Necklace by Vickie Riggs took first place in the 2001 MJSA American Vision Design Competition-student category.
Necklace by Kristin Novinger placed second in the 2001 MJSA American Vision Competition-Designs Involving Crystal-student category.
Ring by Chad Kiengsiri, G.G., took second place in the 2001 MJSA American Vision Design Competition-student category.

The Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America (MJSA) recently announced the award winners of the 2001 American Vision Design Competition. 2001 award winners included GIA students Vickie Riggs and Kristin Novinger, and GIA graduate, Chad Kiengsiri, G.G.

Riggs took first place in the 2001 MJSA American Vision Competition—student category. Her piece, an oxidized silver necklace accented with pearls and diamonds, was designed to represent an ocean wave.

“I wanted it to be sculptural and to embody what a pearl caught in a wave would look like as it rolls on-shore,” Riggs said.

Novinger placed second in the MJSA American Vision Competition—Designs Involving Crystal—student category. Her piece is a 14kt gold wire necklace with a sterling silver free form shape pendant and an amethyst crystal accent.

“I came up with the idea during a November rainstorm,” she explained. “It represents water droplets falling from leaves and hitting the pavement.”

Kiengsiri, placed second in the MJSA American Vision Design Competition—student category. He designed the winning piece while studying Jewelry Design at GIA in Carlsbad, California. His design is a ring that features a black pearl surrounded by coral-like features.

All three students credited their current success to their GIA education.

“I think GIA’s Design class is great. It is very helpful, without it, we can’t convey our imagination on paper,” Kiengsiri said.

Riggs agreed that GIA’s Jewelry Design course is beneficial: “The Design class teaches you how to draw stones and jewelry correctly. I’m so impressed with the school.”

Novinger added that GIA’s instructors are a great asset. “I wouldn’t be where I am without them,” she said.

Riggs, currently studying GIA’s Graduate Gemologist program and Jewelry Design course, is also the president of Vickie Riggs’ Designs and creates custom jewelry designs for clients in Southern California.

“I wanted my work to be professional,” said Riggs. “During the first three days of the Jewelry Manufacturing Arts program, GIA instructors answered all of my major questions and took my work to a much higher level.”

Novinger is also in the process if completing GIA’s Graduate Gemologist program, as well as the Institute’s Design and Wax courses.

“I’m still learning and that’s important to me,” Novinger said.

Kiengsiri completed the Jewelry Design course last April and the GIA Graduate Gemologist program in October. He is currently working for Pace Enterprise in Los Angeles, California as a product developer/designer.