Showcasing Industry Excellence
As the voice of the Canadian jewellery industry since 1879, Canadian Jeweller Magazine is the trusted news source for jewellers across the nation. This makes our Awards of Excellence an extremely prestigious forum through which designers solidify their positions as forerunners in the trade. Meet this year’s winners
Best Canadian Diamond
Andrew Costen, Costen Catbalue Goldsmith & Design
THE PIECE: “Ice Storm” is a 19K white gold and 18K yellow gold diamond ring. The large 1.01 carat F SI1 Canadian Diamond is set in the centre of a swirl design. The white gold is set with natural white brilliant cut diamonds of E-F VS quality totalling 0.34cttw. The yellow gold is set with natural fancy intense yellow diamonds weighing 0.24cttw. This piece is constructed, set, and finished by hand.
THE ARTIST: At the age of 15, Andew Costen applied to start his seven-year apprenticeship at Medway College of Art and Design in Chatham, England. Following graduation, and after having worked with top designer goldsmiths and jewellery houses in London, Andrew opened his own studio workshop in 1985 in Vancouver, BC. In 2000, he merged with Mary Ann Buis to create the Costen Catbalue Goldsmith and Design. Over the years, Andrew has been finding creative ways to combine “design with durability, wearability, and beauty.”
Best Platinum Design:
Erkki Mursula and Idar Bergseth
Idar Jewellers
THE PIECE: This unique ring is completely handmade in Platinum with 18K red gold detail around the gallery. It is set with .60cts of Argyle mined natural fancy pink diamonds, baguette cut, VS clarity. The ring also features a .70ct Canadian diamond in the centre with a Forevermark branded stone of VS clarity.
THE ARTISTS: As a young boy, Idar became enamoured with the world of rock and stone, collecting fossils and other unusual artifacts. His passion for stones led to his first job as a polishing boy in a local jewellery store. In 1972, Idar and his family moved to Victoria where he opened his first shop, Idar Goldsmiths. Today, Idar designs pieces that are blended with Nordic, West Coast, and ancient Celtic designs to create jewellery that is both fresh and classic. Erkki Mursula was born in Finland, where he trained to be a professional goldsmith. He has been making spectacular handmade pieces of jewellery for over 40 years. Erkki lived in Toronto and Calgary before moving to Victoria two years ago, where he started working with Idar Bergseth at Idar jewellers.
Best Coloured Gemstone Design
Laura Tedesco, Laura Tedesco Jewellery Design
THE PIECE: This one-of-a-kind ring is 14K two-tone gold that features a centre cushion cut of blue-green sapphire. The colourful ring is made up of pink, orange, red, and yellow coloured sapphire, all of which are natural and untreated. The 64 pave set of round brilliant cut diamonds total 0.42ct.
THE ARTIST: Laura Tedesco grew up in a family jewellery business, and went on to study jewellery design in Florence, Italy through the Gemological Institute of America. In school, Laura learned the artistry of traditional drafting techniques, theory, and jewellery design. With 18 years in the jewellery industry and her passion for custom design, she helps clients to express their own person expressions through re-styling heirloom pieces or by creating unique jewellery and engagement rings.
