Continuing to Serve both Virtually and By Appointment.

Past PRESS RELEASES

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Lisa Krikawa
lisa.k@krikawa.com or (520) 322-6090


Downtown Creatives Collaborate with Powerful Results
 
TUCSON, AZ – As downtown development comes to life, shared community roots begin to blossom into fantastic collaborations. Lisa Krikawa, head designer and founder of Krikawa Jewelry Art Gallery, completed her University of Arizona Gallery Management internship under the tutelage of Terry Etherton of Etherton Gallery. Twenty years later, this powerhouse duo of creativity and downtown revitalization are collaborating again.
 
Krikawa Jewelry Art Gallery—located in the historic Daniel’s Jewelers storefront—features Lisa Krikawa’s original jewelry designs and the works of other Arizona artists. The gallery and workspace employs seven University of Arizona alumni. Since moving her company to downtown Tucson, Krikawa has been dedicated to a hearty involvement in the exciting downtown scene. The superlative Etherton Gallery enjoys a keystone niche in downtown’s draw. It was simply genius to unite these galleries together in a single space, for a limited-time public art exhibition.
The resulting exhibit, Sparklegasm! brings together visually stunning pieces of wearable art and provocative works from Etherton’s black and white archives. Sparklegasm! is a feast for the eyes and a downtown treasure to be shared with lovers, downtown and beyond.
 
With their University of Arizona pride, love for community, and understanding of what makes Tucson special, Lisa and Terry look forward to producing more shows together. “Seeing more and more people come downtown for shopping, dining, music and art makes us proud to be Tucsonans! The ‘Old Pueblo’ has continued to revitalize and persevere through the years. Tucson is gaining a worldwide reputation as an art, food and entertainment destination and it is exciting to be a part of it.”—Lisa Krikawa

Sparklegasm! features archival photographic works curated by Terry Etherton and jewelry curated by Lisa Krikawa. Sparklegasm! is open to the public through spring. Krikawa Jewelry Art Gallery is located at 21 East Congress Street.


About Krikawa: Since 1998, Krikawa has specialized in custom jewelry design and manufacture in its Tucson, Arizona studio. Krikawa is internationally recognized for unique designs and intricate work with Mokume Gane. In 2014, Krikawa relocated to downtown Tucson and expanded to include a curated art gallery featuring works from artists nationwide. Krikawa is a certified member of the Responsible Jewelry Council, the international organization which sets industry standards for ethical and responsible jewelry practices; American Gem Trade Association; Jewelers of America; Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America, which promotes professional excellence in jewelry making and design; and Tucson Metro Chamber of Commerce.
About Etherton Gallery: Established in 1981, Etherton Gallery specializes in vintage and contemporary fine art photography, paintings, prints, sculpture, and mixed-media works by local and regional artists. The gallery has been voted “Best Gallery” in Tucson for twelve years running. Terry Etherton is an accredited member of the American Society of Appraisers.
For more information, please visit www.krikawa.com/studio, or call Lisa Krikawa at 520-322-6090
  LOCAL FLAVORS EXHIBITION: November 22, 2014 – January 31, 2015
ROCK YOUR LOCAL ARTS
KRIKAWA Opens Tucson’s Newest Gallery, Design Studio & Boutique Downtown on Congress St.
A contemporary jewelry designer moves downtown, and an historic street tablet (and storefront) returns to its roots.

WHAT: KRIKAWA Jewelry Designs, the internationally-acclaimed Tucson-based business, relocates to Congress Street and invites the public to view an exhibit of exceptional local jewelry and artwork, opening November 22, 2014 in Krikawa’s new Downtown location – 21 E. Congress Street.

Krikawa’s ultra-modern new studio, gallery and office setting is cozy yet electric, high-end and hip. Its sleek,
creative showroom displays art handcrafted in Tucson by top Tucson designers. Historic twist: The 21 E.
Congress Street storefront is the original site of Daniel’s Jewelers, one of Tucson’s first jewelry stores, which
opened on Congress Street in 1926. Today, the historic Daniel’s terrazzo sidewalk floor tile is still preserved
on site, and a Daniel’s street clock still exists, around the corner from the storefront, on Church.

WHO: Lisa Krikawa founded Krikawa Jewelry Designs, a Tucson-based family business, in 1998. The move of
Krikawa’s studio, retail showroom, gallery and offices to 21 East Congress brings an innovative contemporary jewelry studio and unique retail space to downtown place-making. The new Krikawa Gallery will present changing exhibitions, the first being “Local Flavors,” a juried show of local artists whose high quality crafts reflect a style that is edgy, playful, sophisticated and sustainable. The new Krikawa Gallery will feature over 30 local artists including Sam Patania, Erik Stewart, and Jonas DeSantis.

WHEN: Saturday, November 22, 2014 Reception and Open House: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Studio tour, showroom shopping, refreshments and experiential jewelry-fashion activities ongoing throughout event. Music provided by Mahagonny Trio (Chris Black, Jeff Grubic, Benjamin DeGain)
Exhibit runs through January 31, 2015.

WHERE: KRIKAWA Jewelry Art Gallery, Custom Jewelry and Repair
21 E. Congress Street.
On The Tucson Modern Streetcar Line (Congress St | Stone Ave).

Additional Buzz: www.facebook.com/krikawa, twitter.com/krikawa_jewelry, pinterest.com/krikawa/,
instagram.com/krikawajewelry

Background:
Krikawa Jewelry Designs, a Tucson-based family business, was founded in 1998 by designer Lisa Krikawa. Since then, her husband, brother, and sister-in-law have joined forces to be a part of the collaborative, award-winning team, creating over 4,000 handcrafted engagement and wedding rings for clients around the world. As a certified member of the Responsible Jewelry Council and Jewelers of America, Krikawa is passionate about practicing the highest in ethical, social and environmental standards. Krikawa continues to be the go-to Tucson authority on custom jewelry design and repair, but now also offers shoppers a wide variety of unique, handcrafted
jewelry, accessories, and art, with curated collections and exhibitions from local and national artists. In addition, jewelry-related lectures and workshops will be offered to the public, such as the “Ultimate DIY Wedding Band Experience.”

In its annual winter holiday philanthropy, Krikawa will contribute 10% of profits (from a new line of charms) to the Food Bank. The fun line of new charms, called “Toast or No Toast,” is inspired by a growing community interest in food, diet and farming, and will include symbols of food we eat or avoid, such as toast, chicken, fish, or milk in mix-and-match designs.

Artist Statement:
From Lisa, “I am super excited about merging our custom jewelry and repair shop with a jewelry art gallery in downtown Tucson. We’re providing an outlet for the many talented jewelry artists in Tucson, as well as providing the most comprehensive handcrafted jewelry shopping experience possible.”

Media Contact: Ute Gascho, (520) 322-6090, ute.g@krikawa.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 15, 2013

CONTACT:
520-322-6090
 
Krikawa Jewelry Designs Receives The WeddingWire Bride's Choice Award 2013

Tucson, AZ – WeddingWire, the nation's leading online wedding marketplace, is thrilled to announce that Krikawa Jewelry Designs has been selected as a winner of the prestigious WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards® 2013 for bridal jewelry.

The esteemed annual awards program recognizes the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism. Krikawa Jewelry Designs’ selection as a Bride’s Choice Award 2013 winner was selected based on the positive experiences expressed by past clients on WeddingWire, the world’s largest wedding review site with over one million reviews. While many industry awards are given by the host organization, the WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards® winners are determined solely based on reviews from real newlyweds and their experiences working with Krikawa Jewelry Designs.

The WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards® 2013 are given to the top local wedding vendors in more than 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, based on professional achievements from the previous year. Award-winning vendors are distinguished for the quality, quantity, consistency and timeliness of the reviews they have received from their past clients. As a Bride’s Choice Awards winner, Krikawa Jewelry Designs is highlighted within the WeddingWire Network, which is comprised of over 200,000 wedding professionals throughout the United States, Canada and abroad.

"Each year, WeddingWire looks forward to celebrating the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Network,” said Timothy Chi, CEO, WeddingWire. "Now in its fifth year, the Bride’s Choice Awards® program continues to recognize the elite wedding professionals who exemplify a commitment to quality, service and professionalism. These businesses were chosen by our bridal community for their responsiveness and dedication to their clients over the past year. We are honored to recognize Krikawa Jewelry Designs for their impressive achievements within the wedding industry.”

Krikawa Jewelry Designs is thrilled to be one of the top bridal jewelers in Tucson, Arizona in the WeddingWire Network of sites, which include leading wedding sites such as WeddingWire, Project Wedding, Brides.com, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Weddingbee. We would like to thank our past clients for taking the time to review our business on WeddingWire. We value all of our clients and truly appreciate the positive feedback that helped us earn the WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards® for 2013.

For more information about Krikawa Jewelry Designs, please visit www.krikawa.com.
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 17, 2012

CONTACT:
520-322-6090
 
Handmade in Tucson: Work By Local Jewelry Artisans

Exhibition: November 9-January 31, 2012
Opening Reception: Friday, November 9th, 7-9 PM

Tucson, AZ – Krikawa Jewelry Designs, an internationally-recognized and locally-owned ring designer, is pleased to present a holiday exhibition of handmade jewelry by Tucson artists. The group show, juried by award-winning designer Lisa Krikawa, also features earrings, rings, and pendants from three of Krikawa’s own jewelers. The one-of-a-kind pieces showcase an eclectic variety of styles, as well as materials, from gold, sterling, gemstones, and pearls, to pewter, glass, recycled tin, and wood.

Meet your working community artists, enjoy some champagne, and find a unique holiday gift at the opening reception on November 9th, 7-9PM. The show continues through January 31st. Krikawa is located at 4280 N. Campbell, Ste. 107, in St. Philip’s Plaza. The studio is open Monday-Friday 9-5 and Saturday 10-4.

About Krikawa Jewelry Designs
Krikawa Jewelry Designs is a family-operated business that has been handcrafting custom engagement and wedding rings since 1998. With a collaborative team of master goldsmiths, designers and support staff, Krikawa integrates old world artistry and innovative technology. Krikawa is renowned for the art of mokume gane, and is a recipient of over 20 national design awards, as well as a Better Business Bureau Ethics Award. More information at www.krikawa.com.

NEWS RELEASE

RESPONSIBLE JEWELLERY COUNCIL CERTIFIES US JEWELLERY RETAILER KRIKAWA JEWELRY DESIGNS

LONDON - The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) announced today that Krikawa Jewelry Designs, the Arizona-based jewellery retailer, has achieved certification by meeting the highest ethical, social and environmental standards established by the RJC’s Member Certification system.

"RJC warmly congratulates Krikawa Jewelry Designs on its certification. The successful verification assessment was conducted by UL Responsible Sourcing, one of the independent third-party auditing firms accredited to the RJC’s Member Certification system,” says Michael Rae, RJC’s Chief Executive Officer.

"I am thrilled and honoured to be a certified member of the RJC. It is important for our entire industry to step up and recognise the cost of making fine jewellery upon the environment and future generations. With everyone working together, we can ensure that both the planet and human beings are treated with care in the process of creating beautiful jewellery," says Lisa Krikawa, Founder & Designer, Krikawa Jewelry Designs.

For further information please contact:
Mila Bonini, Communications Manager, Responsible Jewellery Council
Telephone +39 02 48002801, Mobile +39 334 5488723, Mila.bonini@responsiblejewellery.com

About RJC
The Responsible Jewellery Council is an international not-for-profit organisation bringing together more than 370 member companies. RJC and its Members are committed to promoting responsible ethical, human rights, social and environmental practices in a transparent and accountable manner throughout the jewellery industry from mine to retail. This commitment aims to reinforce consumer and stakeholder confidence in diamond, gold and platinum metals jewellery products. The RJC has developed the RJC Member Certification system which applies to all Members’ businesses that contribute to the diamond, gold and platinum metals jewellery supply chain. All Certified Members of the RJC are audited by accredited, third party auditors to verify their conformance with the RJC’s Code of Practices. A voluntary Chain-of-Custody Standard has also been developed for gold and platinum group metals. The RJC is a Full Member of the ISEAL Alliance – the global association for sustainability standards. For more information on RJC Members, Certification, and Standards please visit www.responsiblejewellery.com

About Krikawa Jewelry Designs
Krikawa Jewelry Designs is an international custom jewellery retailer led by award-winning designer Lisa Krikawa. Since 1998, Krikawa has been handcrafting unique engagement and wedding rings out of a precision studio in Tucson, Arizona. With a collaborative team of master goldsmiths and expert designers and support staff, Krikawa integrates old world artistry, and innovative technology with extraordinary customer service. Pioneering a personalized custom-design experience, the company creates one-of-a-kind masterpieces for a worldwide clientele. Krikawa is renowned for the art of mokume gane and is a recipient of over 20 national design awards, as well as a Better Business Bureau Ethics Award. Krikawa practices the highest ethical, social and environmental responsibilities possible, while educating consumers about their choices, and setting an example within the industry. More information at www.krikawa.com.
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lisa Krikawa
Krikawa Jewelry Designs
520-322-6090
www.krikawa.com

Local jeweler explores digital retailing in the 21st century
Lisa Krikawa visits 2010 Solutions Symposium
 
Lisa Krikawa of Krikawa Jewelry Designs recently participated in the 2010 Solutions Symposium, an exclusive jewelry industry event held in Lafayette, Louisiana. The Symposium was hosted by the leading manufacturer in the jewelry industry, which also happens to be a Sightholder with the Diamond Trading Company.

The independent retailers invited to this event were among a select group hand picked for their interest in implementing new and innovative jewelry practices in their stores. The conference featured educational seminars and interactive demonstrations ranging from computer aided design (CAD) to enhancing customer’s shopping experience through the use of virtual inventory. Lisa Krikawa added to her expertise in numerous areas with the ultimate goal of becoming better able to cater to the needs of Tucson shoppers.

"Providing beautiful jewelry at a great value, and building long-term relationships with my customers are the most important aspects of business at Krikawa Jewelry Designs. I’m eager to share everything I’ve learned about digital merchandising and marketing with my sales staff,” said Krikawa. "The Solutions Symposium has given me the tools necessary to help our customers fulfill their jewelry dreams. We can inspire their creativity and confidently deliver the perfect piece of jewelry.”
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 2009

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lisa Krikawa
Krikawa Jewelry Designs
520-322-6090
www.krikawa.com

‘Jam Kat’ Pick-Holster Innovation Unveiled at Summer NAMM

Pauma Valley , California - Imagine the guitar performance and compositional possibilities you would have if you possessed a pick that would appear and disappear at will. Pick-Smith’s revolutionary ‘Jam Kat’ Pick-Holster does just that. The Jam Kat allows guitar and bass players to alternate seamlessly between picking and finger-style playing. Additionally, the Jam Kat provides tapping and slide-guitar flexibility, hands free recording, knob tweaking, beer swilling and whatever else you may think to do in between riffs, without ever losing your pick.

The Jam Kat is comprised of two nylon pieces connected by a spring. The partial ring section fits comfortably on the index finger. The spring-loaded pick harness keeps the pick out of the way for unfettered finger-style and tapping techniques, while a simple sweep of the thumb engages and locates the pick. Let go of the pick and it returns ‘home’.

The Jam Kat was designed and developed by Pick-Smith, Inc. president Patrick Swartz. An amateur songwriter/guitarist and professional model-maker, Patrick reduces the origin of the pick-holster to a selfish need. "When I compose, I play finger-style. I wanted a pick for finding melodic single-note riffs without learning sleight-of-hand or losing it between the couch cushions. If I can’t buy what I need, I just build it.”

The Jam Kat accepts standard picks of thin, medium and heavy gauge and is available in small, medium, large, right and left hand. Accessories include a strap dock/case and custom picks to tailor attack dynamics.

Pick-Smith is gearing up for full production prior to the 2009 Summer NAMM Show in Nashville, July 17-19. The company will augment its e-commerce website through prominent distributors and dealers, and will kick-off the consumer demand with advertising in print and on-line media.

Will the Jam Kat find a home with the picks, slides and capo in every gig bag? Are we going to hear a new genre of guitar composition and performance? You can see and try the Jam Kat yourself at http://www.pick-smith.com/ordering.html


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lisa Krikawa
Krikawa Jewelry Designs
520-322-6090
www.krikawa.com

Krikawa Jewelry Designs Awarded 2009 Business Ethics Award

Tucson, AZ – May 2009 – Krikawa Jewelry Designs Inc. is one of four southern Arizona companies to win the 2009 Better Business Bureau Business Ethics Award.

The Tucson company, www.krikawa.com, designs custom, high end wedding and engagement rings and distinctive jewelry art wear for client’s world wide.

The Business Ethics Award honors local companies for demonstrating exemplary management practices, upholding high standards in relationships with customers, suppliers and shareholders; ensuring honesty and integrity in marketing and advertising; and giving back to their communities.

"Companies don’t just submit a glitzy entry and hope for an award,” says Kim States, BBB interim president."These companies must demonstrate how they operate according to trustworthy and honorable business practices.It’s something that everyone affiliated with the company should be very proud of.”

Also receiving awards are Temco Air Environmental, Adobe Rose Inn LLC and Bass & Associates P.C. Local winning entries will be submitted for the Council of Better Business Bureau’s 2011 International Torch Award competition hosted in Washington, D.C.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 2008

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lisa Krikawa
Krikawa Jewelry Designs
520-322-6090
www.krikawa.com

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 4th 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.

4th Annual Bench Jewelers Passion Awards from BW Simon International:

1st Place , Jewelry Design Team
2nd Place, Jewelry Design Team
Finalist, Jewelry Design Team
Finalist, Ladies Jewelry
Finalist, CAD Rendering: Ladies Rings

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 Awards or visit www.mjsa.org. High resolution images available.


 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 21, 2008

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lisa Krikawa
Krikawa Jewelry Designs
520-322-6090
www.krikawa.com

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.”

Photo:High Tea Ring: palladium, 17 carat tourmaline and 1.0ctw accent diamonds. Photo by Hap Sakwa for Krikawa Jewelry Designs. High-resolution image available.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 23, 2007

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lisa Krikawa
Krikawa Jewelry Designs
520-322-6090
www.krikawa.com

Tucson Jeweler Awarded First Place in North American Pearl Design Competition.
Entry to Face International Competition Next.

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.

"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 Awards or visit http://www.tahitianpearltrophy.com/.

Contact Krikawa Jewelry Designs to make an appointment or go online at www.krikawa.com
High resolution images available.

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