Phillip Pitts of Parris Jewelers was elected president of the Mississippi Jewelers Association at its annual convention, held in June in Hattiesburg.

Pitts, an award-winning jewelry designer, bench jeweler, and watchmaker, has been active in the Mississippi Jewelers Association for many years. The association recently honored him with the Ace Award for creative excellence, its highest jewelry design honor, for his pendant featuring a 10-ct. aquamarine set in platinum with diamonds. The pendant will be entered along with top design winners from other states across the country in the Jewelers of America Affiliate Design Contest, to be held Jan. 23-25, 2005, at the JA New York show.

For further information on the Mississippi Jewelers Association call (601) 264-1764.