Of all of the categories within the Saul Bell Designer Awards, the Gold and Platinum one is the one that intimidates me most.  Partly because I have little experience working with these metals and partly because so many of the designs rely on an accuracy and attention to detail that I fear I could never master!  "Awe", is probably the best word to sum up how I feel when looking at the amazing work of most of these finalists.

 

Shannon Kennedy, a designer at Cynosure Jewelry in Ontario Canada

Highly innovative and contemporary, the designs by Shannon Kennedy and her design partner Juan Bohorquez showcase serious technical ability alongside a sense of fun.  Their quirky designs include the "Jiggly Ring" and "Cityscape",  both displaying an almost irreverent challenge of what is considered wearable art versus fashion jewelry.

Cynosure Jewelry share their passion for jewelry design by offering a range of classes. 

Jason Dow, Honolulu, Hawaii

Being based in what is arguably one of the most inspiring locations on earth might be considered the reason for this designer's gorgeous designs, however that would be selling him short.  Each tiny bezel set gem and finely pierced piece of metal is a testament to his level of skill.  His designs, by his own admission are "Influenced by eastern philosophy and a variety of diverse cultures," and this influence comes across in the general shapes and overall patterns in his work.  It is also clear though, that his environment does indeed impact his work, as "he shapes forms inspired by oceans, mountains, fauna, and flora."

Amazingly, Jason is self taught, having certified his skills through GIA.  Although he had been a hobbyist jeweler since high school,  he worked as a dentist before turning to a more creative and flexible career as a full time jeweler.

His intricate metalwork and use of gemstone detailing is undoubtably what caught the judge's eye at this year's Saul Bell Designer Awards.

Ron Litolff and Lisa Reid of Gemstone Designs, Knoxville, Tennessee

Think oppulent sparkling gems, intricate settings and vintage flair and you have an idea of the style of these talented duo from Tennessee.  Each design is unique, allowing their creativity to flow into each custom piece without being hindered with concern about mass marketability or the logistics of reproduction.  

With unusual shapes, striking use of colour and a delightful combination of old and new, their designs are statement pieces that will be treasured for generations.

Ann Cahoon, Flying Marquis Studio, Ashby, Massachusetts

If you have been paying attention, you may have noticed a trend of designers who blend simple structural lines with organic shapes in this year's finalists,  and Ann Cahoon is no exception.  Her work is immaculately fabricated and displays and almost zen like quality with circles and symmetry featuring strongly but never to a degree where the pieces feel mechanical. 

Ann graduated with a Master of Fine Arts in Metalsmithing and Jewelry and Ceramics from Maine College of Art in 1998 and went on to found her own studio where she specializes in creating one of a kind custom wedding jewelry.  A teacher of jewelry design, she emphasizes the importance of traditional hand crafting techniques.