Jewelry Industry News Wire

CPAA Extends Deadline for Entries to 11th Annual International Pearl Design Competition

New York City. Oct. 9, 2020. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Cultured Pearl Association of America (CPAA) is extending the deadline for entries to its 11th Annual International Pearl Design Competition (IPDC). The new deadline for entries is Friday, Dec. 18, 2020.

The live judging portion of the contest happens in a restaurant in New York City during the last week of October. However, because of Covid-19, lack of a vaccine, and concerns surrounding indoor dining, CPAA does not feel it is safe for judges and staff to meet in person. CPAA is extending the deadline for entries to Friday, Dec. 18, 2020. At that time, CPAA will assess any citywide Covid-19 restrictions to move forward with the rest of the competition, including live judging. We apologize for any inconvenience this change causes but know that CPAA is concerned for the safety of individuals who participate in live judging.

For information about entering the contest, please click here. To purchase an entry, please click here. A reminder: This year, the cost to enter is $175 for your first two entries. Third entries and beyond (up to five total) are $150 apiece.

For more information, reach out to kathyspearl@gmail.com.

Editor’s Note: Jennifer Heebner works part time for CPAA.

Jewelry Industry News Wire

AGTA Announces 2020 Spectrum Awards Judges

Dallas. Oct. 5, 2020. The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) recently announced judges for the 2020 AGTA Spectrum Awards. Judges are Michael Johnson, Eiseman Jewels; Monica Kitt, The Arkenstone, Ltd.; Clare Adams Kittle, Clare Adams Kittle Company; Chris Pampillonia, Pampillonia Designs; and Ray Zajicek, Equatorian Imports, Inc.

“We are so grateful this amazing panel of judges have volunteered their services,” said Douglas Hucker, AGTA CEO, to the press this week. “They have an outstanding level of expertise in all areas of our industry, and I am excited to see how they work together.” 

Because of the coronavirus and travel restrictions, AGTA is hosting the competition in the Dallas area, as opposed to its typical live event location in Manhattan. Social distancing measures will be in place. Plans for a virtual press day are in the works.

For more information, reach out to Kami Swinney at Kami@agta.org.

Jewelry Industry News Wire

Gismondi 1754 Opens Made in Italy Concept Store in Milan

Milan, Sept. 25, 2020. Italian Jewelry brand Gismondi 1754 has opened a Made in Italy concept store in the Brian & Barry building, a 12-floor department store in Milan. Available collections in this shop-in-shop include Dedalo, Aura, Prato Fiorito, and Noi, while the brand’s one-of-a-kind pieces will remain exclusively at the Baglioni Hotel Carlton boutique. The seventh generation of the Gismondi family now runs the brand, which was founded in Genoa and is known for its elevated timeless designs that are made in Italy.

“This opening represents an opportunity to strengthen our presence in the Milanese city,” said Massimo Gismondi, CEO of the historic Genoese brand, to the press this week.

Gismondi 1754 jewelry can be found worldwide, including in Europe, the United States, and the Middle East.

For more information, contact Jill Eisenstadt-Chayet at jec@blupr.com.

Jewelry Industry News Wire

Sylvie Collection Debuts Sylvie Style Bar Digital Custom Engagement Ring Builder

Plano, Texas. Sept. 24, 2020. Wedding jewelry maker Sylvie Collection, owned by founder and designer Sylvie Levine, has unveiled an online engagement ring builder to allow fans to digitally customize engagement rings. Dubbed the Sylvie Style Bar, the tool is enabled for both mobile and desktop ring building of more than 1,000 options to date. Users proceed through a five-step process that allows them to build a ring in less than a minute; the final piece can be emailed to friends or shared on social media or saved on phones or desktops. Those interested in bringing creations to life can then locate and connect with authorized Sylvie retailers to complete purchases.

The brand developed the tool in response to customer demand—more than 60 percent of Sylvie’s annual sales are from custom orders.

“Customization is by far the most important offering when it comes to bridal,” Levine tells the press. The Sylvie Style Bar allows her brand devotees to “easily build, design, and share their own Sylvie rings based on their preferences.”

The five steps of Sylvie Style Bar include:

Choosing from seven different diamond shapes—round, princess, emerald, pear, marquise, cushion, or oval.

Selecting a center-stone setting, such as halo, double halo, solitaire, or three stone.

Selecting a style from a range, including modern to classic to vintage inspired, and the type of side stones desired if a three-stone setting is chosen.

Choosing one of four metal types like white, yellow, or rose gold or platinum.

And finally, once a ring is created, users can opt to email the design to someone, save and download the image, share it on social media, or schedule an appointment with their nearest Sylvie retailer.

“Finishing Touches” like adding other colored stones are another option.

Retailers and consumers can use the tool, and other features, including virtual try-on, are already in the works.

For more information, contact cassie@sylviecollection.com.

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