Peter Bazar, President of the Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc. announces the winners’ of CPAA’S 2016-2017 International Design competition. “We are very happy with the success of this year’s competition, entries from 18 countries we received” Mr. Bazar reported.

AWARD WINNERS

President’s Trophy – “Murmuring Stream” Yi-Shiun Tsai of Taipei City, Taiwan .The highest honor awarded to a design that unanimously captivated judges as the best of the best.

President’s Trophy- Murmuring Stream, Yi Shiun of Taipei City

Luster Award – “Dentelle” The Pearl Exporting Company of Portland, ME. Most marketable design for retail.

Luster Award – “Dentelle” The Pearl Exporting Company of Portland, ME

Designer’s Award –“Pearl Blossom” Wan-Fang Ting of Taipei City, Taiwan. Given to the entry that takes pearls to the far corners of the imagination.

Designer’s Award –“Pearl Blossom” Wan-Fang Ting of Taipei City, Taiwan

Brilliance Award – “Impact” Ching-Ting Han of Taipei City, Taiwan. Best illustration for spectrum of pearl colors.

Brilliance Award – “Impact” Ching-Ting Han of Taipei City, Taiwan.

Orient Award –“Orbital” Brenda Smith of Woodstock, GA and “Wrapped” Susan Hoge, Campanelli & Pear of Troy, MI. Compelling design esthetic; inspiring a new affinity for pearls.

Co- Orient Award –“Orbital” Brenda Smith of Woodstock, GA

The Visionary Award – “Safe and Sound” Yi-Hsien Lu of Taipei City Taiwan. Redefining the iconic pearl strand; shifting perception of cultured pearls for today’s buyer.

The Visionary Award – “Safe and Sound” Yi-Hsien Lu of Taipei City Taiwan

The Fashion Award –“Skeletal Pearl Collar” Chelsea Knights of Long Beach, California. Modern, fresh design could be seen on a Paris runway.

The Fashion Award –“Skeletal Pearl Collar” Chelsea Knights of Long Beach, California

Wedding Day Pearls – “IVY” Sameena Anjum. T. Of Bangalore, India. Brides and pearls are synonymous; create a fantasy wedding with pearls.

Wedding Day Pearls – “IVY” Sameena Anjum. T. Of Bangalore, India.

Fantasy Award – “Path-Braker” Murugesh Manickam of Bangalore, India. Conceptual, aspirational design prohibitive to fabricate.

Fantasy Award – “Path-Braker” Murugesh Manickam of Bangalore, India

Commendations were also given to entries which demonstrated high standards of achievement in accordance with the judging criteria.

COMMENDATION WINNERS

Hisano Shepherd, Little h Jewelry, Los Angeles, California

Adam Neeley, Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry, Laguna Beach, California

Michael Jensen, Michael Jensen Designs, Rio Rancho, New Mexico

LILLY STREET, Old Brookville, New York

Paula Crevoshay, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Elizabeth B. Kirby, Elizabeth Blair Fine Pearls, Harbor Springs, Michigan

Randy Coffin, Coffin & Trout Jewelers, Chandler, Arizona

J. Hunter Pearls Fiji, Savusavu Town, Fiji

Barbara Heinrich, Pittsford, New York

Link Wachler, Link Wachler Designs, Troy, Michigan

As the Award and Commendation winners complete their piece, they will be available for viewing on www.cpaa.org.

The judging panel, each represent varied viewpoints, insight and expertise: Jean-Francois Bibet, Cartier, Workshop Director Production - Shane Clark, Brides , Senior Fashion & Accessories Editor - Beth Berstein, Author, Jewelry Journalist And Jewelry Consultant - Michelle Graff, Editor-In-Chief, National Jeweler - Cheryl Kremkow, Director, Citrine Media - Jennifer Pearson, VP Marketing, Assael.