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Projecting the Best of Japanese Jewellery to the World
TOKYO, Aug. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The results of the prestigious Japan Jewellery Association 2013 Jewellery Design Awards were announced at the Japan Jewellery Fair which opened in Tokyo today, organised by UBM Japan Co Ltd. These prominent annual awards, organised by the Japan Jewellery Association and supported by various government departments, are intended to promote the advancement of jewellery culture in Japan under the slogan of "Projecting the Best of Japanese Jewellery to the World."
There are three categories of JJA Jewellery Design Awards. Jewellery in the "Professional" category is judged according to levels of design, technique and quality. Items in the "Theme" category are judged based on their appropriateness for the Japan Jewellery Association's "Bonds of Love" campaign. Meanwhile the "Newcomer" category is for jewellery created by students and young designers and that challenges traditional concepts.
This year there were 126 entries for the awards, with a total of 185 jewellery pieces submitted for the three categories. The number of the entries was 50% higher than the previous year.
Mr Hayashi Maruyama, Chairman of the Japan Jewellery Association, said: "I could strongly feel the creative enthusiasm and passion of the entrants from their jewellery this year. The judges and I were all very happy to see the dramatic increase of the number of entries, which indicates to us the strength of the surge in creativity in Japan's jewellery industry today."
Mr Ichiro Iino, Chairman of the Judging Committee, who is a professor of the Tokyo University of the Arts commented, "The Grand Prize winner was exquisite not only in its design and techniques but also in its presentation and imagination as a total package."
Of the 126 entries, 38 entries, totalling 59 jewellery pieces, were selected for awards and put on display in the exhibition hall. In addition, the top eight winners were presented their awards at a special award ceremony and fashion show held on the Event Stage at the exhibition.
After being displayed at the Japan Jewellery Fair, the award winning pieces will go on display at the world's largest jewellery fair, the September Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair. After that they will be put on display at the Lalique Museum in Hakone, Japan, from October.
The eight main awards are as follows:
The Japan Jewellery Grand Prize and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Prize
Entered by: Kaji International Co Ltd, Creative Team
Designer: Mr Takeshi Kaji, Creative Team
Production: Kaji International Co Ltd, Creative Team
Title: Story From The Universe
Description: Ring and Ring Stand Set
Materials: Pt900, Diamond, Meteorite
The Minister of Health, Labour, and Welfare Prize
Entered by: Tokyo Kiho Corporation
Designer: Ms Kazuyo Ishikawa
Production: Tokyo Kiho Corporation
Title: Sakura -- for New Born Babies
Description: Necklace
Materials: K18 (PG & WG), Silver, Diamonds
The Governor of Tokyo Metropolitan Government Prize
Entered by: Juno Corporation
Designer: Ms Miwako Yokota
Production: Juno Corporation.
Title: Air
Description: Bangle
Materials: K18 (WG & YG), Diamonds
Chairman of the Japan Jewellery Association Prize
Entered by: Tokyo Kiho Corporation
Designer: Ms Sayoko Wakabayashi
Production: Tokyo Kiho Corporation
Title: Bonds of Love
Description: Ring * Pendant Top
Materials: K18WG, Diamonds
Best New Designer Prize
Entered by: Ms Masumi Takei
Designer: Ms Masumi Takei
Production: Ms Masumi Takei
Title: Aurora -- Swinging Heart
Description: Necklace, Bangle, Ring Set
Materials: Silver
Chairman of the Japan Pearl Promotion Society Prize
Entered by: Kuwayama Corporation
Designer: Kuwayama Corporation
Production: Kuwayama Corporation
Title: - Karin -
Description: Necklace
Materials: Pt850, Pt900, K18, Diamond,
Akoya Pearl, Pinctada maxima
Chairman of the Japan Jewellery Designers Association Prize
Entered by: Mr Shinpei Yamamoto
Designer: Mr Shinpei Yamamoto
Production: Mr Shinpei Yamamoto
Title: Put Hands on Top of Each Other
Description: Ring
Materials: K18YG, Opal, Sapphire, Cloisonné (Shippo)
The Platinum Guild International Prize
Entered by: Atelier Hiroumi
Designer: Atelier Hiroumi Design Room
Production: Mr Takaharu Hiroumi
Title: Planet Necklace
Description: Necklace
Materials: Pt950, Aquamarine, Diamonds
