The fascinating shapes of American pearls are showcased in the winners of this year’s Vision Awards competition.

American pearls range in shape from nearly round to teardrop, from baroque to bizarre. All lent a special look to winning pieces in the second annual pearl design contest sponsored by the American Pearl Co., Nashville, Tenn.

The firm announced and displayed the top designs at a reception held during The JCK Show in Las Vegas; some are shown here. These were the winners.

In the INSPIRATION DIVISION (over $1,000 wholesale):

Grand prize: Kyriakos Somos, Somos Creations, New York.

Awards of excellence:

1. Buddy Bear, Buddy Bear Jeweler, Pennsylvania;

2. Paula Crevoshay, Mellika, Massachusetts.

Awards of merit:

1. Barbara Frank, Frank, Germany;

2. Sieraad Design Group, New Jersey;

3. Anthony James Vela, A. James Ltd., California.

In the DISCOVERY DIVISION (under $1,000 wholesale).

Grand prize: Steve Ninich, Capri Jewelers,Virginia.

Awards of Excellence:

1. Curt Parker, Curk Parker Inc., Missouri;

2. Marie Swartz, Bijoux, Texas.

Awards of merit:

1. Ira Finchler, Lathrop’s Fine Jewelers, Texas;

2. Brent Keeney, Phases Design Studio, California;

3. Dan Neff, Nicholson’s Jewelers, Florida.