Wellington-based jeweller Karl Williams has won the Gemological Institute of America’s 2010 George A. Schuetz Design Contest for best original men’s jewellery design.
Williams’ winning piece is an industrial-themed gent’s diamond ring made from platinum and 18 carat yellow gold.
“I wanted to design something that challenged regular perceptions of men’s jewellery,” said Williams.
“I’ve transformed a diamond ring into something strong and masculine
“The ring appears to be held together with rivets and features a central 1.5 carat diamond that is tension-set so that it looks like it is floating.”
Williams, a jeweller at The Village Goldsmith jewellery store which recently launched The Inspired Collection of diamond rings for the wholesale market, said it was a “real honour” to take first place in such a prestigious competition.
“Being sponsored by a highly recognised organisation like GIA, which is widely regarded as the world’s foremost authority on gemmology, is huge recognition not only for myself, but also for The Village Goldsmith and The Inspired Collection,” he said.
The Inspired Collection director Chris Behman said Williams’ award from one of the world’s leading diamond grading authorities is another successful step for the fledgling business.
He said the Inspired Collection has exceeded expectations in its first nine months of
operation and is now “in negotiations with respected jewelry retailers around the world who share the same ideals of excellence and originality”.
William’s win follows the Inspired Collection’s recent awards success on home soil – jeweller Nigel Wong won the top prize at this year’s New Zealand Jewellery Design Awards and jeweller Nick Hensman won the same award last year.