Graduates Sweep the 2003 Schuetz Design Competition
By Amy Toosley

GIA graduates swept the 27th annual George A. Schuetz Design Competition, placing in the top three categories for the contest that draws more than 80 worldwide entries each year.

M. Adam Namerow, G.G., G.J., took top honors for his geometrically composed, minute-repeating pocket watch and chain made of 18-karat gold, diamonds, black onyx and opal. The Ohio native said his design embodies the basic square shape of a baseball diamond, which also mirrors the shape of the Leo™ Princess cut diamonds used in the piece.

“I love wrist and pocket watches, and I am also quite fond of this particular shape, so I thought it would be great to incorporate them into an understated, but elegant, repeating timepiece,” said Namerow, who also received $500 and a plaque.

The 1.15-ct. accent diamonds are located at the 3, 9, and 12 o’clock positions. The dial is made of a thin slice of black onyx, and the sub-seconds dial is made of opal. The center wheel holding the hands is made of 18-karat white gold.

Second place was awarded to Ajay Bhaduri of India for a white gold tie tack and cuff link suite set with melee diamonds and black enamel. Bhaduri recently attended GIA Thailand and is a graduate of GIA’s Jewelry Design class and the Institute’s Graduate Diamonds Diploma program. He said his design was inspired by the black clouds and thundering lights of rain in Bangkok.

“This natural phenomenon struck my mind to create a very natural design for the competition and it really worked out,” Bhaduri said. “I still can’t believe I have placed second for such a prestigious award. I truly feel proud.”

Takemura Ato of Osaka, Japan, placed third for her matching hammered platinum and emerald cabochon tie tack and cuff links.

“I made an overall design to emphasize the gem,” said Ato, a graduate of GIA’s Jewelry Design program. “My GIA Design class schedule was really tight and I was therefore exceptionally enriched in seven weeks. Since then, I take time to observe everything around me, and I have more of a clear vision to understand the shape of objects.”

Named in honor of George A. Schuetz, the contest calls for designs in men’s jewelry and accessories. Judging is performed by an independent panel of industry specialists. The entries are judged on overall design, wearability, manufacturability and appeal.

“The overall work this year was of exceptionally high caliber, and there were many fresh, innovative ideas,” said GIA Design Instructor Corrine Perez-Garcia. “GIA’s Design program is the best in the nation, and the proof is in the awards that our students consistently win.”

The annual competition is open to all current or aspiring designers. Entry forms for the 2004 George A. Schuetz Jewelry Design Contest will be available April 1, 2004 from GIA’s Office of Student Financial Assistance, at 760-603-4005, or e-mail dcastellon@gia.edu. The deadline to return entry forms is June 15, 2004.