Jan. 12, 2018
Winners of 2017 International Pearl Design Competition
President’s Award
The highest honor awarded to a design that unanimously captivated judges as the best of the best.
Maze bracelet by Daquan Wu of Shanghai, China
Luster Award
Given to the entry that is judged most marketable of all the entries in the competition. This design will have the most overall appeal for the retail marketplace.
Bubble ring by Sean Gilson for Assael in New York City
Designer’s Award
Given to the entry that takes pearls to the far corners of the imagination and beyond.
Wow! What a Moment! bracelet by Murugesh Manickam of Bangalore, India, Sponsored by C. Krishniah Chetty & Sons Pvt. Ltd
Brilliance Award
Given to the entry that best illustrates the spectrum of pearl colors in the most beautiful way.
Diversity earrings by Alexia Gryllaki of Athens, Greece
Orient Award
The award given to the entry that would inspire a newfound affinity in someone for cultured pearls.
Meow Meow earrings by Xiao Wangyue of Tokyo, Japan
Visionary Award
The entry that re-defines the iconic pearl strand and shifts the perception of cultured pearls for today’s buyer.
Dragonfly necklace by Ju-Hui Chang of Taipei, Taiwan
Fashion Award
Fun, fresh, and modern—a design which looks as if it came straight from a Paris runway.
Wow!! It’s A Splash earrings by Shenbagaraman Pillai of Bangalore, India, Sponsored by C. Krishniah Chetty & Sons Pvt. Ltd
Wedding Day Pearls I
Brides and pearls are synonymous. Create a fantasy wedding theme with pearls.
Captivated Love bracelet by Bimal Koley of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, sponsored by 55Fifty 7 Jewellery LLC
Wedding Day Pearls II
Brides and pearls are synonymous. Create a fantasy wedding theme with pearls.
Morning Glory earrings by Divyashree Mallandur Nagaraj of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sponsored by 55 Fifty 7 Jewellery LLC
Fantasy Award
A conceptual, aspirational design that could be prohibitive to fabricate.
Samba ring from Zhang Ying of Serris, France
Commendations were also given to pieces from four entrants.
Maneli Sarmadi, Savannah, Ga.
Elizabeth Kirby, Harbor Springs, Mich.
Daniel Tellen, Vail, Colo.
Phillip Dismuke, Durham, N.C.
Hisano Shepherd, Los Angeles, Calif.