September 2001 Precious Metals/News Hollywood Divas The Women's Jewelry Association's Diva Awards use Tinseltown for inspiration Because movies are full of divas on and off screen, who better to inspire jewelry artists than this image-conscious group? The fifth annual Diva Awards for Jewelry Design competition awarded $15,000 in cash prizes to three winners and three honorable mentions for creating renderings for jewelry to fit the theme “Hollywood Diva: Glamour Now and Forever.” The contest is growing in popularity, in part due to its democratic nature. Only renderings are accepted as entries, allowing all designers to compete, regardless of financial status. Entries were up 50% over last year, climbing from 197 to 297. “Our judges had an especially hard time this year,” says Diva Chairperson Barbara Mooty. “Literally hundreds of qualified entries competed for top prizes.” Along with the top six winners, the judges also honored 11 semifinalists. The grand prize, second-place and third-place trophies were designed by a combination of sponsors. The sterling silver base was designed by Reed & Barton and created by Rhode Island Metal Spinning Inc. Crystals were donated by Swarovski. Chippenhook created and donated the three honorable-mention trophies and provided awards for all Hollywood Diva sponsors. • Women’s Jewelry Association, Fairfield, NJ; (973) 575-7190, www.womensjewelry.org. – by Peggy Jo Donahue All photos of renderings by Erica & Harold van Pelt Grand Prize Marsha Donahue “Reel” Hollywood glamour was created with black velvet ribbon threaded underneath a diamond-studded 18k white gold film reel-like frame with brushed and high-polished finishes. Second Place Astrik Jarajian “Eye Frame Diva With Wings and Vision” was designed for Cher, in recognition of her talent and creativity as an actor and singer, says Jarajian. Third Place Joeng-Eun Kim Kim’s “Necklace with Flower” was inspired by Audrey Hepburn. The artist says it would beautifully accessorize Hepburn’s iconic simple black dress. Honorable Mention Shinka Kimura This necklace was designed for Marilyn Monroe, who stays in peoples’ minds forever, says Kimura. Honorable Mention Aiko iwashita massoud The necklace with three drops was designed as an image of a spotlight, says Massoud. Honorable Mention Maria Canale The necklace is a fashion statement in gold, sparkling with small diamonds and flexible like fabric, says Canale. Semifinalists Marsha Donahue Hau C. Ly Alison Nagasue Maytal Hoftman Mirjam Butz-Brown Diana Pratt Ema Takahashi Christina Jeong Lee Shinka Kimura Stephanie L. Hardy, G.J.G. Sophie M. Gardner Sponsors, Organizers Major sponsor for the Diva awards was JCK/Reed Expo. Emerald sponsor was Chaumet. Ruby sponsors were David Yurman, In Style magazine, Johnson Matthey, Mikimoto and Zenith Watch Co. Sapphire sponsors were Ambar Diamonds, Bellataire, Dunbar Armored Air, Fleet Precious Metals, Hamilton Jewelers, Harry Winston, IJB Insurance, Jewelers Mutual Insurance Co., Kerwin Communications, London Jewelers and Trigem Designs, a division of Columbia Gem House. Pearl sponsors were Aurafin, David H. Fell & Co. and Jewels by Jack. The Diva Committee chairperson was Barbara Mooty of AJM magazine. Joining her on the committee were Noel Cheney, California Jewelers Association; Veronica Clark-Hudson, Gemological Institute of America; Anne Devero, Anne Devero Presents; Cindy Edelstein, Jeweler’s Resource Bureau; Sue Elliott, GIA; Claudia Endler, Claudia Endler Designs; Judy Evans, Diana Couture; Ruth Failer, David H. Fell & Co.; Kris Field-Higgins, Jewelry by Karla Kristine; Sande Finkel, London Jewelers; Lorraine Garvey, Friedrich Stahl Designs USA; Miranda Hayes, Timeless Gem; Sherri Hendericks, American Gem Society; Pat Henneberry, JCK; Laurie Hudson, Platinum Guild International; Kim Hurlbert-Sarosi, Timeless Gem Designs; Lisa Labrado, Harry Winston; Marilyn Liebman, AJM magazine; Elsa Martinez-Phillips, Roberto Martinez Inc.; Jana McDonough, Family Jewels; Cheryl Pellegrino, J. Walter Thompson; Fran Pennella, Reed Expo; Maria Piano, Shreve & Co.; Estela Posternak, ERP Enterprises; Colleen Rafferty, Christensen & Rafferty; Janice Rovito, Finley Fine Jewelry Corp.; Gillian Schultz, Metronet Safe & Sound; Judi Shechter-Lankford, GIA; Caroline Stanley, Jewelers Vigilance Committee; Billie Sutter, LuxuryFinders.com; Akiko Wakabayashi, Nancy B & Co.; Aline Walker, Key Designs; and Yancy Weinrich, AGS.