Designer Lines

By Amber Michelle

RAPAPORT... The glamourous Brooke Burke Charvet, co-host of ABC’s hit series “Dancing With the Stars,” has partnered with jewelry design firm Chad Allison to create a collection of fine jewelry. Burke Charvet wanted to create a collection that reflects her fashion sensibility with timeless design for women who have a passion for style. The Brooke Burke Collection by Chad Allison is comprised of sterling silver or gold with diamonds or colored gemstones.

Bracelet by Moritz Glik,
Couture Award Winner, Diamonds Below $20,000.

Congratulations to the winners of the Couture Design Awards, which were presented in the Encore ballroom at the Las Vegas hotel of the same name during the recent Couture Show. There were 162 entries in ten categories this year, judged by Susan Abeles, director of jewelry, Bonhams; Eric Ford, precious jewelry buyer, Neiman Marcus; Janice Blumberg, owner, Be on Park; Alison Rowe, fashion and accessories editor, Niche Media; Claudia Mata, jewelry and accessories editor, W magazine and designer Stephen Webster. In addition to the design awards, Jim DeMattei of ViewPoint was given the Human Spirit Award for exceptional generosity of mind and spirit. Winners and runners up in each category are as follows: Bridal — John Apel; Jessica Fields, Gintare. Silver — Lauren Harper Collection; Annie Fensterstock, Katie Decker. Platinum — Heinrich & Denzel; Isabelleea Jewelry, Erica Courtney. Diamonds Above $20,000 — Stephen Webster; Stefan Hafner, Michael John Image. Diamonds Below $20,000 — Moritz Glik; Elena Votsi, Hearts on Fire. Gold — Majoral; Carolina Bucci, Todd Reed. Pearls — Mikimoto; Utopia, Autore. Colored Gemstone Below $20,000 — Rodney Rayner; Cleison Roche, Colette Design. Colored Gemstone Above $20,000 — Lydia Courteille; Wendy Yue, Chantecler. Debuting at Couture — Sevan Bicakci; Lucifer Vir Honestus, Arunashi. People’s Choice — Kwiat; Utopia, Stefan Hafner.

Heart ring from the Brooke Burke Collection
by Chad Allison.

In an effort to bring jewelry crafted in palladium to the forefront, the Palladium Alliance International (PAI) announced that it will hold a design competition. The competition is open to U.S. designers and retailers. Entries must be comprised of 95 percent palladium alloy as the only precious metal in the piece. Gemstones or diamonds that are used must be genuine. Entries will be judged on how well the design highlights the key qualities of palladium — its natural whiteness, lightness
of weight and durability. Up to 100 winners will be given a check equal to the cost of the 950 palladium used in the winning piece, as well as a professional
photograph of the piece. The piece will also be included in a stylist showroom for consideration in celebrity dressing at red-carpet events. The three top designs will be featured in PAI ads in fashion magazines. The grand prize winner will be given 30 ounces of 950 palladium alloy to create a jewelry line. For more information, go to luxurypalladium.com/DesignContest.