Just returned from Albuquerque, New Mexico where I was invited to judge the prestigious Saul Bell Design Award Competition. The competition challenges designers from all over the world to create innovative and original jewelry designs in 6 categories. They are: Gold/Platinum Jewelry, Silver Jewelry, PMC Jewelry, Bead Jewelry, Hollowware and this year Swarovski Create Your own style. Over$30,000 in prize money will be awarded to the winners who will be announced at the International Jewelry Show in Las Vegas. It was a lot of fun. The designs were very exciting and I hope the ones I voted for win. I also met several designers and had dinner with Alan Bell, the owner of Rio Grande, the company that sponsored the awards.
Then it was off to Colorado Springs where I attended the prestigious Independent Jewelers Show at the Broad moor Hotel. Naturally everyone was talking about the price of precious metals and the need to design new pieces that take into consideration the price rise. We are currently working on new and exciting bridal pieces in all metals. Palladium seems to be very popular now in engagement rings as well as bands and we are designing some delicate platinum rings to fill a void in the marketplace.
Next week is the New York jewelry show. I will let you know what’s new in the world of jewelry.