Michigan Retailer-Creative jewelers shine in MJA design contest

Creative jewelers shine in MJA design contest

Milford jeweler Eric Larvick, of Rottermond Jewelers, won top honors in the 13th Annual Jewelry Design Competition sponsored by the Michigan Jewelers Association, a division of MRA. Winners were announced at MJA’s 2002 Michigan Jewelry Show, held March 2-3 in Novi.

Larvick’s gold pendant with a garnet and diamonds placed first in the Professional Goldsmith category and received the highest overall score from judges. His design will advance to the Jewelers of America® Affiliate National Design Competition in New York.

“One of the things that set this piece apart from the others was the fact that the back was as beautifully crafted as the front,” said Frank Yanke, of Yanke Designs in Franklin, who coordinated judging for the competition.

Rick Currie, of Rick Currie Master Goldsmith in Port Huron, captured the Judges’ Choice award, which recognizes the piece exhibiting the greatest originality and artistry, as well as excellent overall design and craftsmanship.

The Spectral Award for the piece receiving the greatest number of votes from Michigan Jewelry Show attendees went to Gary Alfieri, of Alfieri Jewelers in Portage.

As Spectral Award winner, Alfieri received a 7.3-carat, peach-colored ametrine quartz in an antique cushion shape, donated by Roger Dery, of Spectral Gems in Birmingham.

Sixty-five pieces designed by Michigan jewelers were entered in the competition. First- and second-place winners were named in three categories: Student (high school), Professional Goldsmith and Designer/Manufacturer Partnership.

Entries were judged by a panel of industry professionals based on overall design, craftsmanship, practicality and wearability. All winners received an etched glass plaque.

“This year’s entries were perhaps the best group of pieces we’ve seen,” said MJA’s Robin Gregory, who coordinated the competition.