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Four retail jewelers were honored for their jewelry design skills in Jewelers of America’s 18th annual Affiliate Design Competition. Designers from Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wisconsin took home the first place prizes in three categories based on the cost of materials used judged by a panel of industry experts including Modern Jeweler managing editor Matthew Kramer. One “Buyer’s Choice” award was selected by show attendees.

The competition features unique jewelry that has won design contests sponsored by JA’s regional affiliates throughout 2007. This year, Jewelers of America expanded the competition by allowing submissions from member jewelers whose affiliate organization did not hold a local competition.

First place in the over $3,000 category went to Ziad Noshie of Almaza Jewelers, Houston, Texas, for an 18k gold necklace and earrings with freshwater cultured pearls and more than 600 pavé diamonds (1).

First place in the $1,001 to $3,000 category went to Joel Wiland of J. David Jewelry, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, for a pendant with a blue topaz set over trilliant and round diamonds visible through the gem (2).

First place for the $1,000 and under category went to Steven Kistner of Steven Paul Designs, Delafield, Wisconsin, for a men’s 14k gold ring with 12 trapezoidal pieces including nine that move, inlaid with black onyx and 0.44 carats in diamonds (3).

The Buyer’s Choice award went to Dale Hurt of Gold-N-Designs, Lee’s Summit, Missouri, for a platinum and 18k gold pendant with tanzanite, pink tourmaline, opal doublet, and diamonds (4).

The judges evaluated the 30 entries on craftsmanship, marketability, practicality and wearability, and overall design. This year, the entries included many innovative designs with movement, complex construction, and elaborate detail.