New York City. Oct. 17, 2019. The Cultured Pearl Association of America (CPAA) announces the finalists in the U.S. division of the 10^th Annual International Pearl Design Competition (IPDC). Thirty-eight submissions were narrowed down to eighteen finalists after judges viewed images of all entries. The judges are Jean Francois Bibet, workshop and production director at Cartier; Nancy Schuring, owner of Devon Fine Jewelry (whose store will show and offer for sale the winning entries and the finalists of Schuring’s choice); Michelle Graff, editor in chief of NationalJeweler.com; and Hector Hassey, jewelry designer of his own same-name firm.

Finalists in the U.S. division are as follows. Winners will be announced on Thursday, Oct. 31, following a day of judging live pieces.

Chrysanthemum Fold Black Pearl earrings by Karin Jacobson

Pearl Empress earrings by Deborah Meyers of Deborah Meyers Experience

Black Diamond and Pearl earrings by Timo Krapf of TBK Jewelry

Polka Dots cuff by Alishan Halebian of Alishan

Glamorous Keshi Swing earrings by Dilly Kirby of Elizabeth Blair Fine Pearls

Diana’s Love earrings by Alexis Mazza of LexiMazz Designs

Mandala ring by Paul Klecka of Paul Klecka Inspired Design

Esther ring by Polly Baumgartner

Lydia Lighthouse Beacon ring by Lika Behar of Lika Behar Jewelry

Chimera pendant necklace by Brenda Smith of Brenda Smith Jewelry

Golden pearl strand with Wavy O interchangeable clasp by Llyn Strong of Llyn Strong Jewelry

The Kiss of the Spider Woman necklace by Martina Buck of Haute Metal

Power of Pearl pendant by Kelly Charveaux of Scottsdale Bead Supply and Charveaux

South Sea Pearl Paisley ring by Assael

South Sea Pearl Fan earrings by Assael

Ocean Diva necklace by Jennifer Pusenkoff of Jen

Rockin' Love ring by Jennifer Pusenkoff of Jen

Rockin' Dandy lapel pin by Jennifer Pusenkoff of Jen

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CPAA is a nonprofit founded in 1957. The group comprises the finest manufacturers, wholesalers, dealers, and suppliers of cultured pearls in the United States, and its goals are to improve retail marketability of pearls and cultivate demand among consumers. Through promotion, education, public relations, and unwavering commitment to the category, CPAA aims to inspire an authentic passion for all cultured pearl varieties. For more information about becoming a certified pearl expert, please visit PearlsAsOne.org. To learn more about the Cultured Pearl Association of America, please visit CPAA.org.