For Immediate Release
October 13, 2003
J. Randall Counts, of Abracadabra Jewelers in Ann Arbor, and
Jack Demerjian, of J. Demere Designs in Livonia, won top honors
in the Individual Goldsmith category of the 13th Annual Jewelry Design
Competition sponsored by the Michigan Jewelers Association (MJA). Winners
were recognized with awards presented at a luncheon held in East Lansing
on September 17.
Counts’ entry, a 14-karat yellow gold ring with ironwood inlay
and four diamonds, placed first in Division One (under $2,500 retail
value) of the Individual Goldsmith category. Demerijian’s entry,
an 18-karat two-tone pendant with a bicolor citrine and yellow and white
diamonds, placed first in Division Two (over $2,500 retail value) of
the Individual Goldsmith category.
Demerjian’s design also received the highest overall score from
judges and thus earned the Judge’s Choice award, which recognizes
the piece exhibiting the greatest originality and artistry, as well
as excellent overall design and craftsmanship. His design will advance
to the Jewelers of America® Affiliate National Design Competition
in New York.
Marcia and Gary Alfieri, of Alfieri Jewelers in Portage, and
Bob Rose and Christopher Wecker, of Rose Jewelers in Rochester,
took top honors in the Goldsmith/Manufacturer category. The Alfieris’
entry, an 18-karat yellow slide with one cabochon-cut pink tourmaline
and nine diamonds, placed first in Division One (under $2,500 retail
value); Rose and Wecker’s entry, a 14-karat white gold pyramid-link
diamond and blue sapphire bracelet, place first in Division Two (over
$2,500 retail value).
"The design competition was fierce this year, with many first-time
entrants. These jewelers caught the eye of our judges," said Frank
Yanke, of Yanke Designs in Franklin, who coordinated judging
for the competition.
"Congratulations to all the first and second place winners for
their stunning entries, and continued success to all participants,"
Yanke added.
Fifty-three pieces designed by Michigan jewelers were entered in the
competition. First- and second-place winners were named in two divisions
(based on retail value) within two categories: Individual Goldsmith
and Goldsmith/Manufacturer.
Entries were judged by a panel of industry professionals based on overall
design, craftsmanship and practicality. The contest judges included
Charles Ellias, of the North American Lapidary Laboratory in Birmingham;
Pat Scotella, of Pat Scott Jewelers in Grosse Pointe Woods; Jeff
Juhas, of Herkner Jewelers in Grand Rapids and Paul Zerfas, of
Siegel Jewelers in Grand Rapids.
The Michigan Jewelers Association is the state affiliate of Jewelers
of America and a division of the Michigan Retailers Association (MRA).
MRA is the unified voice of retailing in Michigan and the nation’s
largest state trade association of general merchandise retailers.
Note: The complete list of winners is attached. Photos of winners
and their pieces are available in electronic format by e-mailing Amy
Buttery at abuttery@retailers.com.
2002 Michigan Jewelers Association
Jewelry Design Competition Winners
Individual Goldsmith Category, Division One (under $2,500 retail
value)
1st: J. Randall Counts, Abracadabra Jewelry, Ann Arbor
14-karat yellow gold ring with ironwood inlay and four diamonds.
2nd: Mark Arendsen, Arendsen Jewelers, Lansing
Ladies’ 14-karat yellow gold ring with cabochon-cut blue iolite
accented with a pair of yellow sapphires.
Individual Goldsmith Category, Division Two (over $2,500 retail
value)
1st: Jack Demerijian, J. Demere Designs, Livonia
18-karat two-tone pendant with a bicolor citrine, yellow diamonds and
white diamonds.
2nd: Cass Maiorana, Plymouth Jewelry and Gifts, Plymouth
Men’s diamond wedding ring in 14-karat white gold, platinum and
rose gold, containing six baguette-cut diamonds channel set between
round platinum tubes.
Goldsmith/Manufacturer Category, Division One (under $2,500 retail
value)
1st: Marcia and Gary Alfieri, Alfieri Jewelers, Portage
18-karat yellow slide with one cabochon-cut pink tourmaline and nine
diamonds.
2nd: Michele Rohn (owner) and Jerry Wheeler, Ageless Treasures,
Lapeer
14-karat yellow gold pendant-brooch set with black onyx, diamonds, orange
sapphire, yellow sapphire, magenta sapphire, blue sapphire and chrome
diopside.
Goldsmith/Manufacturer Category, Division Two (over $2,500 retail
value)
1st: Bob Rose and Christopher Wecker, Rose Jewelers, Inc., Rochester
14-karat white gold pyramid-link bracelet with diamonds and blue sapphires.
2nd: Alexia Bongiorno and Mark Beltchenko, Alexander J. Bongiorno,
Inc., Troy
18-karat yellow gold moon-design pendant with opal, diamond and platinum
on a 14-karat white gold chain.
Judges’ Choice
Jack Demerijian, J. Demere Designs, Livonia
18-karat two-tone pendant with a bicolor citrine, yellow diamonds and
white diamonds.
