The Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO) held its annual Jewelry Design Contest at its Fall 2000 Buying Show, awarding first- and second-place prizes in two price categories. This year’s first-place winner in the under $1,000 retail category was Gem Gallery (Tim Ottman, designer), Reno, Nev., for a hand-fabricated titania drusy pendant in yellow and white 14k and 18k gold, accented with diamonds. Second place in the category went to Melancon Jewelers (Richard Melancon, designer), Abbeville, La., for a contemporary brooch in platinum and 18k gold set with a yellow sapphire, complemented by 11 diamonds. Taking first place in the over $1,000 retail category was Melancon Jewelers (LaNell Melancon, designer), Abbeville, La., for a handcrafted woman’s ring in 14k two-tone set with a 1-ct. radiant-cut diamond flanked by marquise, princess, and round brilliant-cut diamonds. Jewels By Annette (Fazken Krikorian, designer), Oxford, Miss., took second-place for a platinum necklace set with a 2.1-ct. marquise diamond from which is suspended a 1.02-ct. briolette diamond. Bezel set within the 18-in. pendant chain are diamonds ranging in weight from .10 to .25 ct.