Pendant of light earns designer top jewelry prize
The Hawaii Jewelers Association has announced its 2014 Jewelry Design Competition winners, with Jason Dow of Jason Dow Jewelry taking designer of the year for his "Prakasa" pendant, a hinged gold amulet set with diamonds with a moonstone base inspired by Moroccan lanterns. It can be worn lying flat or opened to be worn three-dimensionally. "Prakasa" means light in Hindi; on a deeper level, according to Dow’s website, it refers to "light of consciousness."
This is the second time Dow has earned designer of the year honors; the first was in 2010. "Prakasa," valued at $10,795, also placed first in the "jewelry over $3,500" category.
Here is the complete list of winners, announced during HJA’s annual banquet, "The Magic of Jewelry," that took place Saturday at Oahu Country Club.
JEWELRY UNDER $3,500
First place: "Ultimate Wave," by Carrie Nottage Smith, Na Hoku, $2,800. The pendant, shown, features a Tahitian black pearl riding a wave of gold and diamonds.
Second place: "Lua Pele," by Donna Wong, Keoni Collection, $2,800
Don't miss out on what's happening!
Stay in touch with top news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It's FREE!
Third place: "Feminine Strength," by Michael Ly, The Wedding Ring Shop, $2,700
People’s choice: "Tranquility," by Tom Wheeler, Opal Fields
JEWELRY OVER $3,500
First place: "Prakasa," by Jason Dow, shown at right
Second place: "Baguette Beauty," by Eli Saban, JES Jewelry, $11,600
Third place: "Transition," by Allen Park, Heart to Heart Jewelry, $89,000
People’s choice: "Bai Bao Dai," by Donna Wong, Keoni Collection
HAWAIIAN THEME JEWELRY
First place: "Sea Sway," by Tiffany Grande, Grande’s Gems Hawaii, $750, shown below. The articulating neck piece, with three swaying coral branches with blue topaz gems set in sterling silver, was inspired by the coral seen when diving off Kauai.
Second place: "Wailele," by Carrie Nottage Smith, Na Hoku, $1,500
Third place: "Lei Maile Aloha," by Michael Ly, The Wedding Ring Shop, $8,500
People’s choice: "Lei Maile Aloha"