Candy Inspired Jewelry - Luck O' the Irish

No one likes being pinched on St. Paddy's Day!  ...besides I can never remember - you don't have to wear Green if you're Irish?  ...you're supposed to Kiss Them Because They Are Irish? 

Here are some fun a affordable pieces of candy-inspired Jewelry that is sure to keep you safe on the day for the Wearin O' The Green!

...how can you go wrong with candy that doesn't go straight to your hips!

Check out these adorable Sweethearts earrings and necklace...almost good enough to eat!

...and Hershey's Kisses dressed in green so you don't have to!

Winners of Jewelers of America's CASE Awards

Winners of Jewelers of America's 

National Retailer Design Competition

The CASE Awards Honors Jewelry Design That Exhibits 

Creativity, Artistry, Style and Excellence

Jewelers of America (JA), the national trade association for businesses serving the fine jewelry retail marketplace, held its annual national retailer design competition, The CASE Awards, which recognizes independent jewelers who exhibit creativity, artistry, style and excellence in jewelry design. Many of the winning pieces of the 2013 CASE Awards reflect current trends in jewelry and fashion such as nature-inspired elements, mixed metals and vintage/baroque style.

"Jewelers of America's retail design competition is the only national platform that showcases the craft and creativity of independent jewelers," says JA President & CEO David J. Bonaparte. "The jewelry entered reflects the remarkable jewelry you can find from Jewelers of America-member stores nationwide."

All the winning jewelers are members of Jewelers of America, the largest national association for fine jewelry retail businesses. Jewelers of America-member jewelers are among most reputable jewelers in the United States, backed by a commitment to Jewelers of America's Code of Professional Practices.

There were 63 entries from Jewelers of America Retail Members, the highest level of participation in the competition's history. Winners were selected for six product categories: Women's Jewelry Under $2000, $2000-$5000, Over $5000 (retail values); Men's Jewelry; Silver Jewelry; and Palladium Jewelry.

The 2013 CASE Awards were sponsored by Palladium Alliance International and Platinum Guild International, USA. For more information about the competition and to view the Winner's Photo Gallery, www.jewelers.org/caseawards.

CIBJO Grants Accreditation To Trade Show Organizer, Fiera de Vicenza

FIERA DI VICENZA IS ACCREDITED, THROUGH CIBJO,

TO PLAN & IMPLEMENT UN-ENDORSED CSR PROGRAM

Photographed following their meeting at the UN headquarters in New York (from left): Hanifa Mezoui, Senior Advisor, Humanitarian Affairs and Civil Society, UN Alliance of Civilizations; Corrado Facco, Executive Director of Fiera di Vicenza; Muna Rihani Al-Nasser, Chair of the UN Women for Peace; Nassir Abdulaziz Al Nasser, UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations; Gaetano Cavalieri, President of CIBJO; and François Loriot, V.P. of AIFOMD.

Accreditation makes Fiera di Vicenza the only trade show organizer contributing directly to a United Nations-supported program to instill responsible business, social and environmental practices in jewellery industry.

NEW YORK: MARCH 15, 2013 - Fiera di Vicenza has been accredited through CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation, to plan and implement a United Nations-endorsed Corporate Social Responsibility programme for the international jewellery industry. The programme, which mobilises the jewellery sector in the UN's mission to realize the Millennium Development Goals, is the key element in CIBJO's formal relationship with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

Fiera di Vicenza's position in the programme was confirmed this week at the UN headquarters in New York, where CIBJO President Gaetano Cavalieri and Fiera di Vicenza Executive Director Corrado Facco met with Nassir Abdulaziz Al Nasser, UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, and President of the 66th General Assembly of the United Nations; Muna Rihani Al-Nasser, Chair of the UN Women for Peace; Dr. Hanifa Mezoui, Senior Advisor, Humanitarian Affairs and Civil Society at the UN Alliance of Civilizations; well as with other senior UN and ECOSOC officials.

"We consider this to be a critical step in advancing the principles of corporate responsibility in the jewellery industry," said Dr. Cavalieri. "When CIBJO became officially associated with the United Nations seven years ago, our worldwide community committed itself to participating in the economic and social development of the countries in which we have a vested stake. But, to do this, it is essential that we are able to reach and educate industry members across the globe. Fiera di Vicenza, as a leading industry trade show organiser, educator and service provider, has the infrastructure, experience, talent and determination to enable us to get the job done."

"Fiera di Vicenza is honoured to be part of the process," said Mr. Facco, following the meetings in New York. "We have been strong supporters of CIBJO's programme with the United Nations for several years already, and we are happy to be able to upgrade our role. As a service and content provider our mission is to enhance the position of the jewellery industry. CSR is not only the right way to go morally and ethically, but is also correct from a strategic perspective. Jewellery may be considered as a luxury, non-essential product, but the world should come to know that the jewellery business and the revenues it generates are absolutely essential factors in the wellbeing of millions of ordinary people living in the developing world."  

In 2006 CIBJO became the first and only organization in the jewellery sector to receive official consultative status with ECOSOC, and, part of the process, in 2009 it set up the World Jewellery Confederation Education Foundation (WJCEF), whose goal it is to establish programmes that will educate members of the diamond, gemstone and jewellery industries about the principles of Corporate Social Responsibility, and how they may implement these in their businesses.

Fiera di Vicenza was an early supporter of CIBJO's CSR programme and WJCEF. In September 2010, it participated in two CSR workshops organised by CIBJO and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), in the United Nations Pavilion at the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, China. In January 2011 it hosted a high-level CSR seminar organised by WJCEF at the VICENZAORO jewellery trade show. In May 2012, it hosted a WJCEF seminar conducted by UNITAR at the World Jewellery Forum in Vicenza, as well as the 2012 CIBJO Congress and the 8th Annual Meeting of the World Diamond Council.

Mr. Facco also serves as President of CIBJO's International Trade Show Commission, which was established in 2012 and counts among its goals the promotion of CSR principles through jewellery industry trade shows worldwide.

CENTURION'S EMERGING DESIGNER WINNERS FOR 2013 AN INTERNATIONAL GROUP

THREE INTERNATIONAL TALENTS NAMED AS CENTURION'S EMERGING DESIGNER WINNERS FOR 2013 

Winners Reflect Global Participation In This Years Competition

Three global talents, Alessio Boschi of Australia, Erika Bertin of the United States, and Shar-Linn Liew of Thailand were the winners of the Centurion 2013 Emerging Designer Competition, sponsored by Stuller. All three designers made their U.S. tradeshow debut at the Centurion Jewelry Show.

“Palazzo” ring, inspired by the Duke Palace in Venice, Italy.
The ring features two secret doors that reveal a tiny ring
in diamonds and a ruby-encrusted heart. 

The competition, now in its fifth year, drew almost 70 entries from luxury jewelry designers around the world. More than 300 retailers voted to narrow the field down to 12 finalists; the Centurion Board of Retail Advisors voted again to select the three winners, each of whom received a free exhibition space at the Show.

Says Centurion president Howard Hauben, “We received a record number of entries this year, and they were all amazing. We’re proud to be able to offer the winners an unparalleled opportunity to meet the top prestige jewelers in the United States, and we’re equally proud to offer our Centurion attendees this level of outstanding global talent as an exclusive first introduction.”

Ashley Brown, Stuller’s executive director of marketing and public relations, says, “Stuller is pleased and proud to sponsor the Centurion Design Competition. We believe innovation and creativity are essential to the future of the jewelry industry, and being able to help showcase new talent like these designers falls right in line with our mission.”

These are the 2013 Centurion Emerging Designers:

Alessio Boschi, Lux2Lux Jewels, 206/1-15 Francis Street, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia 2010.  (+61 2) 93571947; www.alessioboschi.com; info@alessioboschi.com

Alessio Boschi, Lux2Lux Jewels

Italian-born, Australia-based Alessio Boschi was fascinated by jewelry even as a child. He graduated as a jewelry designer at the "Academy of Costume and Fashion" in Rome in 1994, and, at the age of 21, was already the winner of two international jewelry awards, the Charles Perroud award in Lyon, France and the Kobe Pearl Contest in Japan.

After graduating, Boschi lived in Athens for three years and worked as designer for an emerging Greek company specializing in collections with semiprecious gems. He then moved back to Italy and worked as a freelance designer for major jewelry houses there.

In 2003, he was named in the Guinness Book of Records for the design of the Millennium Sapphire, the biggest blue corundum ever engraved. He spent the following six years in Thailand working with a high-end manufacturer for Arab royal families. In 2006, he moved to Sydney, Australia, to become design and product development director for Autore, where his collections “Oceania,” “Ice and Fire,” and “Venezia” drew the attention of major international fashion magazines, and won a number of prestigious jewelry prizes around the world. In December 2010, he was invited as one of the emergent worldwide designers to participate in a major jewelry fair in Beijing, China. This was the debut of Alessio Boschi brand. In March 2011, he founded the company Lux2Lux Jewels with business partner Martino Eduardo Convertino. Boschi emphasizes eco-friendly jewelry that is made with ethical, conflict-free stones.

“Ivy” earrings by Alessio Boschi feature a detachable drop, and can be worn with or without the drop

Erika Bertin, Peppermint Inc. for ALASIA, 101 W. 55^th Street, Suite 6G, New York, NY, 10019; (+1 646) 229-4040; erikabertin@yahoo.com

Erika Bertin of Alasia

Before she entered the jewelry industry in 1999, designer Erika Bertin of Alasia already had an established career in luxury brand building with Young and Rubicam Advertising Agency in London. She left Y&R to join the Italian fine jewelry firm Favero as director of sales and, while handling the sales department, learned about precious stones procurement and jewelry manufacturing.

Bertin moved to New York in 2000 to set up Arte Italiana, the US branch of Favero, as a partner to the owner. Favero jewelry found a responsive audience in the Americas and saw healthy and successful growth, becoming a recognized brand. Many of the Favero pieces distributed in the USA were either designed or merchandised by Bertin.

In 2008, Bertin set up the New York-based Peppermint Inc., as a consultant to European brands on American distribution, and to continue her own design efforts. Until 2011, the largest client was the Gucci Group, for whom she consulted in the distribution of fine jewelry for the wholesale channel, as well as fine jewelry design and merchandising worldwide, and staff training.

Bertin returns to Centurion 2013 for the first time since her Favero days, with her own new line, Alasia. 100% manufactured in Italy, Alasia combines fashionable designs with materials such as oxidized silver and 10k gold, making it a creative newcomer in the affordable price bracket. She said, “Having been to the Centurion Show in my former role with Favero, I'm doubly excited to be exhibiting there under my own name.  The jewelers who attend Centurion understand creativity, fashion, and design, and I'm very much looking forward to being able to show them a range of pieces that cover the affordable classic as well as fashionable luxury category. Thank you for voting me in and giving me this opportunity."

 

Left, Alasia’s yellow gold personalized cocktail rings with champagne diamond initials. Right, rose gold medallion and ring were inspired by a medieval incense diffuser top, and come with handmade double gold chain and white diamonds. 

Shar-Linn Liew, Sharart Design, 125/8 Sawankhalog Road, Dusit, Bangkok 10300, Thail; (+66) 2243-2446; www.sharartdesign.com; contactus@sharartdesign.com.

Shar-Linn Liew of Sharart Design wearing her articulated blue sapphire Shinto earrings.

Jewelry designer Shar-Linn Liew grew up in Singapore and was exposed to designing since she was a young girl. Her mother, who used to be a clothes designer, fueled her passion in fashion and antiquity. Her greatest enjoyment was accompanying her mother on buying trip to Hong Kong – combing the fabric and accessories market.

But it was her husband who exposed her to the world of gemstones and fine jewelry, although Liew’s first foray into jewelry actually happened in college. She had come to the United States to study finance, but during her studies created handmade jewelry that was sold at the Chazen Museum of Art at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI.

Liew's Ying Yang rotating tourmaline pendant has a pink
tourmaline dome (9.88 ct), a green tourmaline dome
(8.30 ct), white diamond (0.40 ct), cognac diamond
(1.05 ct), and freshwater pearls in 18K yellow gold. 

After college, Liew’s first job had more to do with financial statements than fine jewelry. With her husband’s encouragement, she enrolled as a student at GIA in Carlsbad, CA, where she specialized in the grading and identification of gemstones.

After a two-year stint as a jewelry merchandiser at a TV jewelry network, Liew decided to focus on her own collection. Her pieces are entirely handcrafted by her husband's jewelry manufacturing house, which has more than 30 years of experience.

The inspirations behind Sharart pieces are constantly evolving around the designer’s Asian heritage blended with old European allure. Be it the architectural lines of Asian pagodas or a mid-century Art Deco enameled vanity case, Liew crystallizes her inspiration to design something she considers art.  

#NewJewel - GEMind

GEMind is a Facebook page that serves as an aggregator of news focusing on the economic and political impact on the gem industry prospects, from a non-trade magazine prospective. The page provides easy access to relevant current affairs avoiding the need for readers to sift through the colossal amount of information available.

GEMind is administrated by Sara Abey, a coloured gem merchant with an interest in the history and the economic development of the gem industry.

You can find the GEMind page here:   https://www.facebook.com/GemIndustry

Ganoksin Online Exhibition 'Holding Place: A Repository of Containers and Vessels by Metalsmiths Around the World'

Ganoksin is pleased to announce its third annual International Online Jewelry Exhibition.

This year's theme "Holding Place: A Repository of Containers and Vessels by Metalsmiths Around the World".   http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/holdingplace2013

Black Basket, 2011, silver, 21x11x7 cm 
raised, mounted, oxidised 
Paul Derrez, Galerie Ra, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Online Exhibition: "Holding Place: A Repository of Containers and Vessels by Metalsmiths Around the World".   http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/holdingplace2013

These containers and vessels definitely hold their place in the world of stunning art objects as well as in the world of metalsmithing.

Since the dawn of time humans have created containers to hold things that were important to them, from large vessels to hold food and harvests to intimate containers for small precious things. They might hold memories, ashes, medicine, beverage, fruit or food - but all spring from the imagination and skill of the maker. Some have specific religious functions, some are meant for everyday use. When one thinks of a vessel or container the inclination is to think of something with solid walls - yet many of these works involve the exploration of positive and negative space, and the use of negative space to help create the illusion of the wall of the vessel.

As the world's largest jewelry related internet site, Ganoksin strives to develop exhibitions showcasing work from around the world. This exhibition was open to all metalsmiths, professional and amateur, advanced and beginner. Participants are from The Netherlands, the USA, Canada, Australia, Costa Rica, the United Kingdom, Israel, Hong Kong, Colombia, Romania, Italy, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia and Denmark. While most of the pieces are by an individual metalsmith, some are collaborations, one of three artists spanning 50 years.

In total 319 artists contributed 729 show pieces for the permanent online exhibition.
Objects in the exhibition include boxes, lockets, urns, ash containers, bowls, wine cups, reliquaries, match holders, vases, teapots, pitchers, sugar bowls, baskets, nests, pillboxes, clutches and a range of sculptural forms. A variety of techniques are showcased covering a wide range of metalsmithing techniques. Materials used include everything from gold and silver to less expensive metals. Ornamentation includes the addition of enamel, chasing and repousse', gemstones and found objects.

The exhibition was curated by Beth Wicker, President of the North Carolina Society of Goldsmiths in the United States, and Adjunct Instructor at Northeastern Technical College in South Carolina. Director of the exhibition is Hanuman Aspler, founder of The Ganoksin Project, the world's largest internet jewelry site.

Visit the online exhibition 'Holding Place: A Repository of Containers and Vessels by Metalsmiths Around the World' at:  http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/holdingplace2013

"He Said, She Said..."
copper, sterling silver, CZ 29"x4.5"x5"
Lauren McAdams Selden, Nacogdoches, TX. USA

The Future of Design? G&G Creations!!!!

G&G CREATIONS WINS SECOND ANNUAL

FUTURE OF DESIGN BUSINESS INCUBATOR CONTEST

  

G &G Creations was named the winner of the jewelry industry’s most unique and career-building contest today after making a live “Shark Tank”-like presentation to a panel of judges and an audience of industry VIPs, press and fellow designers.

Judges and team from G& G CReations (from left): Andrea Hill, Hedda Schupak, Ann Arnold, Mihran Guler, Esin Guler, Vahe Ghazarian, Sarven Ipek and Cindy Edelstein

“We are overwhelmed and so proud,“ says winning designer Vahe Ghazarhian on behalf of his team. “We have been working on our application for a very long time and we used all the feedback and advice we’ve gotten since last year’s contest when we were a semi-finalist. We have improved every aspect of our business since last year to better align our efforts with our potential.”

The Future of Design contest is a business incubator competition that nurtures emerging design talent in the fine jewelry industry. It is unique in both the extent of the prize package it provides and that it puts the designers’ business acumen on an equal footing with his or her design talent. It was created in 2012 by Cindy Edelstein of the Jeweler’s Resource Bureau and Andrea Hill of StrategyWerx.

The contest was judged live at MJSA Expo New York by Cindy Edelstein; Andrea Hill; Hedda Schupak, editor of the Centurion Newsletter and Ann Arnold, president/CEO of Lieberfarb. An additional judge who had been actively involved in the judging process up to this point, Bruce Pucciarello, owner of Novell Design Studio, couldn’t be present at the live event but his opinions were factored into the decision.

"The judging was one of the most challenging tasks I've ever faced," said Edelstein. "The margin of difference between the three finalists was paper thin but in the end the judges felt that G&G Creations had the most powerful mix of amazing product design, agile business practices and  marketability. They will become an important contribution to the fine jewelry community."

As the winner, G&G Creations will receive a raft of business services and support from a wide variety of industry organizations who have come together in their support of the next generation of jewelry designers.  

Additional information about the Future of Design contest can be found on the competition website here.

The live finale included 10-minute presentations by all three finalists, including runners-up Lisa Adkinson of Lisa Robin Jewelry and Suneera Swarup of Suneera Fine Jewelry Design. Each designer was tasked with making a final pitch to the judging panel that explained their work, inspiration, and plans for the future. Panelists and audience members, including competition “dream team” members Robert Lee Morris, Penny Preville and Lisa Jenks probed further into each designer’s vision with tough questions about manufacturing, retailers, marketing, and price points.

As the winner, G&G Creations will receive:

• A booth in the JA Designer Showcase
• A booth in the Emerging Designer area of the Centurion Show
• A booth in the JRB’s globalDESIGN show
• An ad campaign in INDESIGN magazine
• A photo shoot by RSP Media
• Technical and marketing support by Platinum Guild
• Manufacturing support by designerWORKS by Novell
• Financial and strategic coaching sessions with Strategywerx
• Marketing support by Supportwerx
• Inclusion in a Jewelry Information Center national media tour and membership in Jewelers of America 
• An AGTA membership and free entry to the 2014 Spectrum Award Competition
• A Contemporary Jewelry Design Group membership
• A Jewelers Vigilance Committee membership and Compliance Kit
• Editorial support by MJSA
• Editorial support on NationalJeweler.com
• A membership in JewelersResource.com Inner Circle
• Mentorship by all the judges 
• Promotion and publicity throughout the process and coming year

GG Love -- sterling, gold and gemstone hearts collection by G & G Creations

While G&G Creations was named the winner, co-creator Andrea Hill noted that all three finalists will receive help in the coming months. “We have a deep commitment to the three finalists. We feel strongly that everyone who entered this contest should benefit somehow,” Hill said. “All designers receive a 5-7 page analysis and recommendations report regarding their application. We are trying to help a wide swatch of designers grow stronger businesses.”

TACORI DESIGN STUDIO ADVANCES JEWELRY MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

TACORI DESIGN STUDIO ADVANCES JEWELRY MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

TACORI Becomes the First Jewelry Company in the World to Use the Brand New 3D System Projet 3500 CPX Max Rapid Prototype Machine and Adds 20 New Microscopes to Diamond Setting Studio

TACORI, the legendary fine jewelry designer, is proud to announce a series of manufacturing advances in their California-based Design Studios that will create even higher standards for their jewelry quality while simultaneously creating more efficient processes.

In January of 2013, TACORI became the first jewelry company in the world to have the brand new 3D System Projet 3500 CPX Max rapid prototype machine. The capability of this upgraded high-powered CPX machine in the jewelry industry means that it can produce over 500 unique prototype designs in approximately 20 hours.  This is a dramatic increase to the prior machines’ capabilities, which produced approximately 180 unique designs in 21 hours.

Garo Kourounian, Head Designer for TACORI, says, “The new CPX rapid prototype machine gives us incredible capabilities to extend and improve our designs.  We can create more detailed designs, in greater volume, and faster.  This investment in the future of Tacori jewelry means that we will be able to design even more beautiful jewelry for our customers.”

Continues Paul Tacorian, President of Sales and Marketing, “Instead of relying on wax moldings, which can allow for individual imperfections, TACORI can now produce every special order design using computer aided design technology and the brand new rapid prototype machine.  This will dramatically increase the quality of all TACORI designs for all of our customers.”

TACORI’s investments in manufacturing do not stop with design, but also extend to the diamond setting and quality excellence portion as well.

As of January 2013, TACORI has invested in over 20 microscopes for the diamond setting department, which is an increase of 10 microscopes just 2 years ago.

The integration of over 20 microscopes has increased the accuracy and speed at which diamonds can be set within TACORI design studios.   Microscopes are used most frequently for TACORI’s bridal designs in order to treat the small intricate areas found on many of TACORI’s engagement rings and wedding bands, and especially within their signature crescent silhouette design feature.   The microscope can be used for many different types of diamond settings including micro-pave, princess, pave, and channel settings.

To advance the art of hand-setting diamonds into the microscopic level, master TACORI diamond setters experienced with microscopic diamond setting now train other master artisans during an intensive 2-3 month process with hands-on microscope techniques.

“When our Master diamond setters use microscopic techniques, this allows TACORI to continue designing and crafting unique pieces with higher degree of details, while also improving the speed, accuracy, and overall quality of every piece of Tacori jewelry” says Garo and Sako Emirzian, Head Diamond Setters for TACORI.

This continual investment in world-class design and manufacturing technology is a testament to TACORI’s continuing commitment to manufacture all TACORI jewelry at their design studios in California, and to maintain the highest standards of innovation and design in the industry.

About TACORI:

TACORI is famous for their internationally recognized signature crescent silhouette design and for being an innovator in the design, creation and marketing of fine jewelry for over four decades.  Spanning four decades, TACORI designs have fused classic elegance with modern inspiration, creating some of the world's most highly regarded and exquisitely beautiful diamond rings, diamond engagement rings, wedding rings, men's wedding bands, diamond earrings, diamond bracelets, diamond necklaces, and Fashion jewelry.  Handcrafted in California, the remarkably detailed rings and fine jewelry pieces become the timeless symbols of connection that join individuals and generations.

SKY and LIVI Offers Women A Beautiful Solution To Hair Loss Due To Chemotherapy

SKY AND LIVI HELP WOMEN COPE WITH HAIR LOSS DUE TO CHEMOTHERAPY

Launched just over a month ago, Sky and Livi is a unique outlook for women facing hair loss due to chemotherapy - it offers a scientific solution to an extremely emotional situation.

SKY and LIVI is a diamond & jewelry company like you’ve never seen. Born out of a desire to redefine the way a woman copes with hair loss from chemotherapy, turning the process of cancer treatment into a one-of-a-kind, poetic, and deeply personal symbol that inspires a woman not to give up her fight against cancer.  SKY and LIVI creates a real, lab-grown personal diamond produced from a lock of her hair, which is fashioned into a beautiful pendant, and acts as a tool and symbol of her endurance to beat this dreaded disease.

In the USA alone, over 750,000 women are diagnosed with some form of cancer every year.  From that staggering figure, about a third undergo some form of chemo or radiation therapy.  While side effects vary greatly, the loss of hair is particularly traumatic for women, often demoralizing them to such an extent that they give up all hope of recovering.  Sadly, 8% of women opt not to receive treatment from fear of losing their precious hair.  

This is where Founder & CEO of SKY and LIVI, Anjanette Sinesio, enters the conversation.  For sixteen years, Sinesio has traveled the globe marketing and selling luxury jewelry and diamonds to high-end international clientele.  Over a decade ago, the loss of her aunt, father and grandfather to cancer, all within two years, left an indelible mark on her life.  She has also seen her friends and family battle cancer and survive. Sinesio saw how one's emotional state played a huge part in survival.  In fact, research by Dr. Lissa Rankin has proven that when using the placebo effect that 18-80% of people get better, as this healing comes from our positive belief and emotions, which directly affect the healthy cells in our body through the mind-body-connection.

Sinesio began to research a new technology, which creates diamonds in a laboratory from the unique carbon signature of a person’s hair, and she saw the vision of her current compassionate enterprise.  SKY and LIVI grew out of her inspiration to help women transform this very defining moment of hair loss by giving them an option not to just to throw their hair in the garbage.  Now, they can create a beautiful diamond from their hair set in specially designed pendants, that can inspire them not to give up the fight against this dreaded disease.  “I see the diamond and pendants I designed as an outward symbol of a woman's unwavering strength to fight cancer.  It’s her chance to tell cancer, you can take my hair, but you can’t take me,” says Sinesio.  

A beautiful example of just this is cancer survivor Elizabeth Joice, who battled a rare form of Sarcoma.  As she so simply put it - “I won my battle with cancer because I chose to fight.  I made it and I made a diamond.” 

The Technology

Utilizing years of research by some of the most skilled and trained scientists in the field, SKY and LIVI personal, lab-grown diamonds are made from the signature carbon from a client’s hair and then put under extreme heat and pressure in a lab environment. Women can then choose from five different pendants to set her personal diamond.  Each one is specially designed to showcase her stone and to wear close to her heart.  The whole process from start to finish takes several months.  SKY and LIVI lab-grown diamonds are currently available in white, blue, red, yellow and orange, in sizes varying from 0.10 carats to 2.00 carats, depending upon the color. SKY and LIVI personal, lab grown diamonds are chemically, physically and optically identical to a mined-diamond.  They are real, certified by the International Gemological Institute (IGI) and laser engraved with your own unique IGI Identification Number and SKY and LIVI logo.  Every diamond also comes with a certificate of authenticity.  

Our Charity Partner - Look Good Feel Better

As part of her commitment to give back and do more, SKY and LIVI will donate $100 from every diamond sale to our charity partner, Look Good Feel Better. Friends and family can also show their support by purchasing a silver SKY and LIVI lavender macramé logo bracelet accented with a micro diamond; $10 from every bracelet sale will also be donated. The Look Good Feel Better program is a collaboration of the Personal Care Products Council Foundation, a charitable organization established by the Personal Care Products Council, the leading national trade association representing the global cosmetic and personal care products industry; the American Cancer Society, the nation's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to saving lives from cancer; and the Professional Beauty Association, a national organization of more than 25,000 cosmetologists, wig experts, aestheticians, makeup artists and nail technicians. For more information about Look Good Feel Better visit www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org.  Look Good Feel Better is dedicated to improving the self-esteem and quality of life of people undergoing treatment for cancer. 

About Anjanette Sinesio 

Prior to her forming SKY and LIVI, Anjanette Sinesio was President & Creative Director of Diamond in the Rough and was VP of Marketing & Communications for LEVIEV Jewelers. She also headed the Marketing for Chimento, Stefan Hafner and Mayor’s Jewelers. Previously, Sinesio worked as the Director of the Actors Studio School of Dramatic Arts, and as the Executive in Charge of Production of the critically acclaimed and Emmy-nominated television show, “Inside the Actors Studio.” Along with James Lipton, she built the school and developed the television show from the ground up, creating one of the leading drama schools in the world. She left the Actors Studio in 1996 to begin her career in the jewelry industry. Sinesio has appeared as a spokesperson and trend expert on TV including E! Entertainment, Inside Edition, A&E’s BioBuzz, and America’s Next Top Model.

About SKY and LIVI

SKY and LIVI are the nicknames of Anjanette’s nieces, Skyler and Olivia.  They inspire her to be a better woman and remind her of what an important role model her own Aunt Barbara, who she lost to cancer, played in her life.  SKY and LIVI exists to help women transcend hair loss from chemotherapy—to transform a heartbreaking circumstance into an uplifting experience, creating a symbol of strength and beauty. A woman’s diamond, fashioned into a beautiful pendant, acts as a tool and symbol of her endurance and victory over the dreaded disease. 

MJSA Announces 2013 Vision Award Winners

MJSA recently announced the 2013 winners of its Vision Awards competition, which annually recognizes creativity and technical excellence in jewelry making and design. Adam Neeley of Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry in Laguna Beach, California, took first place in the Professional Excellence category for his hand-fabricated Spectra earrings (right, top), which transition seamlessly through seven gold colors (from rich yellow to white) and feature the adularescence of rainbow moonstones. The earrings also took top honors in the competition’s Gold Distinction category.

Mark Schneider of Mark Schneider Design in Long Beach, California, took second place in Professional Excellence for an 18k white gold pendant with a marquise-shaped, bubble-cut white quartz (right, bottom). The piece is accented with white diamonds as well as three cabochon moonstones.

Besides Professional Excellence and Gold Distinction, the competition included four additional Distinction categories—Palladium, Platinum, Laser, and Custom Design—as well as a "Future of the Industry" award, which recognizes students enrolled in jewelry making and design programs.

“This year’s MJSA Vision Awards illustrate an impressive commitment to jewelry making and design in the 21st century,” said MJSA President & CEO David W. Cochran. “The winners’ authoritative command of metals, gems, and contemporary materials is matched by the imagination they demonstrated in creating their pieces.”

The other winning entries include:

• Gold Distinction, Second Place: Ezra Satok-Wolman of Atelier Hg & Co. Inc. in Ontario, Canada, for an 18k white gold torus brooch created through anticlastic raising.

Platinum Distincton,
First Place: Mark Schneider

• Platinum Distincton, First Place: Mark Schneider for earrings featuring two pear-shaped tanzanites, accented with tsavorite garnets, yellow diamonds, and white diamonds.

• Platinum Distinction, Second Place: Susan Drake of Spectrum Art & Jewelry in Wilmington, North Carolina, for a ring inspired by the vivid hues and dramatic ruffled wings of the large and colorful tropical sea mollusk called “Spanish Dancer.”

• Palladium Distinction, First Place (tie): Susan Drake for her “Glacial” ring, which features a 15.91 carat trillion-cut aquamarine and a flowing “glacial melt stream” of natural colored sapphires, white diamonds, and green tsavorite garnets; and Ezra Satok-Wolman for his “Mandarin” ring, forged in 950 palladium and 18k green gold and featuring a 3.16 carat fancy-cut mandarin garnet and a pistachio-colored Tahitian pearl.

 Nghi Nguyen of NGHI Design in Brooklyn,
New York, for his “Hephaestus” ring. 

 • Laser Distinction, First Place: Nghi Nguyen of NGHI Design in Brooklyn, New York, for his “Hephaestus” ring. Created to honor the Greek god of manufacturing and metalsmithing, it features a bezel-set, 150-carat rock crystal (representing an anvil) hovering above a bed of reverse-set diamonds that radiate out on an arc (to represent tongs).

• Laser Distinction, Second Place: David Alvarado of Irthly Jewelled Adornments in Los Angeles, for his “Cycles” pendant, in which rose gold and diamonds are inlaid in vegetable ivory and hung on a 16-inch rose gold chain.

• Custom Design Distinction, First Place (tie): Andrea Carnahan-Koenig of Annie K Jewelry in Louisville, Kentucky, for the “Navaho Bug Collection” necklace, which features a customer’s collection of 21 varied antique sterling Navaho Indian bugs; and Patricia Daunis-Dunning of Daunis Fine Jewelry in Portland, Maine, for a “Gold Egg” presented as a retirement gift to a CEO.

• Custom Design Distinction, Second Place: Patricia Daunis-Dunning for an anniversary neckpiece crafted from the shards old 33 1/3 vinyl LPs— a gift for his wife on their 33 1/3 anniversary.

Jiarui Lu, Savannah College of Art and Design, 

Savannah, Georgia - "Auspicious Cloud" Brooch

• Future of the Industry, First Place winner: Jiarui Lu of the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Georgia, for the “Auspicious Cloud” brooch, which honors the traditional ivory carving and kingfisher feather inlay that were popular in China’s Ming and Qing dynasties.

• Future of the Industry, Second Place: Jinbee Park of the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, for “Persistence of Unity”—a three-pendant set marrying fine and sterling silver, shibuichi, copper, garnet, citrine, and diamonds

The judges of this year’s Vision Awards competition were Chris Ploof, Chris Ploof Designs; Michael Coan, Fashion Institute of Technology; Cindy Edelstein, Jeweler’s Resource Bureau; Sarah Graham, Sarah Graham Metalsmithing; Marlene Richey, consultant; and Tina Snyder, MJSA Journal editor in chief.

The sponsors of the awards were: general sponsor, Rio Grande; Gold Distinction sponsor, Hoover & Strong; Platinum Distinction sponsor, Platinum Guild International; Palladium Distinction sponsor, Palladium Alliance International; Laser Distinction sponsor, LaserStar Technologies; Custom Design Distinction sponsor, TechForm Advanced Casting Technology; and media sponsors, Instore and Metalsmith magazines. The MJSA Education Foundation sponsored the Future of the Industry awards.