Back in February we partnered with JCK Events for their 2016 jewelry showcase in Tucson, Arizona. We sponsored a design challenge that pitted the most talented jewelers against one another (in a friendly competition, of course). Our mission was to highlight and honor those designers who think outside the box, use unique materials, and demonstrate amazing craftsmanship.
Rough Pink Tourmaline Stone Ring by John Bekarian – Also available in Rough Emerald
After careful deliberation by the judges, John Bekarian’s Rough Stone Rings were the chosen winners.
Our Jewelry Buyer Sharon Hitchcock commented. “John’s ring design is gorgeous in its simplicity. It features a lovely stone, surrounded by precious metal. It is symbolic of keeping the one you love close to your heart. We are excited to carry this piece in the UncommonGoods jewelry assortment.”
Of course, picking the winner out of so many creative designs is always tricky. In fact, Sharon loved the runner-up so much that she decided to bring a second design from the JCK Design Challenge into the assortment as well.
The ring’s designer, Ayesha Mayadas, told us, “The design I submitted was a whole new concept for me. It was one that I wanted to put out in the world, but didn’t get around to it ’til the UG challenge came my way.”
She continued, “It has been an interesting journey since February… Winning second place felt the same as winning first, because UG worked with me to put this item into [the] collection anyway.”
We were thrilled that this challenge brought two new designs into our lineup, and are excited to share them with our customers.
Congratulations, jeweler designers!
Pop Top Ring by Ayesha Mayadas
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