Designer Ellie Thompson and GIA student Vickie Riggs took top honors in the Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America’s 2001 American Vision Awards. Thompson, winner in the professional category, designed a geometric platinum and diamond bracelet named “Celebration,” while Riggs’s winning design was a rendering of an oxidized silver necklace with diamonds and pearls. Another division, added to the contest for the first time this year, recognized designs that incorporate crystal. That award went to Nina Ward of Dancer House Design Fine Jewelry for an 18k white gold pin/pendant with sapphires, diamonds, pearls, and titania drusy crystal.

Other winners were Jack and Elizabeth Gualtieri of Zaffiro (second place, professional category) and Francesco Teresi (honorable mention, professional category). Second place in the student category went to Chad Kiengsiri.

In the crystal division, Karen Curtis took second place in the professional category. In the student category, Elsie Wong of the Fashion Institute of Technology took first place, and Kristin Novinger of the Gemological Institute of America took second place.