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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Krikawa Jewelry Designs Recipient of Three First Place Awards so far in 2008 Tucson , Arizona -- 2008 has already proven to be a successful year for Krikawa Jewelry Designs. Having entered three national jewelry competitions so far this year, they are batting a thousand with first place wins in the 17 th Annual Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America Vision Awards, the 4 th Annual Bench Jewelers Passion Awards from BW Simon International and the 12 th Annual DIVA Design Competition from the Women’s Jewelry Association, sponsored by Platinum Guild International. “I am overwhelmed and very proud of our team in the success we have had this year,” said Lisa Krikawa, designer, master goldsmith and owner of KJD. “Each competition recognizes excellence in a different area of design and production, and our dream team goldsmiths can compete with anyone.” The MJSA Vision Awards recognizes the talent and innovation of designers whose work has a profound influence on the future of jewelry design. The Passion Awards acknowledges the craftsmanship and artistry of the bench jeweler while the Diva Awards honors outstanding design by women. KJD also won two second place awards and was a finalist in three other categories. DIVA Design Competition The annual WJA DIVA Design Competition is a competition created to promote and encourage jewelry design by women. Open to all women, regardless of experience, formal training or background in jewelry or jewelry design, the competition is judged by a panel of industry experts who evaluate designs based on their originality, creativity, wearability, and interpretation of an annual theme. The 2008 Diva Design Competition Theme is the Platinum Wedding For the second year in a row the Platinum Guild International is the sponsor so our competition will celebrate the cool beauty of platinum. “We are very honored again this year to partner with PGI and are delighted to see the response from international designers working in Platinum,” says Michelle Orman, WJA vice president, events, and president of Lup. B W Simon passionately believes that Retail Jewelry Stores can operate Jewelry Repair Shops EFFICIENTLY and have them contribute to the over-all PROFITABILITY of the store. To accomplish this Retail Jewelers must continually strive to improve skills at the bench and implement sound management principles in the shop. B W Simon assist retail jewelers accomplish this by providing educational seminars; producing an e-mail newsletter; publishing books, tapes, and computer software; and writes articles for Trade Publications. 4 th Annual Bench Jewelers Passion Awards from BW Simon International: 1st Place , Jewelry Design Team Lisa Krikawa, designer, master goldsmith, and owner of Krikawa Jewelry Designs, has received first and second place in the 17 th Annual Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America Vision AwardDesign Competition. This competitive and prestigious award recognizes the talent and innovation of designers whose work has a profound influence on the future of jewelry design. Entries come from all areas of the jewelry industry including precious and fashion jewelry manufacturers, designers, bench jewelers, and gem dealers. Krikawa won first place in the Mokumé-gané Distinction category with Juicy Liqueur, a ring named for its rich combination of high carat golds and vibrant orange sapphires. Mokumé-gané is an ancient 17 th century Japanese technique of forging precious metals together into beautiful wood grain patterns. High TeaRing, the second place winner in the Palladium Distinction category, is a sculptural ring reminiscent of a royal crown featuring a 19 carat designer-cut tourmaline set in palladium and accented with diamonds. Palladium, in the same family of metals as platinum, has a cool gray color, and is extremely durable and rare. “As a competition based on designs that influence future trends in the jewelry field, I am honored to be recognized for my work,” said Krikawa. “I appreciate that the jewelry industry acknowledges that fashion forward jewelry is being made by many smaller independent designers.” The MJSA Vision Awards were presented on April 13, 2008 at MJSA Expo New York, the largest and oldest trade show in the U.S. dedicated to the design and manufacturing of jewelry. MJSA Expo New York attracts leaders and influencers from all aspects of jewelry manufacturing and marketing. An independent jewelry designer for over a decade specializing in engagement and wedding rings, Krikawa renovated a 1950s duplex in Tucson, Arizona into a modern showroom and office with a complete production studio with six goldsmiths. Known for her one-of-a-kind settings and use of a variety of precious metals as her palette, Krikawa’s studio/salon is a chic addition to traditional jewelry venues. To view the winning pieces or for more information go to [ http://www.krikawa.com/news/awards.htm ] or visit www.mjsa.org. High resolution images available. ### |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: TURNING YOUR JEWELS INTO TREASURES TUCSON -- With the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, the largest gem show in the United States, poised to descend upon Tucson in less than 2 weeks, you’re probably thinking about that spectacular 17 carat custom-cut aquamarine that you just couldn’t resist buying last year…and is still lying in your jewelry box. Isn’t it time to do something with it besides lovingly gaze at its twinkle?
Janelle Curry knew just what to do: have a ring custom made for it. Curry, a Tucson arts-based developer and local arts supporter, knew she didn’t have to look very far for a quality jeweler. “I’d admired the work by Lisa Krikawa of Krikawa Jewelry Designs for years,” said Curry recently, “so she was the first person I called.” Curry and Krikawa met and discussed design concepts with Krikawa providing detailed drawings several weeks later. “I marveled at Lisa’s creativity,” reflected Curry. “She took the ideas we discussed in a conversation and turned them into a three-dimensional piece of art”. The result is a bold, sculptural ring that prominently features the treasured aquamarine set in palladium with dramatic, oversized prongs accented with diamonds. “I love to design custom pieces,” said Krikawa. “It allows me to integrate my creativity with the personality and desires of another individual. The collaboration often leads to dramatic results”. Krikawa’s usual work focuses on unique wedding and engagement rings which, although a creative endeavor, tend to have a similar aesthetic. “I love making engagement and wedding rings because each ring is personal to each couple,“ said Krikawa. “It is an honor to be so intimately involved in the union of two people, but there is a certain framework that most couples want me to design within.” Clients like Curry let Krikawa’s creativity to run wild. “Janelle is a dream client because she likes dramatic, unusual-cut stones which allows me to design outside my usual parameters,” admitted Krikawa. Krikawa reflects that the annual gem show has made her local clients more savvy regarding gemstones. With nearly 50 different shows scattered throughout the city, many Tucsonans have learned how to navigate its maze. “A lot of my local clients peruse the various gem shows so they are aware of unusual cuts and colors of stones,” said Krikawa. “This knowledge seems to make them a little more daring when it comes to designing a piece for them.” When asked if she will be attending the gem show this year, Curry replied “it is hard to resist. Every year I think I am just going to go look and every year I find something I have to have. But at least now I know how to turn my jewel into a treasure.” # # # |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tucson Jeweler Awarded First Place in North American Pearl Design Competition.
“Tahitian pearls possess an innate beauty due to their natural lustrous colors,” said Krikawa. “The pearls themselves are inspirational and my challenge was to create a design that would compliment their inherent beauty” As the name implies, “Curls and Pearls” uses a curl motif suggestive of the gentle waves found in the waters of the Tahitian pearls’ native Polynesian lagoons. The necklace features three graceful platinum curls connected by a delicate chain. The central motif has a single suspended black pearl and a sparkling accent diamond. The earrings and ring echo the necklace design. The Tahitian Pearl Trophy highlights the cultural and aesthetic diversity among designers worldwide while featuring the treasured Tahitian Pearl. A product of “Pinctada Margaritifera,” the black-lipped oyster is found exclusively in the waters of French Polynesia and naturally secretes a dark pigmentation that results in pearls of rare and luminous colors ranging from grey to black often with green and blue metallic hues. This jewel of the sea, once thought to be a gift from Oro, the Polynesian god of peace and fertility , was long considered a royal symbol. In 2007, the Tahitian Pearl Trophy Competition is devoted to national competitions in over 30 countries with thousands of jewelry designers submitting designs in ten categories. Select first place pieces will travel to New York, Paris, Hong Kong, Vicenza, Madrid and Kobe for promotional exhibition before the final international competition in late 2008. “I am thrilled to represent the United States.” said Krikawa. “The contest typically includes world-renowned jewelers and avant-garde contemporary designers, so to be recognized for my work amongst such international stars is an honor.” An independent jewelry designer for over a decade, Krikawa is known for her elegant and timeless wedding jewelry that uses a palette of precious metals, custom-selected stones, and old-world craftsmanship. Krikawa Jewelry Designs, a private design studio in Tucson Arizona located in a renovated 1950s duplex complete with a modern showroom, office, and production studio, is a chic addition to Arizona’s traditional jewelry venues. This award is the third 1 st place award in jewelry design competitions for Krikawa this year. In April, Krikawa won the 2007 American Vision Award for Mokume Gane Distinction from the Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America, a competition recognizing the talent and innovation of designers whose work is influencing the future design trends of the jewelry industry. In May, Krikawa received first place in the Design Team Category of the Bench Jewelers 3rd Annual Passion Awards hosted by B.W.Simon International. This competition recognizes the achievements of the working jeweler. To view the winning piece or for more information go to [ www.krikawa.com/news/awards.html ] or visit http://www.tahitianpearltrophy.net/ Contact Krikawa Jewelry Designs to make an appointment or go online at www.krikawa.com # # #
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Lisa Krikawa, artisan, designer and owner of Krikawa Jewelry Designs has been awarded first place in the Tahitian Pearl Trophy competition sponsored by Perles De Tahiti GIE for her necklace, earring and ring set entitled “Curls & Pearls”. Winning in the “Parure” category among all North American entrants, Krikawa’s set will now be proceed to the international competition to compete against finalists from over 30 countries. | Join Our Mailing List |
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