Hawaii Jewelers Association names 2015 design winners

Denny Wong was named Jewelry Designer of the Year, collecting the highest points for his jewelry designs during the Hawaii Jewelers Association annual design competition, with winners announced during the groups annual banquet May 2 at Honolulu Country Club. Here are the winners in three categories:

JEWELRY UNDER $3,500

First place: “Jali” ring by Jason Dow. This eternity ring design captures the mysterious ephemeral transparency of intricate jali screens seen in prized Indian architecture. In 18 karat rose gold, framed in black diamonds.

Second place: “Waterfall” by Carrie Nottage Smith, Na Hoku. This elegant
opal inlay and diamond pendant expresses the hues and movement of Hawaii’s waterfalls.

Third place: “Fire and Ice” necklace, Denny Wong Designs. An icy blue apatite and fiery pink sapphire are the gems featured in this dramatic white gold pendant.

People’s choice: “Waterfall,” Na Hoku

JEWELRY OVER $3,500

First place: “Ocean Tides” ring, Maui Divers design team. This ring features a perfect example of Hawaii’s state gem, black coral, surrounded by waves of diamonds.

Second place: “Royal Bliss” ring, by Dona Wong, Keoni Collections. A stunning royal blue tanzanite is the centerpiece of this pendant, with a diamond crown set atop a rich, diamond-decorated lotus design base. Craftsmanship fit for a monarch in white and yellow gold.

Third place: “Koala” pendant, Tiara Pearl International. The cute and cuddly koala is a perfect expression for this impressive baroque Australian South Seas pearl. Delicate and imaginative use of white gold, diamonds, black rhodium and even a stick of wood completes this sculpted design of Australia’s iconic, irresistible living teddy bear.

People’s choice: “Snowflake” by Moshe Hakemolo, Diamond Guy Hawaii. The design of this engagement and wedding ring set is as delicate as a snowflake and packs a blizzard of brilliance. Set in 18 karat white gold it features a 3.5 carat round diamond that is surrounded by custom-cut fancy shaped diamonds.

HAWAIIAN-THEMED JEWELRY

First place: “Kilauea” necklace, Denny Wong Designs. The flickering of red emitted from the unique rose-cut red garnet featured in this 18 karat gold pendant represents Kilauea’s fiery cauldron. The black tourmaline necklace it is dangling from represents the black basalt rock that is Kilauea. Every aspect of this garnet, diamond and tanzanite pendant evokes fire.

Second place: ”Treasured Waters” by Dona Wong, Keoni Collections. Featuring a natural shape precious red coral and flowing diamond studded gold, this pendant expresses the dreamy romantic beauty of Hawaii’s waters. It completes its water motif design with a delightful raindrop filigree pattern on the back.

Third place: “Plumeria Scroll,” gold and diamond pendant, Maui Divers. This pendant features a delicate sculpted plumeria with flowing, diamond accented royal scrolling. A jewelry wardrobe staple for locals and a prize for visitors who might want to bring home a memento of their stay.

People’s choice: “He’e (Octopus)” by Donna Shimazu, Na Hoku. The power and grace of
the Hawaiian octopus is wonderfully expressed in this powerful slide pendant. With a gold body and Tahitian black pearl head and diamonds for the eyes this beautiful piece would be the perfect possession for those with the he’e as their aumakua.
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Nadine Kam is Style Editor and staff restaurant critic at the Honolulu Star-Advertiser; her coverage is in print on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Contact her via email at nkam@staradvertiser.com and follow her on Twitter, Instagram and Rebel Mouse.