Rio Tinto Diamonds today announced the winners of its Global Design Competition, awarded by an elite panel of eight judges from the fashion and jewelry industries.
The judging panel, at an event at the Kristin Hanson Gallery, selected nine winners from a record number of entries from the US, Canada, Australia, India, China and Hong Kong, across four categories of jewelry design: Champagne, Silvermist, Canadian Diamonds and Sustainable Jewelry.
According to jewelry judge and style editor Mr Michael O’Connor, “I was extremely impressed with how each of the designers interpreted the challenge and came up with unique and beautiful jewelry pieces that highlight the use of Rio Tinto’s diverse diamonds portfolio.”
The judging panel also referred to the incredible variety of designs, from classic pieces through to contemporary interpretations, often with nature and the elements as the source of inspiration.
Rebecca Foerster, Manager of Rio Tinto Diamonds' US Representative Office, commented on the results, "We were delighted with the level of interest in the competition from all over the world and we look forward to working with the winning designers to showcase their creativity".
As a result of their efforts, the nine winning designers will have many opportunities for significant exposure to the US jewelry industry, including their designs being showcased at a suite at the 2012 Academy Awards.
The winning designs are as follows:
Champagne Diamonds Master Craftsman- Nejal Rajesh Mehta, India,
“The World of Champagne” earrings feature pave set champagne diamonds in a captivating gradient of color.
Champagne Diamonds Rising Star- Stacey Lindsell, Australia,
Sturt’s Desert Rose” bracelet featuring champagne diamonds tapering in color and pave set in petals to enhance the form and reflect the rich and natural colors of the earth. It is set in 18K white gold with white diamonds to accent the flowers.
Silvermist Diamonds™ Master Craftsman- Joseph Weinreich, US
The “Nature’s Beauty” flower cuff is encrusted in Silvermist Diamonds™, symbolizing this gift from Mother Nature and featuring a pearl in its centre.
Silvermist Diamonds™ Master Craftsman- Dean Walker, Australia
The “Silvermist Express” bangle was inspired by a desire to create something that will inspire hope. This
18K white gold bangle appears to float around the wrist of the wearer. The “train”, adorned with striking Silvermist diamonds, moves on its track also made with Silvermist diamonds.
Silvermist Diamonds™ Rising Star- Vijayshree Sovani, India
This Silvermist Diamond™ bracelet is inspired by the ripples in desert sand as well as the winds of time. It is set in white gold with black rhodium accents.
Canadian Diamonds Master Craftsman- Reena Ahluwalia, Canada
The “Canoe” Canadian Diamond necklace is inspired by the poetic image of a magical Canadian landscape- a canoe in an icy, crystalline frozen lake. The Canoe is known as a carrier of Canadian myths, a symbol that represents voyage, discovery, harmony with nature, and courage.
Canadian Diamonds Rising Star- Michelle Buxani, Temptations, Hong Kong
“Rain Dance” earrings featuring Canadian Diamonds are set in white gold with yellow gold accents. This design was inspired by the sun shining through the clouds after rain, with rays of light hitting the water.
Sustainable Jewelry Master Craftsman- Nadia Neuman, Australia
The “Tyger, Tyger” fan melds together functionality and luxury all from a sustainable perspective. In addition to using 100% sustainable materials in the design, the Tiger motif represents nature as an endangered creature and reminds its user of the need to care for the earth.
Sustainable Jewelry Rising Star- V. Saravanan, India
“The Creator” necklace is a true homage to nature. Utilizing recycled materials such as plastic toothpaste tubes and mixing in the natural beauty of Silvermist Diamonds™, this design uses a mesh design to remind people to protect the earth and nature and find ways to recycle plastic materials.
About Rio Tinto Diamonds
Rio Tinto is one of the world’s major diamond producers through its 100 per cent control of the Argyle mine in Australia, 60 per cent of the Diavik mine in Canada, a 78 per cent interest in the Murowa mine in Zimbabwe. These three mines allow Rio Tinto to produce diamonds for all market segments. Rio Tinto also has an advanced diamond project in India.
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