The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) recently announced winners of the George A. Schuetz Jewelry Design Contest, an award named in memory of the late men’s jewellery designer George A. Schuetz Sr. The contest invites jewellery designers to present innovative original men’s jewellery designs.

A tie tack and cuff links design by Korean designer Sung Woo Hong won first place. The jewellery was crafted with emerald cut and tapered sapphires combined with radiant and princess cut diamonds in 18 karat yellow gold. The designer was honoured with a crystal trophy and $500. Joana Miranda from Wisconsin won second place and a crystal trophy for “Dog Tags with Hidden Pico Drive” design made with polished white metal, channel-set rubies and black onyx inlay. A waterproof Pico Drive or thumb drive as is called, is sized equivalent to a U.S. quarter and set inside the flip-top compartment. The dog tags are strung on a platinum bead chain. “Because this was my first Computer-Aided Design (CAD) submission in a design contest, this honor took on unique significance for me. I am continuing my design work with both CAD and hand-drawn renderings,” said Miranda, who also won a prize in last year’s George A. Schuetz Design Contest.

The third place was won by Amit B. Kurdekar, of Mumbai, India, for designing a men’s ring with enamel and 24 karat white and yellow gold.

“The Schuetz Contest is an excellent opportunity for young designers to express their creative vision and exercise their many talents,” said Phillip Weeks, manager of GIA’s Student Financial Assistance department and coordinator of the contest. “Contestants may submit one original colour design rendering that has not been previously exhibited or ordered for sale.” Entries are judged based on design, wearability, manufacturability and appeal. Entry forms for the 2010 Schuetz Design Contest will be available on the GIA website beginning April 15, 2010. GIA hosts and manages the George A. Schuetz Design Contest, which was established in 1973 by friends and family of Schuetz.