Excitement and enthusiasm filled the Encore ballroom as nearly 1,000 designers, retailers and editors from the COUTURE community gathered to celebrate the winners of this year’s COUTURE Design Awards, and to honor an industry icon.
“We are so in awe of your imagination, passion and technical expertise” Vice President of COUTURE, Gannon Brousseau, said from the stage. He then thanked this year’s judges, Soraya Cayen, John Green, Rachel Garrahan, Adam Glassman and Arun Bohra for taking on the difficult challenge of deliberating and choosing a winner from such stunning designs in each category.
London was calling as British designers won in several categories, “If I hadn’t won that one, it would be embarrassing, wouldn’t it,” quipped a light-hearted Stephen Webster, winner of Best in Diamonds above 20K. “I dedicate this prize to my little girl, Savannah” proclaimed Tomasz Donocik, winner of Best in Colored Gemstones Below 20K, as well as the winner of the Editor’s Choice Award. “I’ve waited a long time to get in with the COUTURE gang” enthused designer Polly Wales, winner of the Best in Bridal award.
In a new twist this year, there was a live vote for the People’s Choice Award. Audience members casted their votes by texting a number associated with their choice. “Thank you for texting for me,” radiated People’s Choice winner Anita Ko from the stage.
In addition to announcing this year’s winners, the Human Spirit Award was renamed the Cindy Edelstein Award in honor of COUTURE community legend Cindy Edelstein, who passed away suddenly earlier this year. A video commemorating Edelstein’s advocacy for designers and her overall sweet demeanor highlighted her impact on the jewelry industry.
THE COMPLETE LIST OF WINNERS
Best in Bridal:
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- Polly Wales
- Winner: Polly Wales -
- 1st Runner Up: John Apel
- 2nd Runner Up: Kataoka Jewelry & Objects d’art
Best in Colored Gemstones Above 20K:
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- Selim Mouzannar
- Winner: Selim Mouzannar
- 1st Runner Up: K. Brunini Jewels
- 2nd Runner Up: Lydia Courteille
Best in Colored Gemstones Below 20K:
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- Tomasz Donocik
- Winner: Tomasz Donocik
- 1st Runner Up: Inbar
- 2nd Runner Up: Roule & Co.
Best in Diamonds Above 20K:
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- Stephen Webster
- Winner: Stephen Webster
- 1st Runner Up: Extravaganze by Labor and Co
- 2nd Runner Up: Roberto Demeglio
Best in Diamonds Below 20K:
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- Yannis Sergakis
- Winner: Yannis Sergakis Adornments
- 1st Runner Up: Qayten
- 2nd Runner Up: J. Jewels Milano
Best in Gold:
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- Imogen Belfield
- Winner: Imogen Belfield
- 1st Runner Up: Elena Votsi
- 2nd Runner Up: Shaill Jhaveri
Best in Haute Couture:
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- Nikos Koulis
- Winner: Nikos Koulis
- 1st Runner Up: Vhernier
- 2nd Runner Up: Neha Dani
Best in Innovative:
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- Silvia Furmanovich
- Winner: Silvia Furmanovich
- 1st Runner Up: Pesavento
- 2nd Runner Up: Deakin & Francis
Best in Pearl:
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- Mizuki
- Winner: Mizuki
- 1st Runner Up: Riviere & Co.
- 2nd Runner Up: Paul Morelli
Best in Platinum:
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- Kuwayama
- Winner: Kuwayama
- 1st Runner Up: Isabelle Fa
- 2nd Runner Up: Alishan
Best in Silver:
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- Anthony Lent
- Winner: Anthony Lent
- 1st Runner Up: Annie Fensterstock
- 2nd Runner Up: Nancy Newberg
Best in Debuting in COUTURE:
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- Kavant & Sharart
- Winner: Kavant & Sharart
- 1st Runner Up: Roule & Co.
- 2nd Runner Up: Neha Dani
Editor’s Choice Award:
- Winner: Tomasz Donocik
- 1st Runner Up: Nancy Newberg
- 2nd Runner Up: Vhernier
People’s Choice Award:
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- Anita Ko
- Winner: Anita Ko
- Finalist: Jorg Heinz
- Finalist: Schaffrath
