Jewelers of America’s 2023 CASE Awards provide a look at the “incredible examples of what consumers can expect to find at their local Jewelers of America member store,” according to a statement from Jewelers of America (JA) spokesperson Amanda Gizzi.

The New York–based association announced winners in its 33rd annual jewelry design competition on Aug. 2. The awards recognize JA members for creativity, artistry, style, and excellence—or CASE.

JA received more than 150 entries in eight categories, which are separated for retailers and suppliers and by dollar value of the jewelry. In addition to the eight winners, one retail and one supplier entry were named Best in Show.

“Jewelers of America’s CASE Awards design competition highlights the fine craftsmanship, creativity, and talent of Jewelers of America member designers and bench jewelers,” Gizzi said in a statement.

Sardwell, who won in the supplier $10,001–$50,000 category, says she believes jewelry is not merely something people casually wear—it can change them.

“It’s more than just the object, which I feel must be of immense quality and craftsmanship. It’s also that the objects hold this essence—this preciousness, this spirit—that transcends into something else,” Sardwell says. “Not only does the object hold that power, but as you put it on, the wearer transforms as well.”

CASE winners were selected by a panel of design experts who evaluated entries on the following criteria: overall design, marketability, originality, and quality of manufacture. Judges included Tanya Dukes, writer; Lenore Fedow, National Jeweler; JA’s Gizzi; Helena Krodel, David Alan Jewelry; Adrianne Sanogo, Black in Jewelry Coalition; and Steve Velasquez, Madison Jewelers.

The awards, sponsored by Synchrony and Aurora Payments, are open to employees of JA member companies. All winners will receive a customized trophy.

The 2023 CASE winners are:

Retailer: jewelry up to $2,000
Wright’s Jewelry
Designed by Jennifer Beatty
Fallston, N.C.
14k white gold “Lotta Love” ring ($2,000) with 1.18 cts. t.w. marquise diamonds (one 0.47 ct., seven 0.4 ct., a 0.19 ct., and four 0.12 ct.), created from three separate rings from special men in the jeweler’s life

Retailer: $2,001 to $5,000
Avianti Jewelry Designs
Designed by Ani Babayan and Avi Babayan
La Cañada, Calif.
14k yellow gold necklace ($4,980) on a paper-clip Italian chain with a 78.67 ct. boulder opal with green-blue and black hues and 42 round natural pavé diamonds

Retailer: $5,001 to $10,000
Schullin
Designed by Marianne Köle and Laura Thomann
Graz, Austria
Ring in 18k rose gold ($5,580) with 11.09 ct. teardrop-cut citrine and 62 brilliant-cut diamonds of 0.36 ct.

Retailer: $10,001 to $50,000
Schullin
Designed by Hans Schullin and Laura Thomann
Graz, Austria
18k rose gold “Smile” necklace ($21,900) with 144 brilliant-cut diamonds of 3.06 ct. that are pavé-set in every other arch. In the center, the necklace features a diamond-set 18k white gold smile and 12 orange sapphires of 1.8 ct.

Retailer: Best in Show
Giraux Fine Jewelry
Designed by Sarkis Sarkissian
San Francisco
Platinum ring ($40,000) containing a heat-treated 9.05 ct. octagonal step-cut natural sapphire, prong-set with two antique-cut 1.1 ct. marquise diamonds and two 0.17 ct. round brilliant-cut diamonds

Supplier: up to $2,000
Jorge Valdes Fine Jewelry
Designed by Jorge Valdes
Astoria, N.Y.
18k rose gold Sparks studs ($1,495) with 0.14 ct. round white diamonds

Supplier: $2,001 to $5,000
Martha Seely Design
Designed by Martha Seely
Carlisle, Mass.
Stardust dangle earrings in 14k white gold ($4,775) with 5.8 ct. tanzanite, 3.2 ct. sapphires, and 1.35 ct. diamonds

Supplier: $5,001 to $10,000
Tabayer
Designed by Tabayer
Miami
Handcrafted 18k Fairmined rose gold Oera ring ($6,400) with 1.32 ct. brown diamond

Supplier: $10,001 to $50,000
Renisis
Designed by Sardwell
New York City
18k yellow gold Guardian Gold Temple pendant ($38,000) with a central golden South Sea Pearl framed with diamond patterns, and a strand of golden ombré 9–11 mm South Sea pearls with 18k clasp with Akoya pearls and diamond pavé. The back has shibori-inspired cut-out designs in platinum and is framed with a cherry blossom motif.

Supplier: Best in Show
Katherine Jetter Ltd.
Designed by Katherine Jetter
Nantucket, Mass.
Unicorn ring ($39,300) featuring 11.77 ct. square emerald-cut tanzanite, 1.15 ct. tapered baguette diamonds, and 2.01 ct. ombré blue sapphire set in 18k yellow gold and blue rhodium finish

Top: Avianti Jewelry Designs’ opal and diamond pendant by Ani and Avi Babayan of La Cañada, Calif., won the 2023 CASE Award in the retailer $2,001–$5,000 category. (Photos courtesy of Jewelers of America)

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