MJA design contest honors creative jewelerscontinued from page 1 Jack Demerjian, of J. Demere Designs in Livonia, won top
honors in the 13th Annual Jewelry Design Competition sponsored by the
Michigan Jewelers Association (MJA). Demerjian and other winners were
recognized with awards presented at a luncheon held in East Lansing on
September 17.
Demerjian’s design, pictured below, received the
highest overall score from judges and thus earned the Judge’s Choice
award. The award recognizes the piece exhibiting the greatest originality
and artistry, as well as excellent overall design and artisanship. His design will advance to the Jewelers of America®
Affiliate National Design Competition in New York. “The design competition was fierce this year, with
many first-time entrants. These jewelers’ creations 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. A panel of industry professionals judged entries based on overall design, artisanship 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.
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