The four winning jewellery designs in Rio Tinto’s inaugural champagne diamond competition will be showcased during a promotional tour of the US this month.
Launched in May, the design competition was created with the aim of attracting talented new designers who could demonstrate the beauty of champagne diamonds from Rio Tinto’s Argyle Diamond Mine.
Jean-Marc Lieberherr, general manager for the sales and marketing of all diamonds from Rio Tinto’s mines, said the manufacturers chosen to bring the winning designs to life represent “the best in their craft”.
“The finished pieces of jewellery are a testament to new design talent and uncompromising manufacturing,” he said.
The winning designs are:
1st prize: Bulles de Champagne Collier – designed by Evelyn Huang and manufactured by Uni-Creation Inc
2nd prize: Champagne Tango Earrings – designed by Joana Miranda and manufactured by D Navinchandra Gems
3rd prize: Butterfly Drop Earrings – designed by Graham Edney and manufactured by Interjewel USA
4th prize: Champagne Flute brooch – designed by Vincent Bisazza and manufactured by KIAH, part of the Sheetal Group
The winning champagne diamond jewellery will be on display at seven US retail outlets until December 27.