International Jewellery Design Excellence Award Results

3 March 2017 – The biennial International Jewellery Design Excellence (IJDE) Award presentation was held yesterday (2 March) at the cocktail reception of the 34^th Hong Kong international Jewellery Show. The Japanese designer Natsumi Odate won the highest honour “Champion of the Champions” with her necklace “Rhythm”, which is made using 3D technology.

“Champion of the Champions” shows nature’s beauty 
A total of 165 awarded designers from 27 countries and regions participated in the competition this year. The winning piece by Natsumi Odate called “Rhythm” was created using 3D technology. The necklace simulates the form of wild grape leaves. The leaf designs change shape throughout the piece, from real-life forms to more abstract designs, symbolising the rhythm of leaves transforming step by step. Using 3D technology, the designer cast in platinum to express the delicacy of a natural form. At the same time, the abstract designs show the accuracy of craftsmanship. A magnetic fastener makes the jewellery easy to wear.

The Russian designers Natalia Tarasova and Tatiana Tarasova won the Innovative and Uniqueness in Design Award with their ring “For Form”. The ring design was inspired by geometry, with the form of a whirl sucking the grain of jewel ember. Through the piece, the designers wish to express the important things that could be easily overlooked and lost in the whirl of life.

Meanwhile, the Craftsmanship Award went to another Russian designer Viktor Moiseikin. His ring and earrings set “Firebird Feather” is a fabulous treasure full of glaring light and glittering gems made with excellent craftsmanship. The sparkling plumage is bejeweled with diamonds and demantoids. Artistically set by the Waltzing Brilliance® technology, the gems always whirl as if hovering in the air. Chatoyant and shining, they depict wing strokes and a fantastic flight. The sapphire drops decorate the inner side of the ring and earrings. The reflection of sapphires in diamonds gives a light sky-blue hue.

The Aesthetics Award went to the Thai designer Alessio Boschi for his piece “Homage to the renaissance”. Consisting of a pair of earrings and a necklace, this set of fine jewellery is a tribute to the magnificence of the Renaissance and especially to the Italian city of Florence, considered to be the birthplace of the Renaissance movement in the 14^th century.

Facilitating industry exchange through IJDE
The judging panel included Lawrence Ma, Chairman of HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show 2017 Fair Organising Committee; Michelle Ong, Founder and Design Director of Carnet; Jeff Chan, Specialist of Christie’s Asia; Emme Wong, Executive Director of Galtiscopio; Irina Slesareva, Chief Editor of Jewellery Review; Fei Liu, Director of Fei Liu Fine Jewellery; Christina Ko, Editorial Director of Prestige Magazine; and Ruth Faulkner, Editor of Retail Jeweller.

Lawrence Ma, Chief Judge of the IJDE, said the event has a rare ability to gather outstanding designs from many countries, facilitating cultural exchange as well as information sharing among the jewellery industry. He said, “The entries this year are excellent. The winning piece in the ‘Champion of the Champions’ category in particular is eye-catching and creative.”

Emme Wong, one of the judges of IJDE, said that excellent jewellery design requires a delicate balance between creativity and craftsmanship. It is even more important that the consumer can be inspired by the designer’s idea through the piece, and in turn see the world through a wider perspective. “This is my first time as a judge of the IJDE. It was really eye-opening. The designers have made use of various materials to create delicate jewellery with extraordinary creativity.”

Awarding winning pieces showcased in Jewellery Show 
The IJDE Award is organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organised by the Hong Kong Jewellers’ & Goldsmiths’ Association, Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association, Hong Kong Jewelry Manufacturers’ Association and Diamond Federation of Hong Kong, China Ltd. The award gathers award-winning designers from all over the world to compete for a number of accolades that honour outstanding jewellery designers as well as provide an opportunity for the industry to exchange experiences, expertise and craftsmanship. The winning entries are now on display at Hall 1D concourse during the 34^th Hong Kong International Jewellery Show at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Organised by the HKTDC, the International Jewellery Show runs from 2 to 6 March at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, while the fourth edition of Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show runs from 28 February to 4 March at the AsiaWorld-Expo. The two shows attracted a record of about 4,480 exhibitors from more than 50 countries and regions.

Fair Websites:
HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show: http://www.hktdc.com/hkjewelleryshow
HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show: http://www.hktdc.com/hkdgp

Media Enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC's Communication and Public Affairs Department:

Joe Kainz     Tel: (852) 2584 4216           Email: joe.kainz@hktdc.org

Media Registration: Media representatives wishing to cover the event may register on-site with their business cards and/or media identification.

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About the HKTDC
Established in 1966, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body dedicated to creating opportunities for Hong Kong’s businesses. With more than 40 offices globally, including 13 on the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China, Asia and the world. With 50 years of experience, the HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to provide companies, particularly SMEs, with business opportunities on the mainland and in international markets, while providing information via trade publications, research reports and digital channels including the media room. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.