The Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) recently awarded the winners of its 12th Annual DIVA Awards design competition, whose theme was outlined as ‘The Platinum Wedding’. The scope of the competition was expanded this year to include five categories. One such was for creating a design with natural coloured diamonds set in platinum.

The winners and honourable mentions announced at the gala include: For the Everyday Bridal Ring Trio Suite category (under $5,000 retail) the ‘Delicate Leaf’ wedding set design created by Lisa Krikawa of Tucson, Ariz., using platinum and diamonds was awarded. The honorable mention was Evelyn Huang of evelynH. Jewelry Inc., and Patricia Pepe Clark, Design Decision, Bellmore. In the DIVA Bridal Suite category (over $5,000 retail) Jill MacKay of Jill MacKay won the competition for the collection ‘Platinum Roses Wedding Trio’. As honorary mention was Jill Zvaigzne, Newport, Ky., (a designer for I.B. Goodman Co. and her own line of fashion jewellery, Ze), and Evelyn Huang. In the category of Platinum Jewels for the Bridal Party (under $5,000 retail) Carley McGee, Fort Myers, Fla. won for the ‘Helios Pendant’ designed in platinum, diamonds, and rock crystal. The honorable mention was Judy Meli, Judy Evans Designs, Scottsdale, Ariz., and Sheryl Lai, Sheryl Lai Design Inc., Los Angeles. The category of Platinum Jewels for the Bridal Party (over $5,000 retail) was awarded to the platinum and diamond Tulip necklace designed by Erica Courtney. The honorable mention were Amy Liu, New York, and Brooke Poller, New York. The Colourful Engagements and Weddings in Platinum category was awarded to Joana Miranda, Joana Miranda Studio, Glendale, Wis., for Pink Diamond Trellis. Honorable mention were Yoko Ogawa, a freelance jewelry designer from Tokyo, and Isha Katoria, Titan Industries, Bangalore, India.

This is the second consecutive year that Platinum Guild International sponsored the competition. PGI is a WJA “Pillar of Distinction” sponsor, along with Jewelers Mutual Insurance, and David Yurman. The competition was supported by the sponsors: Lieberfarb Inc. Paul Klecka, Mann Design, Techform Advanced Casting Technology, Mercury Ring Corp., Pink Luxury- a division of Rare and Precious of Vancouver and the Natural Color Diamond Association.The winners will be celebrated at a cocktail party at the TAO restaurant in the Venetian.