PREVIOUS WINNERS
2016 AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE
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 can solidify their positions as forerunners in the trade.
MEET THIS YEAR’S WINNERS
Best Canadian Diamond Design
Andrei Jiliaev, Jiliaev Jewellery Collection
WINNER: Andre’s “The Family Tree” ring features a 9.04-carat diamond that was sliced into two unequal parts. The first is an oval brilliant-cut 4.15-carat gem, and the other is a pear-shape, brilliant-cut 0.79-carat stone.
An award-winning artist in both jewellery and architecture, Andrei is the resident designer for Jiliaev Jewellery in Vancouver. Over the years, he has amassed a long list of highly esteemed clientele, including celebrities, luminaries and the heads of various states and countries.
Shiv Chokhani, Karat Fine Jewellery
RUNNER UP: Set in a 18K white Canadian gold ring, the centre fits a 0.95ct square cut Forevermark diamond. The sides are accented with 0.95 ctw of round brilliant cut and baguette shade diamonds.
A Graduate Jeweler Gemologist (GJG) from Gemological Institute of America, and FGA from Gemmological Association of Great Britail and a Certificate Gemmologist from Gemmological Institute of India. He fuses his global influences and artistic inspiration for unique wearable pieces.
Best Pearl Design
Nick Koss, Volund Jewellery
WINNER: Crafted with platinum and 18-karat yellow and white gold, Nick’s “Lion” earrings feature glittering diamonds and Japanese Akoya pearls.
Born in Russia to parents of Swedish and Finnish descent, Nick Koss can trace his family roots to the jewellers of the Imperial Russian Court. Inspired by his family heritage, he founded Volund to create modern interpretations of historic art.
Iouri Jiliaev, Jilaev Jewellery Collection
RUNNER UP: The Moon Light Bliss ring boasts 18k yellow and 19k white gold. In the center is South Sea 16 mm round pearl, surrounded by 3.9ct, 300 blue sapphires. When positioned horizontally, 1.5ct diamonds are visible to complete the harmonious design.
Iouri is the co-founder of Jilaev Jewellery Collection, and a master goldsmith. He has long been developing his technique allowing him to continue earning awards for his craft. He has a eye quality, intricacies and vivid projection to stand out amongst the demand for one-of-a-kind jewellery.
Best Platinum Design
Linda Penwarden, Penwarden Fine Jewellery
WINNER: This cocktail ring features a 3.36-carat oval pink sapphire, 0.66 carats worth of round brilliant diamonds and a stunning platinum setting.
Linda Penwarden has over 20 years of experience in the Toronto jewellery industry. She developed her skills in fine art at the Ontario College of Art and Design and continued her studies at George Brown College as a goldsmith. She is known for her attention to detail and exceptional craftsmanship.
Jeff Nechka, Premier Gems LTD
RUNNER UP: This 950 platinum engagement ring with hand engraved accents, features 2.00 faceted untreated purple sapphire, and 0.15ct fancy baguette cut diamonds.
After training at the Gemological institute of America, Jeff started Premier Gems. His vision developed from his passionate world wide pursuit of gemology and design. His mastery of the art of gem and diamond cutting propel his creative design skills to new levels.
Best Coloured Gemstone Design
Lucy Necrasova, Myerson’s Limited
WINNER: Lucy’s whimsical “Sunflower” ring features a bezel-set, 12.54-carat amethyst and 18-karat yellow and white gold.
A graduate of George Brown College in the field of Jewellery Arts and Gemmology, Lucy’s pieces include one-of-a-kind design and high-quality materials. She has more than a decade of experience with Myerson’s Limited, specializing in 3D CAD design, development and production of in-house jewellery.
Iouri Jiliaev, Jilaev Jewellery Collection
RUNNER UP: These Spring Pallet earrings feature a mix of gems set in 19k white gold. The gems include 0.50ct aquamarine, 2ct amethyst, 1.50ct green garnet, 1.50ct peridot, and 2ct diamonds.
Iouri is the co-founder of Jilaev Jewellery Collection, and a master goldsmith. He has long been developing his technique allowing him to continue earning awards for his craft. He has a eye quality, intricacies and vivid projection to stand out amongst the demand for one-of-a-kind jewellery.
2015 AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE
Iouri Jiliaev – Jiliaev Jewellery
In 1958, the late Victor Jiliaev founded the Jiliaev Jewellery tradition. Taking inspiration from the world famous “Faberge Eggs,” he later passed on his vision to Iouri Jiliaev, his son, who himself was commissioned to replicate the museum jewellery pieces.
Iouri continues to garner awards for his work as a master goldsmith and is the co-founder of Jiliaev Jewellery Collection with permanent residency in
Vancouver. The utilization of raw gems and authentic material has always inspired Iouri’s work.
Like his father, he has been developing his own techniques over decades.
He stringently focuses on quality, intricacies and vivid projection to the ever- increasing insatiable demands for one-of-a-kind jewellery.
RUNNER UP: Coloured Gemstone Design
Inspired by an unfurling flower, the “Flower Bud” fashion ring is set in 18k rose gold and 19k imperial white gold. Featuring a 21.9ct golden citrine as its centre stone, the ring is accented with 64 round cut pink sapphires and 104 round brilliant cut diamonds.
WINNER: Diamond Design
Inspired by the beautiful Sakura trees, these earrings are paved with a total of 92 round brilliant cut diamonds. Set in 19k imperial white gold, the “Sakura” earrings are embellished in 10 pear shape-cut diamonds set in 18k Canadian yellow gold.
Andrei Jiliaev – Jiliaev Jewellery
Andrei Jiliaev is the eldest son of master goldsmith Iouri Jiliaev and an award-winning designer both in jewellery and architecture. At the moment, Andrei is the resident designer for Jiliaev Jewellery in Vancouver.
Over the years, he has amassed a long list of highly esteemed clientele that includes the heads of various states and countries, celebrities, luminaries and most recently, the Prince of Saudi Arabia. Andrei’s professional career started at the very young age of 20 when he began designing high-end bridal and statement jewellery for Kurt Wayne, Frederic Goldman and Hearts on Fire.
WINNER: Coloured Gemstone Design
Set in 18k Canadian yellow gold and 19k Imperial white gold, these statement “Leaf Drop” evening earrings feature three different cuts of emerald with a 8.18ctw. The frames of both earrings are accentuated with a total 198 round brilliant cut diamonds of 4.30ctw.
WINNER: Platinum Design
Set in platinum, the “Glacier Green” fashion ring features a rich blue-green tourmaline of 11.54ct and an accent of 74 round brilliant cut diamonds with a 0.68ctw surrounding the main stone.
RUNNER UP: Diamond Design
Boasting a 2.00ct Australian natural fancy yellow diamond as the focal point, the
“Madina” engagement ring is set in 19k imperial white gold and 18k Canadian yellow gold. The ring is accented with 16 round brilliant cut diamonds and 12 round cut green garnets.
WINNER: Canadian Diamond Design
Showcasing the beauty of Canadian diamonds, the “Whale Tail” diamond ring features a 2.29ct CanadaMark white diamond and 50 round brilliant cut diamonds all set in 19k imperial white gold.
Lilian Jensen – Customgold Manufacturing
Lilian Jensen is an award-winning designer with over 35 years of experience. Jensen’s accomplishments include awards from Diamonds Today, Buyers’ Choice, Excellence in Design, as well as the Awards of Excellence from Canadian Jeweller Magazine. She has also been a part of prestigious events such as Women Designing for Women and the launch of White Diamond Perfume by Elizabeth Taylor. Jensen has been helping families celebrate life’s milestones with gifts of exquisite handcrafted jewellery. Over the years, she has designed amazing one-of-a-kind family rings and being a mom who loves jewellery, Jensen believes that a tasteful and well-made ring can be a valued addition to any jewellery wardrobe, as well as a touching sentiment.
WINNER: Pearl Design
Set in 14k red and white gold, this beautiful ring features a 15.4mm pink pearl and diamonds with a 0.64ctw. The estimated value is $5,000.
Liz Kranyak – Premier Gems
Having grown up in the Niagara Region of Ontario, Liz Kranyak found inspiration for her designs through her connection with nature. Kranyak completed the
Jewellery Arts program at Haliburton School of Art before going on to receive the Jewellery and Metals as well as the Goldsmithing and Silversmithing certifications from Georgian College.
“I found jewellery to be the perfect marriage of the technical and the creative. I discovered jewellery creation in art school, fell in love with it, and never looked back.”
RUNNER UP: Pearl Design
Set in 19k white gold and featuring a 12.5mm Tahitian cultured pearl with bronze overtones, this ring is valued at $2,800. The diamonds accenting the pearl are all round, brilliant cut, with 0.15ctw, F colour, VS clarity.
Socrates Reppas – Marquis Jewellers
Socrates Reppas’ lifelong passion for beautiful jewellery was sparked at age 12, when he entered the workshop of one of Greece’s finest goldsmiths while on a delivery errand. The natural beauty of the precious metals and gemstones and the work of the goldsmiths immediately captivated him. Socrates returned the following day and began an apprenticeship with the master goldsmith that would last for six years.
Early in his career, Socrates envisioned creating a jewellery store to showcase his many design creations. Today, Marquis Jewellers is the realization of that vision. Clientele from across Canada, the US, Europe and Asia have all discovered that Socrates combines his vast expertise, strong aesthetic and artistry to create jewellery that marks the emotion of their special celebration.
RUNNER UP: Platinum Design
Designed in platinum and 18k gold, this sculptural ladies’ ring features a triangle-cut centre stone of 1.53cts, F colour. The ring was handmade and cast in two pieces while all of the stones were handset.
Peter Jiliaev – Jiliaev Jewellery
Peter Jiliaev is the son of master goldsmith Iouri Jiliaev and the model/engineer for Jiliaev Jewellery Collection. He is an integral part of every project that goes through the jewellery design team, which is based out of Vancouver.
Peter has the unique role of transforming designs to be practical and innovative while overcoming the challenges, complexities and individual techniques that apply to each singular design.
Peter’s contributions to the Jiliaev Jewellery Collection have helped bring the team one step closer to opening a new retail location in the heart of Vancouver’s downtown core.
RUNNER UP: Best Canadian Diamond Design
The “Princess” diamond ring features a 2.30ct CanadaMark white diamond as its centerpiece and boasts a 2.16ctw of round brilliant cut diamonds in a pavé setting as well as 19k imperial white gold prongs.
Product Line of the Year – TORI.XO by Tori Poynton
TORI.XO is a silver jewellery brand that embodies modern elegance, feminine strength, and natural form. Designer and avid traveler Tori Poynton handcrafts each sterling silver piece in her Halifax-based studio in Nova Scotia.
Inspired by a thoughtful worldview and fashioned using only the finest materials, every TORI.XO piece is the product of creative sensitivity and a meticulous attention to detail.
Though TORI.XO Inc. was officially incorporated in March of 2014, designer and founder Poynton has been making jewellery for 15 years.
Watch Brand of the Year – Citizen Watch Company of Canada
Established in 1918, Citizen has expanded its business throughout the world and has achieved recognition as a global brand. Since opening the Canadian company in 1992, Citizen has seen a dramatic rise to its current position as the world’s largest watchmaker.
The brand boasts one of the best websites in the industry, complete with technical information and interactive setting instructions. Citizen Canada also has available a co-op corner which is a web-based support tool providing a variety of media assets—in both English and French—for retailers to use in local marketing initiatives. In addition to this, the brand has a B2B website providing retailers with 24/7 access to inventory and order information for account management purposes.
Citizen Canada has a world-class roster of brand ambassadors, including
Victoria Azarenka, Eli Manning, Matt Kenseth, Canada’s own Dion Phaneuf, singing sensation Kelly Clarkson, and most recently star Point Guard of the Toronto Raptors, Kyle Lowry.
BETTER STARTS NOW is Citizen’s global advertising message, which reflects the simple belief that, no matter who you are and what you do, it is always possible to make something better – and now is the time to start doing it. This belief is mirrored throughout all aspects of the company and instilled in employees.
