Jewelers of America Announces 2026 CASE Award Winners
The CASE Awards recognize JA Members who exhibit creativity, artistry, style and excellence in jewelry design
Jewelers of America (JA), the national trade association for businesses serving the fine jewelry marketplace, has announced the winners of its 36th annual CASE Awards jewelry design competition. The CASE Awards, which stands for Creativity, Artistry, Style and Excellence, is JA’s national design competition that recognizes JA Members who exemplify exceptional skill and vision in jewelry design.
First place winners were selected from over 120 entries across eight categories. These categories were divided by retail price points and by JA retail and supplier membership: Jewelry up to $5,000; $5,001 to $10,000; $10,001 to $20,000; and $20,001 to $75,000. Two pieces were named Best in Show – one in the retail category, and one for suppliers.
“The CASE Awards continue to showcase the incredible talent and creativity within the Jewelers of America community,” says Amanda Gizzi, SVP of Corporate Affairs for Jewelers of America. “Each year, our members demonstrate a remarkable balance of craftsmanship, innovation and artistry, reflecting both the enduring traditions and evolving direction of the jewelry industry. We are proud to recognize these designers whose work not only inspires but helps shape the future of fine jewelry.”
A panel of design experts determined the winners in each category by evaluating the entries on overall design, marketability, originality, and quality of manufacture. This year’s judges included Brecken Branstrator of GemGuide; writer Tanya Dukes; Deirdre Featherstone of Featherstone Design; Amanda Gizzi of Jewelers of America; Natalie Francisco of National Jeweler; Adrianne Sanogo, GIA Graduate Gemologist; and Amina Sorel of Amina Sorel Fine Jewelry.
All winners will receive a customized CASE Award trophy and benefit from national and local media exposure to showcase their achievements.
The 2026 CASE Awards are sponsored by Synchrony. The competition is open exclusively to employees of Jewelers of America Member companies. For more information and to view the Winner’s Photo Gallery, visit https://www.jewelers.org/news/ja-in-the-news/jewelers-of-america-2026-case-award-winners or contact Jewelers of America’s Member Services at (800) 223-0673.
The 2026 CASE Award Winners are:
Retailer: Jewelry up to $5,000
Atelier Mythique
Designed by Paola Mounla
New York, NY
La Dragonne long 3-finger ring and sculpture in sterling silver with 18K yellow gold plating featuring blue sapphire eyes
$780
Retailer: Jewelry $5,001 to $10,000
Susan Eisen Fine Jewelry and Watches
Designed by Susan Eisen, G.G.
El Paso, TX
Watermelon Tourmaline crystal brooch (11.50 ctw) with natural diamonds and pink and green round natural tourmalines set in 18K yellow gold
$9,500
Retailer: Jewelry $10,001 to $20,000
Nicole Mera
Designed by Nikki Swift
San Antonio, TX
14K yellow gold skull brooch with red beryl cabochon (7.14 ctw), heart-shaped ruby (0.21 ctw) and baguette and round brilliant natural diamonds (0.07 ctw) $11,995
Retailer: Jewelry $20,001 to $75,000
Michael Ryan Personal Jeweler
Designed by Michael Ryan Snuggs, Patrick Conway and Mark Gronlund
Birmingham, AL
12.63ct pink tourmaline set in 14K rose gold with 2.70 carats of diamond rondels and Akoya Pearls set on a pearl strand
$42,500
Retailer Best in Show
Kennedy’s Jewelers
Designed by Trisha Kennedy-Thompson
Blue Springs, MO
14K yellow gold custom made necklace set with 201.64 carats of cabochon tourmalines with a variety of pink, green, and bi-color stones, with 6.63 carats of accent diamonds
$56,150
Supplier: Jewelry up to $5,000
Loriann Jewelry
Designed by Lori Friedman
Westport, CT
“Etheria” cluster earrings from the Fantasia collection with diamond slices, Ethiopian opals and red/orange sapphires set in 14K yellow gold $4,995
Supplier: Jewelry $5,001 to $10,000
Olga Shatrova
Designed by Olga Shatrova
Irvine, CA
“The Universe Lives Quietly Within You” ring in 18K white gold featuring natural baguette cut sapphires (2.58 ctw), natural round sapphires (0.74 ctw), natural round tsavorites (0.28 ctw), and natural diamonds (0.97 ctw) $9,500
Supplier: Jewelry $10,001 to $20,000
Jack Ferrero Inc.
Designed by Jack Ferrero and Hrachya Harutyunyan
Los Angeles, CA
18K yellow gold Pomegranate ring with enamel artwork and brilliant cut red rubies
$20,000
Supplier: Jewelry $20,001 to $75,000
Hearts On Fire
Designed by Yunjo Lee
Boston, MA
DREAM Floating Necklace in 18K yellow gold with diamonds (4.1 ctw)
$35,500
Supplier Best in Show
Renisis
Designed by Sardwell
New York, NY
Double Bullet Diamond Ring with two rose cut bullet diamonds (4.09 ctw), pavé diamonds and navy-blue vitreous enamel set in 18K yellow gold $68,000
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