New York City. Oct. 17, 2019. The Cultured Pearl Association of America (CPAA) announces the finalists in the U.S. division of the 10th Annual International Pearl Design Competition (IPDC). Thirty-eight submissions were narrowed down to eighteen finalists after judges viewed images of all entries. The judges are Jean Francois Bibet, workshop and production director at Cartier; Nancy Schuring, owner of Devon Fine Jewelry (whose store will show and offer for sale the winning entries and the finalists of Schuring’s choice); Michelle Graff, editor in chief of NationalJeweler.com; and Hector Hassey, jewelry designer of his own same-name firm.
Finalists in the U.S. division are as follows. Winners will be announced on Thursday, Oct. 31, following a day of judging live pieces.
Chrysanthemum Fold Black Pearl earrings by Karin Jacobson
Pearl Empress earrings by Deborah Meyers of Deborah Meyers Experience
Black Diamond and Pearl earrings by Timo Krapf of TBK Jewelry
Polka Dots cuff by Alishan Halebian of Alishan
Glamorous Keshi Swing earrings by Dilly Kirby of Elizabeth Blair Fine Pearls
Diana’s Love earrings by Alexis Mazza of LexiMazz Designs
Mandala ring by Paul Klecka of Paul Klecka Inspired Design
Esther ring by Polly Baumgartner
Lydia Lighthouse Beacon ring by Lika Behar of Lika Behar Jewelry
Chimera pendant necklace by Brenda Smith of Brenda Smith Jewelry
Golden pearl strand with Wavy O interchangeable clasp by Llyn Strong of Llyn Strong Jewelry
The Kiss of the Spider Woman necklace by Martina Buck of Haute Metal
Power of Pearl pendant by Kelly Charveaux of Scottsdale Bead Supply and Charveaux
South Sea Pearl Paisley ring by Assael
South Sea Pearl Fan earrings by Assael
Ocean Diva necklace by Jennifer Pusenkoff of Jen
Rockin' Love ring by Jennifer Pusenkoff of Jen
Rockin' Dandy lapel pin by Jennifer Pusenkoff of Jen
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CPAA is a nonprofit founded in 1957. The group comprises the finest manufacturers, wholesalers, dealers, and suppliers of cultured pearls in the United States, and its goals are to improve retail marketability of pearls and cultivate demand among consumers. Through promotion, education, public relations, and unwavering commitment to the category, CPAA aims to inspire an authentic passion for all cultured pearl varieties. For more information about becoming a certified pearl expert, please visit PearlsAsOne.org. To learn more about the Cultured Pearl Association of America, please visit CPAA.org.
All of the pieces submitted are creative and very artistic. Impressive talents. However, the Chrysanthemum Fold Black Pearl earrings by Karin Jacobson are my favorite. They show grace and elegance. Absolutely beautiful.