Drawing upon mathematical references that are found in deconstructed architectural design elements, Chicago-based designer
Ellie Thompson created her newest collection — Theorem. Using the concept of energy in motion, Thompson employs triangular structures similar to those found in bridges to convey outer strength and visual intrigue and combines them with the delicate details of a wheel’s linear spokes. Included are pendants, rings and earrings offered in blackened silver or 18-karat gold on their own, or set with diamonds or colored gemstones.
Specializing in artistic interpre-tations of nature and wildlife, jewelry design firm Stenzhorn was foundedby the eponymous 
family in 1979 in Boppard, Germany. The company offers an array of collections: Dark Romance, comprised of Goth skulls and crosses; Amanda, made up of forms inspired by the female figure; Wildlife Watch Collection, timepieces that pay homage to animals, as well as other collections that explore flower and fauna. Signature details of the Stenzhorn line are invisibly set diamonds, pavé and color gradations.
Congratulations to the winners of the first International Pearl Design Contest (IPDC) sponsored by the Cultured Pearl Association of America (CPAA). There were eight winners in seven categories. President’s Trophy, the highest honor awarded, was presented for a design that unanimously captivated judges. It went to Adam Neeley of Laguna Beach, California, for “South Sea Glow.” The Luster Award, bestowed on an entry for its overall appeal to the retail marketplace, was given to the Pearlotica Design Team of Honolulu, Hawaii, for “The Untouchable” and to Philip Dismuke for Jewelsmith of 
Durham, North Carolina, for “Sea of Love.” The Designer’s Award given to the entry that takes pearls to the far corners of the imagination and beyond went to Zoltan David of Bee Cave, Texas, for “Spiral Earrings.” The Brilliance Award, given to the entry that best illustrates the spectrum of pearl colors, went to Joel Green, Imperial Pearl of East Providence, Rhode Island, for “Gem of the Sea.” The Orient Award honoring the piece that would inspire a newfound affinity in someone for cultured pearls went to Anil Maloo, Baggins Inc., Los Angeles, California, for “Aurora Eclipse.” The Visionary Award recognized the entry that redefines the iconic pearl strand and shifts the perception of cultured pearls for today’s buyer; it was received by Kaoru Kristy Endo, Hong Kong, for “The Black Maze.” The Wedding Day category rewarded an entry that creates a fantasy wedding theme with pearls. That honor went to Elizabeth Blair, Harbor Springs, Michigan, and Massimo Sanalitro, Milan, Italy, for “Carved Lace.”
Article from the Rapaport Magazine - December 2010. To subscribe click here.