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RAPAPORT... The Japan Jewellery Association 2013 Design Awards recognized eight submissions out of 126 entries this week. Organizers narrowed the original round of entries to 38, totaling 59 pieces of jewelry, for display in the exhibition hall during the Japan Jewellery Fair and the winning pieces will now be displayed at the September Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair before placement at the Lalique Museum in Hakone, Japan, in October.
The design awards were given for the "Professional" category, focusing on design, technique and quality; the "Theme" category, based upon the "Bonds of Love" campaign and the "Newcomer" category for jewelry that was created by students and young designers and challenged traditional concepts.
Hayashi Maruyama, the chairman of the Japan Jewellery Association, said, "I could strongly feel the creative enthusiasm and passion of the entrants from their jewelry this year. The judges and I were all very happy to see the dramatic increase of the number of entries, which indicates to us the strength of the surge in creativity in Japan's jewelry industry today." 
Ichiro Iino, the chairman of the judging committee, who is a professor of the Tokyo University of the Arts, added, "The grand prize winner was exquisite not only in its design and techniques but also in its presentation and imagination as a total package."
The grand prize was awarded to Kaji International Co. Ltd. for a platinum ring and ring set under the theme of ''Story From The Universe'' that featured diamonds and meteorite.
The Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Prize was awarded to the Tokyo Kiho Corporation, for a silver and diamond necklace titled ''Sakura -- for New Born Babies.'' Tokyo Kiho also won the Chairman of the Japan Jewellery Association Prize for its ''Bonds of Love'' ring and pendant in gold and diamonds.
Juno Corporation received the Governor of Tokyo Metropolitan Government Prize for its bangle ''Air'' in gold and diamonds.
The best new designer prize was awarded to Masumi Takei for the ''Aurora -- Swinging Heart'' necklace, bangle and ring set in silver.
A Chairman of the Japan Pearl Promotion Society Prize was awarded to the Kuwayama Corporation for ''Karin'' (pictured), a platinum, gold, diamond and Akoya pearl necklace.
Shinpei Yamamoto received the Chairman of the Japan Jewellery Designers Association Prize for his ''Put Hands on Top of Each Other'' ring, featuring opal, sapphire and cloisonné.
The Platinum Guild International Prize was given to Atelier Hiroumi for a platinum, aquamarine and diamond necklace.
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