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Las Vegas, NV—A fire opal ring (left) by Oscar Heyman took top honors—Best in Show—in PGI-USA’s JCK 2014 Platinum Innovation Awards, announced June 1 in Las Vegas. The Platinum Guild International’s annual design competition is judged by both editors—more than 40 from the consumer, bridal, and trade press who voted May 6 in New York City—and retail buyers at the JCK Show in Las Vegas. The piece with the highest cumulative vote total is awarded Best in Show.

This year, PGI added a special category to celebrate the fifth anniversary of its awards, requiring designers to create a piece of platinum jewelry incorporating wood, the traditional gift for a five-year anniversary. A separate “Platinum Craftsmanship” award also was chosen by an expert consultant, based on overall workmanship rather than design.

Here are the winners:

• Best in Show: 
Oscar Heyman
• Platinum Craftsmanship Award
: Omi Privé
• Fifth Anniversary: 
Editor’s Choice, Stuller Inc.; 
Buyer’s Choice, Rahaminov Diamonds 
• Platinum Engagement Ring: 
Editor’s Choice, Noam Carver; Buyer’s Choice, Designs by Vatché
• Entry Platinum Engagement Ring (semi-mounts less than $2,500 retail)
: Editor’s Choice, Gabriel & Co.; 
Buyer’s Choice, Danhov
• Platinum Wedding Band: 
Editor’s Choice, Whitehouse Brothers; 
Buyer’s Choice, Dora International
• Platinum Men’s Jewelry: 
Editor’s Choice, Cliq by Superfit; Buyer’s Choice, Lashbrook Designs
• Everyday Platinum Fashion Jewelry: 
Editor’s Choice, Laurence Bruyninckx (IGC Brands); 
Buyer’s Choice, Sylvie Collection
• Platinum Red Carpet Jewelry: 
Editor’s Choice, Gem Platinum; 
Buyer’s Choice, Lazare Kaplan International
• Platinum and Colored Gemstone Jewelry: 
Editor’s Choice, Oscar Heyman; Buyer’s Choice, Parade Designs 

Above, the Rahaminov team celebrates their winning ring, right. Below, Stuller's ring, left, and Sylvie Collection's earrings, right.

Couture Design Awards Announced; Jim Rosenheim Wins Human Spirit Award

Las Vegas, NV—Retailer Jim Rosenheim of the Tiny Jewel Box in Washington, DC, was presented with the Couture Show’s Human Spirit Award. Rosenheim’s son, Matthew made the presentation, following a special video in which three of Rosenheim’s vendors—Jeff Feero of Alex Sepkus, David Yurman, and Rod Kosann of Monica Rich Kosann—spoke about his qualities as a retailer.

Said Matthew Rosenheim, “I speak for myself when I say that you are a great father, a dedicated grandfather, and an amazing and generous mentor. I’ve always looked up to you as a business person and as a human being, and your love and dedication to my mom is a constant source of inspiration to me.”

13 companies were presented with Couture Design Awards at the May 31 ceremony. The winning designs were selected by a panel of five judges: designer Alex Sepkus, editor Amanda Weiner of Harper’s Bazaar, retailers Candy Udell of London Jewelers in Manhasset, NY, and Joanne Teichman of Ylang 23 in Texas, and jewelry historian Vivienne Becker. Retailers at the show also voted their favorites for the People’s Choice award. Here are the winners:

• Bridal 
winner, Finn. First runner-up, Furrer Jacot. Second runner-up, Mark Patterson.
• Colored Gems Above $20,000 winner, Nam Cho. First runner up, Stephen Webster. Second runner up, Miseno.
• Colored Gems Below $20,000 
winner, Fernando Jorge. First runner-up, Mattioli. Second runner-up, Annie Fensterstock.
• Diamonds Above $20,000 
winner, Qayten. First runner-up, Paolo Castagli. Second runner-up, Hearts on Fire.
• Diamonds Below $20,000
 winner, Suzanne Kalan. First runner-up, AS29. Second runner-up, Casato.
• Gold
 winner, Yossi Harari. 
First runner-up, Annamaria Camilli Gioielli. Second runner-up, Elena Votsi.
• Haute Couture 
winner, Giovanni Ferraris. First runner-up, Shaun Leane. Second runner-up, Atelier Minyon.
• Innovative
 winner, Henrich & Denzel. First runner-up, Roberto Demeglio/Beny Sofer. Second runner-up, Jo Hayes Ward.
• Pearl
 winner, Yoko by Euro Pearls. First runner-up, Jewelmer. Second runner-up, Sutra.
• Platinum
 winner: Cynthia Bach. First runner-up, Steven Kretchmer. Second runner-up, Schaffrath.
• Silver 
winner, Montegrapa Italia. First runner-up, Konstantino. Second runner-up, Aida Bergsen.
• Debuting 
winner, Annamaria Camilli Gioielli. First runner-up, Qayten. 
Second runner-up, Roberto Demeglio/Beny Sofer.
• People’s Choice winner, Magerit. Runners-up: Atelier Tom Munsteiner, Atelier Minyon, Shaun Leane.