Bench Jeweler John Herold of John Herold Jewelers, Randolph, NJ; Jose Hess of Jose Hess Inc.; Helena Krodel of the Jewelry Information Center; Lowell Kwiat of Kwiat Inc.; Amber Michelle of Rapaport Diamond Report and Jewelry Connoisseur; Ren Miller of Professional Jeweler; Barbara Moss of Modern Jeweler; JA Certified Bench Jeweler Beth Romett of Koser Jewelers, Mount Joy, PA; Hedda Schupak of JCK; Melissa Shepherd of National Jeweler; and JA board member Richard White of Ed White Jewelers, Cullman, AL. The Buyer’s Choice Award was determined by separate balloting of attendees at the JA New York winter show. The competition is open only to JA members and their employees. Anyone interested in participating in next year’s contest must first enter the design competition sponsored by their state or regional JA affiliate. Contact information for all affiliates is available on JA’s Web site, www.jewelers.org.
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