Showing the growth of titanium as a viable fine-jewelry component, this year’s World Titanium Council’s Titanium Jewelry Design Competition winners included designs from around the world, from both professional jewelers and students of design. Entries were judged on their uniqueness and visual appeal as well as for demonstrating the positive attributes of titanium in the design.

Jackie Goetz of Stoughton, Wis., claimed top honors and the Outstanding Design in Titanium Award with her winning entry entitled “Reflections of Motherhood.” This exquisite titanium mother’s ring (see next page) featured green anodized titanium and a 1.06-ct. aquamarine set over a .11-ct. tsavorite with accent diamonds. The ring converts into a unique, eye-catching pendant. Goetz, who was inspired by recently becoming a first-time mom, was awarded a custom-designed trophy and an all-expense-paid trip to Las Vegas.

Other winners included Jesper Jensen of Jensen Jewelers in Alberta, Canada, who entered a titanium matrix ring titled “Thrill”; and Ron Thomas and Dave South of Logan, Utah, who teamed to create a magnificent titanium ring that featured a tension-set emerald-cut fluorite. Honorable Mention went to Nanz Aalund of Seattle (Student Division) and Charles Bahringer of Milwaukee (Professional Division).

Spectore, co-sponsor for the event, presented a special TIA (Titanium Innovative Artist) award for the most innovative use of titanium in a finished piece. The award, along with a $500 prize, went to Ariel Scornik of Scornik Creative Jewelry in Buenos Aires, Argentina, for his titanium bracelet entry titled “Prow to the East.”

Judges for the 2003 event included David Yurman, Jose Hess, Alan Revere, Ruth Fortunoff, Amie Ritota of Finlay, Cindy Edelstein of Jewelers Resource Bureau, Amy Kim-Araneo of Mikimoto, Lorraine O’Donnell of Professional Jeweler, Carrie Soucy of JCK, Lorraine DePasque of LUSTRE, and Randi Molofsky of National Jeweler.