Minneapolis – Nov. 23, 2018. Jewelry store owner Ellen Hertz of Max’s was chosen by the Cultured Pearl Association of America (CPAA) to offer for sale the winning pieces of the U.S. division of the organization’s 9^th Annual International Pearl Design Competition (IPDC), an honor bestowed on just a few prestigious jewelry stores across the U.S.

This year marks the first time the CPAA has added a retail component to its design competition, an internationally recognized affair that draws entries from all over the world.

“When the CPAA decided to make winning pieces available for sale, Ellen was one of the first retailers I thought to call,” says Jennifer Heebner, CPAA executive director. “Ellen’s store is one of the premiere designer jewelry destinations in the country, and I knew she would appreciate the pieces. Plus, she is incredibly well respected by her peers and beloved in her local community.” 

Sixteen winning pearl jewelry styles will be at Max’s from Friday, Nov. 23 (Black Friday), through Friday, Dec. 7. Pieces include the Rivoli earrings in gold with South Sea and akoya pearls from designer Adam Neeley, a coveted pair that took the President’s Trophy—the contest’s highest honor. More jewels include the Day to Night necklace in gold with sliced and carved Tahitian pearls inset with diamonds from little h, the Sea Spray earrings in gold with golden South Sea pearls from Patrick Mohs Jewelry, and a number of Honorable Mentions worthy of equal admiration. Many of the pieces are one-of-a-kinds, and all will be in store for just a short period before they move on to another retailer.

The seasoned designer jewelry merchant and proponent had her choice of any of the contest entries for placement in her store for the two-week show and sale following the awards. The items she selected include 10 additional Honorable Mention pieces to co-mingle in her store cases with winning pieces. Why? They also had an undeniable aesthetic appeal and marketability for her customer base.

 “I think our customers will appreciate all of these stunning designs,” says Hertz. “I’m excited to have the pieces in store to offer clients a chance to own an award-winning pearl design—pieces they won’t find anywhere else.”

The goal of the CPAA’s IPDC is to create compelling new pearl jewelry designs worthy of recognition, media exposure, and now, recognition among collectors. The CPAA celebrates pearls of all varieties and encourages seasoned and award-winning artists and beginners alike to compete in the IPDC.

Any unsold pieces move on to one final retail destination elsewhere in the country.

Have questions or want a private viewing of the pieces? Reach out to Ellen at ellen@stylebymax.com or call the store at 952-922-8364, or reach CPAA Marketing Director Kathy Grenier at kathyspearl@gmail.com or log onto www.cpaa.org.

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CPAA is a nonprofit founded in 1957. The group comprises the finest manufacturers, wholesalers, dealers, and suppliers of cultured pearls in the United States, and its goals are to improve retail marketability of pearls and cultivate demand among consumers. Through promotion, education, public relations, and unwavering commitment to the category, CPAA aims to inspire an authentic passion for all cultured pearl varieties. For more information about becoming a certified pearl expert, please visit PearlsAsOne.org. To learn more about the Cultured Pearl Association of America, please visit CPAA.org.