Carley Jewels: Well, It's Official...

TAO Las Vegas, June 2nd , the Women’s Jewelry Association and the Platinum Guild hosted a dazzling evening celebrating the accomplishments of this years DIVA’s.

2008 WJA DIVA 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 Winners
The Platinum Wedding

Jill MacKay, James Courage, one of the fantastic sponsors and Carley Jewels at DIVA night.

For the second year in a row the Platinum Guild International was the sponsor and the competition celebrated the cool beauty of platinum

The winners in the five featured categories are:

Lisa Krikawa, Erica Courtney, Jill MacKay and Carley

1) Lisa Krikawa, of Tucson, AZ, in the Everyday Bridal Ring Trio Suite category (under $5,000 retail). The winner’s “Delicate Leaf Wedding Set,” in Platinum and diamonds, was inspired by ancient rites, futuristic forms, machines, and tools. “The look is enhanced by secret compartments, windows and doors,” said Krikawa. “I aim for each piece to be interesting from the front, back, or inside, and with these details I lure the viewer or wearer in. I like to enhance the work with machine-like qualities, which are reminiscent of bio-mechanical engineering.”

2) Jill MacKay, of Jill MacKay, in Pittsburgh, PA (DIVA Bridal Suite--over $5,000 retail). Her “Platinum Roses Wedding Trio,” with diamond center stone and accents, is romantic and bold at the same time. It’s fit for a DIVA and her intended, said MacKay. “Jewelry design and creativity aren’t just the way I make a living; for me it is a wonderful way of life and of being in the world.” MacKay, who is self-taught, was once known as the jewelry designer for the daytime drama “The Guiding Light” and produced work for TV’s “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” “This opened many doors for me,” she said. “Currently I design and manufacture my own line of sterling jewelry, findings and components.”

3) Carley McGee-Boehm, of Carley Jewels in San Diego, CA, won the Platinum Jewels for the Bridal Party (under $5,000 retail) category with her “Helios Pendant” in Platinum, diamonds and rock crystal. “The traditional symbolism of the ring is expanded through this piece. Helios' translucency symbolizes openness, clarity and transparency--each of which, through placement near the heart, are enhanced in the wearer.” McGee, GG, AJA, has been designing custom jewels for nearly a decade. She has won two Spectrum awards and her jewelry is usually dancing its way down the red carpet.

4) Erica Courtney, Erica Courtney, Los Angeles. (Platinum Jewels for the Bridal Party--over $5,000 retail). Her platinum and diamond “Tulip” necklace is a signature Erica Courtney piece. “This necklace brings out an elegant and glamorous look that can be worn by an array of brides,” said the award-winning designer, whose work is often seen on Hollywood glitterati. “The tulip necklace allows brides to feel ‘Drop Dead Gorgeous’ on their big day without being over shadowed.”

5) Joana Miranda of Joana Miranda Studio, Glendale, WI, won the Colorful Engagements and Weddings in Platinum category. The lace-quality of her “Pink Diamond Trellis” Platinum pendant is a perfect complement to today's ethereal wedding gowns, said the designer. “The pink diamonds are not only rare but incredibly feminine. The strength of the Platinum reflects the endurance of love.” Miranda, who holds a GIA Design Certificate, has her own jewelry business, where she sells handmade fine metal and gemstone jewelry.