The HJA 2022 Annual Banquet was held on October 22nd. Design Contest winners were announced at the banquet. Attendees also voted for the People's Choice awards for the Design Contest pieces. Click here to see the Design Contest winning pieces.
The Designer of the Year 2022 is Eiko Dunster - Opal Fields for her piece Bluer Blue.
Bluer Blue by Eiko Dunster
The Hawaii Jewelers Association Annual Banquet was again held at the beautiful Oahu Country Club in Nuuanu Valley on Oahu. Located at 150 Country Club Road, Honolulu, HI 96817. Click to view location on a map.
Our featured speaker was Mr. David Bonaparte, CEO & President of Jewelers of America.
The Banquet was October 22nd, 2022 from 5:30 to 9:30 P.M.
Look at how much fun we all had at previous Banquets:
The Hawaii Jewelers Association (HJA) holds a Design Contest annually which showcases the incredible designs of Hawaii's jewelry professionals. Held concurrently with the Annual Fundraiser Banquet, this nationally and internationally recognized design contest is open to HJA members.
Submitted pieces are graded by three independent judges the week prior to the Annual Banquet (usually held in May) and the winners are announced during the banquet. In addition to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners from the formal judging, banquet attendees vote for their favorite entries as "People's Choice" award winners in each category.
The 2020 design contest was held in early October. The deadline to submit entries was Wednesday, September 30th and the winners were:
Under $3500 Category:
Pua Melia
1st Place: Pua Melia by Chira Duval-Arnould, Aquagems
2nd Place: Lunar Love Ring by Carrie Nottage-Smith, Na Hoku
3rd Place: Dawn Eclipse by Mark Carson, Mark Carson/Individual Design
People's Choice: Rippin It by Tom Wheeler, Opal Fields
$3500 and Over Category:
Magnificent
1st Place: Magnificent by Tom Wheeler, Opal Fields
2nd Place: Secret Garden by Donna Wong, Keoni Collection
3rd Place: Dancing Mr. Blue by Wailua Brandman, Opal Fields
People's Choice: Magnificent by Tom Wheeler, Opal Fields
Hawaiian Themed Category:
Hawaiian Sunrise
1st Place: Hawaiian Sunrise by Denny Wong, Denny Wong Designs
2nd Place: Moana Reef-Life by Carrie Nottage-Smith, Na Hoku
3rd Place: Lehua Alohilani by Sharon Gilbert, Lehua Jewelers
People's Choice: Ohana by Luana Zablan, Lehua Jewelers
Designer of the Year 2020:Chira Duval-Arnould, Aquagems for Pua Melia
Voting for the 2020 People Choice Awards was done via a Poll linked to the HJA Facebook Page. Voting ended on Saturday, October 10th.
The winners will receive a koa framed certificate. The winners are promoted by HJA in social media, trade magazines and industry publications, and other forms of communication both locally and nationally.
Design Contest Categories:
Jewelry under $3500
Jewelry $3500 and Over
Hawaiian Themed Jewelry
Estate/Vintage Jewelry (People's Choice Award only) - NOTE: there is no Estate/Vintage category in the 2020 Design Contest.
Entries are judged on a point system (does not apply to Estate/Vintage):
Judging Criteria
A) Overall Design
40 points maximum
B) Marketability
20 points maximum
C) Practicality/Wearability
20 points maximum
D) Craftsmanship
20 points maximum
Total
100 points maximum
Guide A) Is it compelling? B) Does the price match the piece? C) Is it comfortable to wear? D) Is it well made?
The designer of the highest scoring entry across all categories is designated the Hawaii Jewelers Association "Designer of the Year". So the Designer of the Year could come from the Under $3500, $3500 and Over, or Hawaiian Themed category.
Estate/Vintage pieces are not eligible for Designer of the Year. Estate/Vintage pieces do not have to have been designed by an HJA member. NOTE - the 2020 Design Contest does not have a Vintage Category.
Entries in the Under $3500, $3500 and Over, and Hawaiian Themed categories must be designed by an HJA member and produced within 18 months prior to the Design Contest.
A designer must be from an HJA member company and can only submit one entry per judged category. More than one designer from a company may submit entries. Estate/Vintage entries are not associated with a designer and an HJA member company may submit as many Estate/Vintage pieces as they wish.
Featured at the Hong Kong Jewellery Show Biennially, the HJA Designer of the Year is awarded a qualifying entry at the prestigious Hong Kong Jewellery Show.
2020 Design Contest Fee Schedule (per company):
$75 Single Entry
$70 Per Entry - 2 Entries ($140 total)
$60 Per Entry - 3 Entries ($180 total)
$55 Per Entry - 4 or more Entries ($220 for 4 Entries)
The winner of each category will receive a free entry in the following year's Design Contest.
Each new HJA member will receive one free entry Design Contest entry for the year that they joined (the free entry does not apply towards multiple entry pricing).
After the Design Contest, entrants who wish to know how they did relative to the scoring system may request an email with their score (per entry) along with a score break-down for each of the judging criteria. The total score of the winning entry for the same category will be listed for comparison. This feedback is intended to help designers see how they did and what areas they need to focus upon in the future.
MONSTERA RING: by Maui Divers Design Team - Maui Divers Jewelry. Escape to your own personal tropical garden with the conforming elegance and comfort of this beautiful Monstera Ring. Stamped - Made in Hawaii. $595.
ELEGANT EMBRACE: by Dona Wong - Keoni Collection. This graceful platinum ring features a stunning 5.43 carat green tourmaline framed in a flowing asymmetrical design set off with brilliant diamonds, all coming together in an elegant embrace. $3,300 LANIKAI: by Denny Wong ‑ Denny Wong Designs. Capturing tropical Lanikai Ocean colors these graceful, casual earrings are created in 18 karat white and yellow gold and feature baubles of aquamarine and sparkling periwinkle blue tanzanite. $2,900 DAWN ECLIPSE: by Mark Carson - Mark Carson/Individual Design. Depicting the moon about to eclipse the rising sun over an azure sea, this creative design features an orange sapphire, white sapphires, lapis lazuli and a glowing South Sea Pearl set in Sterling Silver. $899 - Made in Hawaii PUA MELIA: by Chira Duval-Arnould - Aquagems LLC. This creative and stunning Pua Melia or Plumeria Flower design features a rich golden south seas pearl and brilliant colorless topaz gems beautifully created in gold plated Sterling Silver. $597 - Made in Hawaii RIPPIN IT: by Tom Wheeler - Opal Fields. Featuring a colorful Ethiopian crystal opal this easy wearing super comfortable bracelet is the perfect everyday piece that will top off anything in your wardrobe. Body conforming the light spring loaded gold allows the wearer to effortlessly rip it on and rip it off. $1,250 PATH TO ENLIGHTENMENT: by Eli Saban ‑ JES Jewelry. The Unalome Lotus flower design represents wisdom and the path to enlightenment. Capturing this meaning perfectly, this pendant is masterfully crafted in 14 karat gold featuring an aquamarine gem and diamond accent. $1,995 - Made in Hawaii LUNAR LOVE RING: by Carrie Nottage Smith ‑ Na Hoku. Featuring and impressive South Sea Pearl and a beautiful blue Tanzanite gem the unique bypass design of this ring captures the moon s endless dance around our blue planet. Beautifully crafted in 14 karat white gold studded with shimmering diamonds. $3,200 - Made in Hawaii YOUR MAKE ME BLUSH: by Mira Rah ‑ Solitaire Jewelers. These charming and sexy dangle earrings feature sculpted pink quartz briolette gems accented with blue topaz and diamonds crafted in precious 18 karat white gold. Your sure to make her blush when you tell her how charming and sexy she looks wearing these earrings! $1,850. WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS: by Marco Salem ‑ Solitaire Jewelers. These classic and beautiful dangle earrings feature sculpted lemon yellow quartz briolette gems accented with diamonds and crafted in 18 karat white gold. Life will never give you lemons when wearing these beautiful earrings! $1,850.
$3500 and Over Entries
E Ho'āla: by Maui Divers Design Team - Maui Divers Jewelry. E Ho'āla, which means “The awakening,” is inspired by the Hawaiian Sunrise. A symbol of new beginnings and the promise of possibilities, this inspired piece captures the rays in 14k yellow gold, 0.79 carats of diamonds and a top quality 17mm South Sea Pearl. $16,995. Inspired, designed and created in Hawaii. SECRET GARDEN: by Dona Wong - Keoni Collection. This beautiful emerald and diamond pendant with its intricate curves and openings evokes the feminine nature. The soothing green emeralds set the mood and the brilliant diamonds spark the excitement to frolic in the secret garden . . . masterfully created in 18 karat white gold. $4,790 TEARDROPS OF THE SUN: by Mark Carson - Mark Carson Individual Design. This earring and pendant ensemble features orange sapphires from which golden Tahitian pearls dangle. Brilliant, colorful and elegant this ensemble is created in 18K white gold with diamond accent and an 18K white gold snake chain. $6,995. Made in Hawaii. MAGNIFICENT: by Tom Wheeler - Opal Fields. A magnificent boulder black opal, surrounded by magnificent “hearts & arrows” diamonds. A magnificent ring that magnificently transforms into a magnificent pendant! Of course, magnificently created in 18 karat yellow gold. $74,900 - Completely Made in Hawaii GOLDEN NATURALLY: by Chira Duval-Arnould - Aquagems. An organic nature inspired design featuring a naturally intense golden color South Seas pearl and brilliant diamonds representing the golden beauty of the precious nature that surrounds us. $4,195 - Made in Hawaii DANCING MR BLUE: by Wailua Brandman - Opal Fields. Mr Blue, an incredible GIA graded fancy vivid blue diamond, reflecting and dancing among the brilliance of the pave` set diamonds surrounding it. The precision craftsmanship to allow Mr Blue to dance with the heart beat of the wearer is truly incredible and painstaking bringing pride and joy to its owner. $49,000 - Made in Hawaii WINNER: by Eli Saban - JES Jewelry. This incredible massive gold pendant depicts the proud winning gamecock for anyone who wants to show off their winning status or who simply wants to invest in gold and art. $4,995 - Made in Hawaii SWEET AS SUGAR: by Dale Cripps - Hawaiian Isles Jewelry & Collectibles. Are you sweet as sugar and hard as ice? If so this Sugar Loaf emerald ring might be for you! In 18 karat white gold it features an incredible 6.24 carat rare sugar loaf emerald cabochon with matching trillion diamonds in a classic three stone ring design. $15,900 MAHINA QUILT PENDANT: by Carrie Nottage Smith - Na Hoku. Inspired by the famous Hawaiian heirloom quilts it features a beautiful ocean blue moonstone gem that is set off with four carefully matched blue tanzanite gems delicately accented with diamonds. It captures the beauty of Hawaii and the lore of Hawaiian heirloom quilt. $4,495 - Made in Hawaii SMOKING HOT: by Mira Rah - Solitaire Jewelers. These earrings are “smoking hot” featuring sultry mysterious smoky quartz briolette gems under a crown of brilliant diamonds in 18 karat white gold and will add that “smoking hot” touch to outfit your wearing. $6,450 MY ROSE: by Marco Salem - Solitaire Jewelers. An intricately designed statement ring, feminine and intriguing with red rubies and pink sapphires romantically set in a black rhodium plated finish. Give your love a chance to grow with My Rose! $14,900
Hawaiian Themed Entries
OHANA: by Luana Zablan - Lehua Jewelers. The word Ohana is rooted in the kalo plant oha - ana. The oha is used to create the next generation and this pendant of 14 karat gold and gemstones elegantly represents this rich Hawaiian word meaning. $2,495. LEHUA ALOHILANI: by Sharon Gilbert - Lehua Jewelers. These 18 karat yellow gold earrings are hand engraved in Hawaiian heirloom style with bright ray like lines and that along with the brilliant diamonds beautifully depict Hawaii’s bright skies (Alohilani). $3,625 - Made in Hawaii IPU BRACELET: by Maui Divers Design Team - Maui Divers Jewelry. Inspired by the Bishop Museum collections and adorned with a striking triangular patterning, this bracelet in 14k yellow gold is an element of Hawaiian life that speaks to prosperity, music and the celebration of daily life. $7,295 - Made in Hawaii HAWAIIAN SUNRISE: by Denny Wong - Denny Wong Designs. The intensely colorful Hawaiian sunrise shells where once the exclusive property of Hawaiian Royalty regarded as a precious jewel. This pendant and earring ensemble with delicately cascading of graduated colored fancy sapphires in 14 karat rose gold capture all the beauty, color and preciousness of what the native people of Hawaii thought of as the most precious thing to have. $3,300 THE BLUE WAVE: by Thom Sirivattha & Mark Carson - Mark Carson Individual Design. As a surfer being fully engulfed inside a breaking wave is the ultimate surfing experience known as surfing the blue room, the inspiration for this wave bracelet design in sterling silver set with a blue sapphire. $1,200 - Made in Hawaii HAWAII ISLAND: by Chira Duval-Arnould - Aquagems LLC. This delightful ring shows the outline of Hawaii’s largest island, Hawaii Island. It magically reflects and shows off the golden South Seas pearl it holds in its intriguing parabolic sculpted design. Hawaii Island is a magical place and this magical ring represents it well. Created in gold plated Sterling Silver it is super affordable. $225 - Made in Hawaii DOWN UNDER HONU: by Tom Wheeler - Opal Fields. The hawaiian green sea turtle (honu) is probably Hawaii’s most loved and respected sea creature claimed by many as their Aumakua or guardian creature. The nature and colors of Australia’s black opal lend perfectly to express this beautiful and magical creature. This Honu pendant design features a beautiful Australian boulder black opal with tiny diamonds making this honu’s eyes sparkle. $3,845 - Made in Hawaii ISLAND STYLE: by Dale Cripps - Hawaiian Isles Jewelry & Collectibles. The plumeria flower is the most famous flower in all of Hawaii. This bracelet captures the beauty and deep sculptural aspects of this graceful delicate flower perfectly. $1,300 - Made in Hawaii MOANA REEF-LIFE NECKLACE: by Carrie Nottage Smith - Na Hoku. This enchanting necklace captures Hawaii’s ocean sea creatures beautifully with color inlays, diamonds and 14 karat gold. Wonderfully designed it is linked together so that it conforms to the body as though it was a part of you. $5890 - Made in Hawaii.
Congratulations to our last year's Hawaii Jewelers Association Designer of the Year winner, Chira Duval-Arnould, Aqua Gems for her "Pearl Change" design piece.
This annual event is locally & nationally recognized every year with 27 design pieces in this years competition. We have 3 judges that volunteer their time prior to our banquet.
HJA is a non-profit organization that is kindly accepting donations for our silent auction and raffle prize. Examples: Jewelry pieces, industry equipment & tools, wine & spirits, electronics, beauty products & services, snacks & desserts, art, home products/culinary, restaurant and store gift cards, as well as live activities such as a private chef dinner, hotel accommodations, golf events, etc.
I am graciously requesting your kokua. Please contact our Board of Directors if you have questions or need more information at admin@hawaiijewelersassociation.com or (808) 536-4255.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
The Hawaii Jewelers Association (HJA) holds a Design Contest annually which showcases the incredible designs of Hawaii's jewelry professionals. Typically held concurrently with the Annual Fundraiser Banquet, this nationally and internationally recognized design contest is open to HJA members.
Submitted pieces are graded by three independent judges the week prior to the Annual Banquet and the winners are announced during the banquet. In addition to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners from the formal judging, banquet attendees vote for their favorite entries as "People's Choice" award winners in each category.
This year (2023), the design contest will be held in October. The deadline to submit entries is Wednesday, October 25th. Entries needed to be delivered to Tom Wheeler at Opal Fields (International Market Place, Waikiki - by the Tesla dealership) with entry forms and payment submitted prior to delivery.
Voting for the 2023 People Choice Awards will done in-person at the Annual Banquet on October 28, 2023.
Estate/Vintage Jewelry (People's Choice Award only) - NOTE: there is no Estate/Vintage category in the 2023 Design Contest.
Entries are judged on a point system (does not apply to Estate/Vintage):
Judging Criteria
A) Overall Design
40 points maximum
B) Marketability
20 points maximum
C) Practicality/Wearability
20 points maximum
D) Craftsmanship
20 points maximum
Total
100 points maximum
Guide A) Is it compelling? B) Does the price match the piece? C) Is it comfortable to wear? D) Is it well made?
The designer of the highest scoring entry across all categories is designated the Hawaii Jewelers Association "Designer of the Year". So the Designer of the Year could come from the Under $3500, $3500 and Over, or Hawaiian Themed category.
Estate/Vintage pieces are not eligible for Designer of the Year. Estate/Vintage pieces do not have to have been designed by an HJA member. NOTE - the 2023 Design Contest does not have a Vintage Category.
Entries in the Under $3500, $3500 and Over, and Hawaiian Themed categories must be designed by an HJA member and produced within 18 months prior to the Design Contest.
A designer must be from an HJA member company and can only submit one entry per judged category. More than one designer from a company may submit entries. Estate/Vintage entries are not associated with a designer and an HJA member company may submit as many Estate/Vintage pieces as they wish.
Featured at the Hong Kong Jewellery Show Biennially, the HJA Designer of the Year is awarded a qualifying entry at the prestigious Hong Kong Jewellery Show.
2023 Design Contest Fee Schedule (per company):
$75 Single Entry
$70 Per Entry - 2 Entries ($140 total)
$60 Per Entry - 3 Entries ($180 total)
$55 Per Entry - 4 or more Entries ($220 for 4 Entries)
The winner of each category will receive a free entry in the following year's Design Contest.
Each new HJA member will receive one free entry Design Contest entry for the year that they joined (the free entry does not apply towards multiple entry pricing).
After the Design Contest, entrants who wish to know how they did relative to the scoring system may request an email with their score (per entry) along with a score break-down for each of the judging criteria. The total score of the winning entry for the same category will be listed for comparison. This feedback is intended to help designers see how they did and what areas they need to focus upon in the future.
Hawaii Jewelers Association 2019 Design Competition & Banquet
We celebrated our Platinum, or 70th anniversary as an association serving the jewelers and public in Hawai'i.
Our annual banquet & nationally recognized design competition was held on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at the gorgeous Oahu Country Club. We had guest speaker, Dr. James Shigley fly in from GIA to speak of recent industry topics. Then Tom Wheeler provided the attendees with a brief history of HJA with heartfelt quoted memories from a few members.
Congratulations to our 2019 Hawaii Jewelers Association Designer of the Year winner, Chira Duval-Arnould, Aqua Gems for her "Pearl Change" design piece.
This annual event is locally & nationally recognized every year with 27 design pieces in this years competition. We have 3 judges that volunteer their time prior to our banquet. This years judges were Trini Kaupoiki-Clark - Make-A-Wish Hawaii, James Escobido - James Angel Designs, and William Irish - WJ Irish Fine Jewelry
COMPETITION NUMBER ONE - JEWELRY UNDER $3,500
1st Place – LOTUS: by Dona Wong - Keoni Collection. Shimmering like the morning’s dew on a lotus flower, micro pave` diamonds around and behind highlight an exquisite peridot gem. All masterfully crafted in 14 karat white and yellow gold.
2nd Place - HERITAGE BRACELET: by The Maui Divers Design Team at Maui Divers Jewelry. Inspired by the natural beauty of coral branches and the heritage of Maui Divers this coral branch design bracelet is sprinkled with droplets of diamonds and features a clasp and hinge integrated into the design. Expertly crafted and engraved inside “Made in Hawaii”!
3rd Place - BEYOND THE REEF: by Carrie Nottage Smith - Na Hoku. Beyond the reef is where the excitement of the open ocean begins. These beautiful, deeply sculpted rose gold dangle earrings with natural pink fresh water pearls, brilliantly decorated with sparkling diamonds capture this excitement wonderfully. Wear these earrings, beyond the reef.
People Choice - BLACK WIDOW: by Mark Carson - Mark Carson Individual Design. A necklace with a black rhodium plated sterling silver spider perched on a web of silver chain. The spider’s notorious red - black widow - markings expressed in flush set rubies.
WINGED MERMAID: by Amy Flanders – Mer Made Designs
BEYOND THE REEF: by Carrie Nottage Smith – Na Hoku
COMING TOGETHER: by Chira Duval-Arnold – Aquagems LLC
MEDALLION: by Jane Chen – Opal Fields
LOTUS: by Dona Wong – Keoni Collection
HERITAGE BRACELET: by The Maui Divers Design Team at Maui Divers Jewelry
FAITH: by Tom Wheeler – Opal Fields
BLACK WIDOW: by Mark Carson – Mark Carson Individual Design
CIRCLES OF LOVE: by Michael Ly – The Wedding Ring Shop
COMPETITION NUMBER TWO - JEWELRY OVER $3,500
1st Place – PEARL CHANGE: by Chira Duval-Arnold - Aquagems LLC. A rich 18 karat yellow gold pave` diamond pendant featuring a luxurious Australian South Seas drop pearl as its hanging ornament. With a simple twist the pearl can be removed allowing for other ornaments to be displayed or more casually worn without an ornament.
2nd Place – WATERFALL: by Denny Wong - Denny Wong Designs. This ring holds a lovely royal blue sapphire displayed in an ornate waterfall of shimmering diamonds. Finely crafted in 14 karat white and yellow gold it has incorporated into its design an integrated butterfly insert providing amazing luxury in its fit and feel.
3rd Place – LUNAR CARESS: by Carrie Nottage Smith - Na Hoku. This pendant design features a rich dark night sky blue tanzanite and is caressed by the lunar glow of a lustrous South Sea pearl and brilliance of raised prong pave` set diamonds. Truly amazing in its design and selection of gems used.
People’s Choice - WINGS OF DESIRE: by Michael Li - The Wedding Ring Shop. This white gold slide pendant depicting nature’s fauna has a fluttering butterfly in yellow gold landing upon it. The butterfly may be turned in any direction the wearer desires representing the journey of love and desire that we all share together.
PEARL CHANGE: by Chira Duval-Arnold – Aquagems LLC
LUNAR CARESS: by Carrie Nottage Smith – Na Hoku
TRICOLOR HEIRLOOM BRACELET: by The Design Team at Maui Divers
WATERFALL: by Denny Wong – Denny Wong Designs
EVIL EYE: by Tom Wheeler – Opal Fields
DEVINE GRAPE: by Jane Chen – Opal Fields
WINGS OF DESIRE: by Michael Li – The Wedding Ring Shop
COMING UP ROSES: by Eli Saban – JES Jewelry
COMPETITION NUMBER THREE - HAWAIIAN THEME JEWELRY
1st Place – MOON OVER DIAMOND HEAD: by Na Hoku design team - Na Hoku. No view is more iconic than that of Diamond Head seen across the ocean waters of Waikiki. This some what demure pendant sculpted in gold and enhanced with diamonds beautifully captures the magnificence of viewing the moon over Diamond Head.
2nd Place – OCEAN MOON: by Jane Chen - Opal Fields. Like the moon resting on the night ocean horizon, these pendant features a colorful reflective boulder black opal under a sphere of brilliant illusion set diamonds. The perfect attire for any tropical evening.
3rd Place - THE BLUE WAVE: by Denny Wong - Denny Wong Designs. The ultimate surfing experience is surfing inside a closing wave - surfing the blue room that Oahu’s pipe line is so famous for. This pendant, holding a compound wave shape blue moonstone captures the excitement of this experience beautifully in 18 karat gold.
People’s Choice - THE BLUE WAVE: by Denny Wong - Denny Wong
PINK OPAL HELICONIA: by Amy Flanders – Mer Made Designs
OCEAN SPECTRUM: by Paul Williams – Antiques & Treasures
LAVA MOMENT PENDANT: by The Design Team at Maui Divers
OCEAN MOON: by Jane Chen – Opal Fields
POLYNESIAN TREASURE: by Tom Wheeler – Opal Fields
MOON OVER DIAMOND HEAD: by Na Hoku design team – Na Hoku
THE BLUE WAVE: by Denny Wong – Denny Wong Designs
ALOHA PUMEHANA OKIKA: by Michael Ly – The Wedding Ring Shop.
HAWAII COAT OF ARMS: by Eli Saban – JES Jewelry
The night was filled with so much happiness! Here are the candid photos taken by our wonderful photographers, Meri Hoffman & Jeff Bryan.
Thank you to all that attended, donated, and volunteered. You made this year a big success and so much fun!
We will finalize a date very soon for next years annual banquet & design competition.
HJA is a non-profit organization that is kindly accepting donations for our silent auction and raffle prize. Examples: Jewelry pieces, industry equipment & tools, wine & spirits, electronics, beauty products & services, snacks & desserts, art, home products/culinary, restaurant and store gift cards, as well as live activities such as a private chef dinner, hotel accommodations, golf events, etc.
I am graciously requesting your kokua. Please contact our Executive Directors if you have questions or need more information at admin@hawaiijewelersassociation.com or (808) 536-4255.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
Enter your creative pieces in the HJA 2018 Design Competition!
Hawaii Jewelers Association Members are invited to participate in this annual event that showcases the best Hawaii jewelry designers have to offer.
The Hawaii Jewelers Association is proud to celebrate another year of Hawaii’s jewelry designers with our Annual Jewelry Design Competition. We encourage you to share your original jewelry creations from the past year along with your inspiration in creating these pieces with your fellow HJA members.
Finalists and Winners will be announced at our Annual Banquet on April 28, 2018 at the beautiful Oahu Country Club.
There are 4 categories to compete in; Jewelry Under $3,500, Jewelry $3,500 and Over, Hawaiian Theme Jewelry, and Estate Jewelry.
The designer of the piece with the overall highest total points is also awarded Designer of The Year and will receive an entry into the 2019 Hong Kong International Jewelry Design Excellence Award.
This design competition is locally and nationally recognized.
Please complete one entry form per piece. The entry articles must be delivered by Thursday, April 19, 2018 to Opal Fields.
DESIGN COMPETITION RULES & INFORMATION
Competition Categories
The four competition categories that entrants may submit pieces for are:
Jewelry Under $3,500 Any jewelry design with a retail price under $3,500
Jewelry $3,500 and over Any jewelry design with a retail price of $3,500 and over
Hawaiian Theme Jewelry Any jewelry designed with a Hawaiian theme or inspired by Hawaii.
Estate Jewelry Any estate jewelry piece. Entries will be subject to a “People’s Choice” only vote.
Judging
Except for the Estate Jewelry category, a panel of three judges will score each entry. The entries will be evaluated in the following criteria with maximum points for each noted:
CriteriaMaximum Points
Overall Design 40
Marketability 20
Practicality/Wearability 20
Craftsmanship 20
Each judge will award a maximum of 100 points for the entry. The points of all three judges will tallied to determine the winner. There will be three places awarded for each category. Each winner will receive a Koa framed award certificate with your company’s name and be featured on our website, social media, and other industry news.
The piece with the overall highest total points will also be awarded Designer of The Year.
Design Competition Rules
Except for the Estate Jewelry category, all jewelry must be original and designed by a HJA member in good standing at the time of the competition.
Except for the Estate Jewelry category, the entry piece must have been produced within the last 18 months.
Only precious metals (gold, silver, or platinum) may be used.
All gem stones must be genuine. Any enhancement or treatments must be fully disclosed.
An individual may enter a maximum of one entry in each competition. There is no limit to the number of individual designers entering who are employed by the same firm.
All entrants waive any and all claims against the Hawaii Jewelers Association (HJA), its individual members, officers, or any HJA representative, associate or employee for any issue arising from the handling, condition, loss or theft of the jewelry being submitted for competition entry.
The entry piece(s) must be delivered by Thursday, April 19, 2018 to Opal Fields.
All competition entry piece(s) are to be submitted with a completed and signed competition application form indicating that the entrant has reviewed, understands, and agrees with all the competition rules.
Entry fees are non-refundable, please pay in full to Hawaii Jewelers Association.
Please contact Sophia Makaimoku-Young & Bernard Nunies, Executive Directors for more information via email @
Our 67th Annual Design Contest and Banquet was Saturday, April 30, 2016at the Oahu Country Club. Glitz Glam & Games and featured table top displays from our Associate Members, Vegas-style Casino Games including Craps, Roulette, and Black Jack, and concluded with the awarding of our 2016 Design Contest Winners. All attendees at our annual banquet also vote for their favorite piece in The People’s Choice Award.
See our Designer of the Year, all 2016 winners, all 33 entries, and photos taken throughout the evening by clicking here.
Do you have a jewelry design piece that you would like to submit for next year? Click here to learn more about the contest categories, rules, and how to register.
His winning pieces are FIRE & ICE: An icy blue apatite and fiery pink sapphire are the gems featured in this brilliant and charming white gold pendant. Some say fire, some say ice and KILAUEA: The flickering of red being emitted from the unique rose cut red garnet featured in this 18 karat gold pendant represents Kilauea’s fiery cauldron. The black tourmaline necklace it is dangling from represents the black basalt rock that is Kilauea.
