The CASE Awards recognize JA Members who exhibit creativity, artistry, style and excellence in jewelry design

Jewelers of America (JA), the national trade association for businesses serving the fine jewelry marketplace, has announced the winners of its 31st annual CASE Awards jewelry design competition. The CASE Awards, JA’s national design competition, recognizes JA Members who exhibit creativity, artistry, style and excellence in jewelry design.

This year marked an all-time high number of CASE Awards entries, with nearly 200 entries in total. CASE Awards expanded this year to include 14 different categories based on jewelry style and price. These categories were Bracelets Up to $5,000; Bracelets $5,001 and Up; Earrings up to $5,000; Earrings $5,001 and Up; Necklaces Up to $5,000; Necklaces $5,001 and Up; Rings Up to $5,000; Rings $5,001 and Up; Engagement Rings up to $5,000; Engagement Rings $5,001 and Up; Wedding Bands up to $5,000; Wedding Bands $5,001 and Up; Engagement Rings up to $5,000; Engagement Rings $5,001 and Up; Pins/Brooches/Cufflinks (any price); and Other (non-jewelry items made of precious metals or stones, any price.

“Jewelers of America’s CASE Awards design competition showcases the fine craftsmanship and talent of JA Members across the country,” says Amanda Gizzi, spokesperson for Jewelers of America. “Judging was incredibly difficult this year as we had a wide variety of immensely talented jewelry designers enter in every category. The judges had to carefully consider the judging criteria and it had to come down to the finest details to determine winners.”

The winners in each category were determined by a panel of design experts who evaluated the entries on the following criteria: overall design, marketability, originality and quality of manufacture. Judges included Terry Chandler, DCA; Deirdre Featherstone, Featherstone Design; Amanda Gizzi, Jewelers of America; Brecken Branstrator, National Jeweler; JB Jones, NYC Jewelry Week; Adrianne Sanogo, Black in Jewelry Coalition and GIA Graduate Gemologist; and Iveta N. Stephanopoulos, GIA.

15 winners were determined in total – one per category and two first-place winners in the Necklaces $5,001 and Up category. All winners will receive a customized CASE Award trophy and national and local media coverage.

The 2021 CASE Awards were sponsored by Synchrony, Jewelers Mutual Group and Chosen Payments. The CASE Awards is open only to employees of JA Member companies.

For more information about the competition and to view the Winner’s Photo Gallery, visit www.jewelers.org/caseawards.

[Pictured: Winner, Earrings $5,001 and Up - Graziela Gems Designed by Graziela Kaufman Highwood, IL: Blue sapphire earrings (5.79 ctw) set in 18K blue rhodium gold $7,800]

About Jewelers of America
Jewelers of America (JA) is the national trade association for businesses serving the fine jewelry marketplace. Jewelers of America's primary purpose is to improve consumer confidence in the jewelry industry through its leadership in public, government and industry affairs; by advocating professionalism, including high ethical, social and environmental standards; and by facilitating members' access to education. For more information, please visit www.jewelers.org.

The 19th annual awards program and 2-day educational conference will be held this July

– Jewelers of America (JA), the national trade association for businesses serving the fine jewelry marketplace, has announced that the 19th annual GEM Awards and the third annual Jewelers of America National Convention will be held virtually in 2021. GEM Awards, the industry’s premier awards gala that honors individuals and brands whose work raises the visibility and status of fine jewelry and watches, will take place virtually on Thursday, July 15, 2021. The JA Virtual National Convention, an education-focused executive forum open to Jewelers of America members and their staff, will take place on July 19 and 20, 2021.

“We have been carefully evaluating COVID-19 and while it was not an easy decision, our Board and committees have decided that hosting the National Convention and GEM Awards virtually is in the best interest of our attendees and staff,” says David J. Bonaparte, JA President & CEO. “We are hard at work producing two incredible virtual events that the entire industry will now have front row seats for. We hope you will all join us, from the comfort of your homes and businesses, to celebrate, network and learn."

The 19th annual GEM Awards will celebrate the achievements of honorees in several categories and the virtual ceremony will capture the same level of excitement and glamour that attendees have come to expect from GEM Awards. GEM Awards will return in person for the 20th annual GEM Awards on Friday, January 14, 2022 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.

The Jewelers of America Virtual National Convention will feature high energy keynotes, information-rich breakout presentations, interactive networking opportunities and more. The success of the 2020 Virtual National Convention has provided a launch pad for JA to create a user-friendly, engaging National Convention that will bring members “together” from across the country, without having to take extra time out of the office to travel.

GEM Awards and the Jewelers of America Virtual National Convention will be free to attend. For the National Convention, all attendees must be employed by an active member of Jewelers of America. Non-members can take advantage of limited time membership offers to gain access to the Virtual National Convention.

“We were looking forward to seeing everyone dressed up in their finest jewels and celebrating together. While that is not possible this summer, the virtual GEM Awards will be calling for everyone to get dressed up, grab a cocktail, and get immersed in the celebration,” says Amanda Gizzi, Director of PR and Events. “The National Convention will be the culmination of our celebrations for our 115th anniversary so guests will be encouraged to register early to be part of the celebrations.”

To learn more about the GEM Awards, visit: www.jewelers.org/gemawards.

To learn more about the Jewelers of America Virtual National Convention visit: www.jewelers.org/convention.

About Jewelers of America
Jewelers of America (JA) is the national trade association for businesses serving the fine jewelry marketplace. Jewelers of America's primary purpose is to improve consumer confidence in the jewelry industry through its leadership in public, government and industry affairs; by advocating professionalism, including high ethical, social and environmental standards; and by facilitating members' access to education. For more information, please visit www.jewelers.org.