Jewelers of America’s (JA) 13th annual JA Affiliate Design Competition featured 27 entries that won competitions hosted by JA’s state and regional affiliate organizations in 2002. Jewelry pieces were created by JA members or employees of JA member stores. Entries were displayed and judged at the JA New York show, held Jan. 26-28, 2003, at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City.

Entries were divided into three categories according to the cost of the materials used. A panel of trade press editors, retailers, manufacturers, industry association leaders, and JA Certified Bench Jewelers served as judges. The Buyers’ Choice Award was determined by separate balloting of attendees at the JA Show.

Contest winners were:

Category I ($1,000 and under): Joseph A. Bonasso III, JAB Jewelry, McMurray, Pa., representing the Pennsylvania Jewelers Association with a ring in 18k white gold with a 1.11-ct. aquamarine and diamonds.

Category II ($1,001 to $3,000): Richard Kluesener, Gold in Art, Mount Dora, Fla., representing the Florida Jewelers Association with a cuff bracelet in platinum and 22k gold with pavé-set diamonds depicting the New York skyline. Kluesener’s entry also won the Buyers’ Choice Award.

Category III ($3,001 and over): Michelle M. Harper, McCormack & Puryear Jewelers, Norfolk, Va., representing the Virginia Jewelers Association with a necklace-and-earrings suite in 18k peach gold with orange drusy quartz leaf carvings and diamonds.

Each winner received a trophy featuring JA’s “J” logo engraved with his or her name and store.

The competition is open only to JA members and their employees. JA members interested in participating in next year’s competition must first enter the design competition held by their state or regional JA affiliate. Contact information for all JA affiliates is available on the JA Web site at www.jewelers.org. For information on JA membership, call (800) 223-0673.