Magnetic earrings in 14k yellow and white gold with marquise-shape aquamarines and morganites, cultured golden South Sea and akoya pearls, pink sapphires, and blue and colorless diamond briolettes by Mark Loren of Mark Loren Designs, entered into Bridal Wear

The color combination reminds me of a fun print dress! I love the harmonious display of gems and pearls, and I would love to own this pair.

Long earrings in 14k yellow gold with 45 cts. t.w. Laguna agate, 6.33 cts. t.w. green tourmaline, akoya cultured pearls, and 0.22 ct. t.w. diamonds by Mark Loren, entered into Evening Wear

Clearly I have a thing for Mark Loren designs. Usually I’m smitten with his druzy pieces, but now it’s his pearl numbers. These are so fantastic with the length of the agate paired with akoyas—such a traditional gem that’s displayed in a modern way here. I love the juxtaposition of the two.

Cufflinks in 14k yellow and white gold with magnetic interchangeable components, agate, cultured freshwater pearls, and druzy agate by Mark Loren, entered into Men’s

Okay, I’m obviously having a major Mark Loren moment here. Bear with me. These cufflinks have druzy agates, my weakness. Druzy agates plus pearls. I die. Need. Want. Even though I don’t wear shirts with French cuffs, I would convert an existing shirt or buy one.

Cufflinks in 18k rose and white gold with 12–15 mm South Sea cultured pearls with 5.69 cts. t.w. black diamonds and rubies by Chris Faber of Stuller, Inc., entered into the Men’s division and took the title of Best Use of Pearls competition-wide

New CPAA member Stuller made a masterful pair of cufflinks and took home the biggest pearl prize! Nice! I love the monochromatic magic of the black diamonds with the white pearls.

Ring in 18k white and yellow gold with a 3.81 ct. green tourmaline and two 2–8 mm cultured Tahitian pearls with 1.52 cts. t.w. sapphires and 0.40 ct. t.w. tsavorite garnets by Lara Alexander of FWM Jewelry, entered into Business/Day Wear

This intense green cutie really showcases the verdant highlights in the Tahitians because it’s mixed with other naturally green gems. I love the layered look and the maker’s eye for color. Nice job!

Condor necklace in sterling silver and 14k yellow gold with a 37.52 ct. black onyx, a white South Sea pearl, 17.01 cts. t.w. black onyx beads, white freshwater pearls, and 1.10 cts. t.w. diamonds by Brenda Smith Jewelry, entered into Business/Day Wear

This necklace is a party! It’s graphic and has a lot going on. I like the fun way the pearls are used with beads. It’s a statement maker for sure. Bonus: Brenda is a CPAA member. Way to go, Brenda!!

 

Necklace in platinum with 51.75 cts. t.w. black opals, cultured freshwater pearls, 4.12 cts. t.w. diamonds, 0.43 ct. t.w. tsavorite garnet, and 0.42 ct. t.w. sapphires by John Ford of Lightning Ridge Collection by John Ford, entered into Evening Wear

You don’t often see pearls and opals, so I find this necklace unusual. Plus, the opals are phenomenal in quality, and the baroque pearls mimic their silhouette, making the entire piece whimsical and unexpected. I’m also a huge fan of gems set into pearls!

 

Serenity ring in 18k white gold with a 17.4 mm white South Sea pearl with 9.1 cts. t.w. multicolored sapphires and 0.91 ct. t.w. diamonds by Gina Ferranti of Gigi Ferranti, entered into Evening Wear

Such a fun ring!! It’s bright and cheery and a fabulous use of a fine-quality pearl. Pearls are so often thought of as stodgy, so I’m always thrilled to see them displayed in lighthearted but still serious jewelry looks like this. Well done, Gina!

 

Ring in 14k yellow gold with three 9 mm cultured Tahitian pearls by Matt Harris Designs, entered into Classical

You can’t beat a linear look for modern flair. That’s what this ring is giving me in a big way: contemporary vibes with a traditional gem. Love it!

 

 

Not Pearls But Made by CPAA Members!

While CPAA members are big-time pearl lovers, they also work with other gems. Below are two creations from CPAA members that nabbed well-deserved accolades. It’s not hard to see why.

 

Aria earrings in purple titanium, 14k white and green VeraGold with 41.45 cts. t.w. indicolite tourmalines, 3.34 cts. t.w. tsavorite garnets, and 2.42 cts. t.w. diamonds by Adam Neeley, entered into Evening Wear and took the Fashion Forward award

Adam Neeley doesn’t need to enter more than one piece in any awards competition because each piece he enters is a winner. He is virtually guaranteed to win any contest he enters. Why? He’s just that good. Adam doesn’t mess around. I bet even his earliest jewelry efforts are award-winning in some capacity. When given the opportunity to try on this pair, I went for it.

 

Earrings in 18k and 18.5k yellow gold with 12.5 grams of coral and 7.8 grams of turquoise by Sean Gilson, entered into Business/Day Wear and took the Editor’s Choice award

Can you say G-R-A-P-H-I-C? These killer fun earrings from the pearl and coral house are beyond covetable! I could see a wide range of generations wanting to own these, all with the commonality of superb taste.

 

 

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