Top Class: The Winners of the Couture Design Awards 2023
Every year I visit Couture in Las Vegas with a sense of excited anticipation. What new treasures will I discover around every corner? This year, I had the pleasure of attending the Couture Design Awards to discover who had secured the coveted accolades across 14 categories, including ‘Best in Coloured Gemstones’ and ‘Best in Haute Couture’. Here is my rundown of the first, second and third-place winners in each category, plus a closer look at some of my favourite award-winning creations…
The Couture Design Awards were already off to a flying start when the judges of this year’s contest were unveiled. Jewellery designer Ara Vartanian; founder and editorial director of The Adventurine, Marion Fasel; director of sales at Borsheims Fine Jewelry & Gifts, Sean Moore; Lucy Reese, the deputy editor of New York-based magazine, Galerie, and jewellery expert, stylist and CEO of the Il Cammeo jewellery store network, Iryna Omelchenko… what a lineup! Of course, each person brought their own perspectives and taste to the competition, which led to a diverse array of winners, including first-time exhibitors. The lucky entrants were invited to collect their awards on the evening of June 3, 2023, but there were some surprises on the night too. For example, the ‘Editor’s Choice Award’ is voted for by attending media representatives, while Couture’s entire retailer community chose the winner of the ‘People’s Choice Award’ via an on-the-night texting system.
Kim Cosella of Sorellina collecting her Couture Design Award
I just love that I get to be a part of celebrating you, your creativity, your talent, your passion and enthusiasm, and all of the hard work you put into getting to COUTURE each year. This is your night; we are here to celebrate you! Gannon Brousseau, Couture Director.
So, who lit up the Encore Theatre? Well, it is worth noting the fantastic performance of French brands this year, including Maison Alix Dumas, who we featured in 2021, Alexandra Rosier Abramczyk, Messika, and Persée Paris. The ‘Best in Gold’ category is a case in point, with Parisian fine jewellery brand Viltier winning the top spot for a sensational gold and diamond bracelet. Cadar designer Michal Kadar wowed in second place with the Flora choker – an ethereal and voluminous 18k gold mesh blossom adorned with diamond dew drops and diamond-tipped stamens. Finally, German brand IsabelleFa scooped the third sport with a meticulously engineered ring.
Jewellery designers Thomas Montier Leboucher and Iris de la Villardière from Maison Viltier
Viltier 18k gold and diamond bracelet - 'Best in Gold' 1st Place winner at the Couture Design Awards 2023
Eponymous founder and designer Michal Kadar
Michal Kadar Flora choker in 18k gold and diamonds - 'Best in Gold' 2nd Place winner at the Couture Design Awards 2023
Isabelle Mössner of IsabelleFa
Isabelle Fa 18k gold ring - 'Best in Gold' 3rd Place winner at the Couture Design Awards 2023
In the ‘Best in Bridal’ category, the top three spots were taken by Los Angeles-based Retrouvaí, Italian designer Bea Bongiasca, and Miami-based Phillips House. Interestingly all three pieces are crafted in yellow gold with fancy-cut diamonds and unusual asymmetric settings. Pearls were exemplified by Persée Paris in first place, followed by Nomis and Amrapali London. The latter’s layered necklace is exactly what one would expect from this brand, which has roots in Jaipur. For the ‘Best in Platinum’ category, New York brand Sorellina took the top spot with a cool pearl, pink gemstone and diamond necklace, followed by Henrich & Denzel GmbH and TenThousandThings.
Kirsty Stone, the designer and creator behind Retrouvaí
Retrouvai 18k gold and diamond ring - 'Best in Bridal' 1st Place winner at the Couture Design Awards 2023
Italian jewellery designer Bea Bongiasca
Bea Bongiasca 18k gold and diamond ring - 'Best in Bridal' 2nd Place winner at the Couture Design Awards 2023
Lisa Phillips Frankel and Danielle Frankel Nemiroff, founders of Phillips House
Phillips House 18k gold and diamond ring - 'Best in Bridal' 3rd Place winner at the Couture Design Awards 2023
Persée Paris founder Nawal Laoui
Persée Paris gold, pearl and diamond earrings - 'Best in Pearls' 1st Place winner at the Couture Design Awards 2023
Alyona Kiperman, the founder of Nomis Jewelry
Nomis gold, pearl and diamond necklace - 'Best in Pearls' 2nd Place winner at the Couture Design Awards 2023
Sameer Lilani, CEO of Amrapali London
Amrapali London gold, pearl, coloured gemstone and diamond necklace - 'Best in Pearls' 3rd Place winner at the Couture Design Awards 2023
Nicole and Kim Carosella, founders of Sorellina Fine Jewellery
Sorellina platinum, pearl, coloured gemstone and diamond necklace - 'Best in Platinum' 1st Place winner at the Couture Design Awards 2023
Henrich & Denzel GmbH chief executive officer, Christian Brueggerhoff
Henrich & Denzel GmbH platinum and diamond ring - 'Best in Platinum' 2nd Place winner at the Couture Design Awards 2023
Ron Anderson and David Rees, founders of Ten Thousand Things
Ten Thousand Things platinum, pearl and diamond necklace - 'Best in Platinum' 3rd Place winner at the Couture Design Awards 2023
Peruffo gold and gemstone necklace - 'Best in Debuting' 1st Place winner at the Couture Design Awards 2023
Enrico Peruffo of Italian Jewellery brand Peruffo
Maison Alix Dumas gold and gemstone brooch - 'Best in Debuting' 2nd Place winner at the Couture Design Awards 2023
Designer Alix Dumas
Alexandra Rosier gold and gemstone pendant - 'Best in Debuting' 3rd Place winner at the Couture Design Awards 2023
Jewellery designer Alexandra Rosier
NeverNoT Travel Suitcase pendant necklace - 'Best in Below 10k Retail' 1st Place winner at the Couture Design Awards 2023
Jewellery designer Stephen Webster
Stephen Webster enamel and gold ring - 'Best in Below 10k Retail' 2nd Place winner at the Couture Design Awards 2023
Tatiana Van Lancker, founder of VAN
VAN @ Muse gold and gemstone pendant - 'Best in Below 10k Retail' 3rd Place winner at the Couture Design Awards 2023
Tara Maria Famiglietti, designer and creator of Ondyn Fine Jewellery
Ondyn Fine Jewellery gold and diamond earrings - 'Best in Diamonds Below $40K Retail' 1st Place winner at the Couture Design Awards 2023
Jewellery designer Eva Fehren
Eva Fehren gold and diamond earrings - 'Best in Diamonds Below $40K Retail' 2nd Place winner at the Couture Design Awards 2023
64Facets gold and diamond earrings - 'Best in Diamonds Below $40K Retail' 3rd Place winner at the Couture Design Awards 2023
Kamyen diamond and emerald earrings - 'Best in Coloured Gemstones Below $40K Retail' 1st Place winner at the Couture Design Awards 2023
Cicada gold, diamond and coloured gemstone cuff - 'Best in Coloured Gemstones Below $40K Retail' 2nd Place winner at the Couture Design Awards 2023
Sylva & Cie. gold and coloured gemstone ring - 'Best in Coloured Gemstones Below $40K Retail' 3rd Place winner at the Couture Design Awards 2023
Etho Maria diamond bracelet - 'Best in Diamonds Above $40K Retail' 1st Place winner at the Couture Design Awards 2023
Busatti 1947 diamond cuff - 'Best in Diamonds Above $40K Retail' 2nd Place winner at the Couture Design Awards 2023
Mattioli diamond ring - 'Best in Diamonds Above $40K Retail' 3rd Place winner at the Couture Design Awards 2023
Valerie Messika, creator and designer behind Messika Fine Jewellery
Messika diamond necklace - 'Best in Haute Couture' 2nd Place winner at the Couture Design Awards 2023
Jewellery designer Victor Velyan
Victor Velyan gold and tourmaline cuff - 'Best in Haute Couture' 3rd Place winner at the Couture Design Awards 2023
Aletto Brothers diamond and emerald necklace - 'Best in Coloured Gems Above $ 40,000' 1st Place winner at the Couture Design Awards 2023
Tangarart diamond and emerald earrings - 'Best in Coloured Gems Above $ 40,000' 2nd Place winner at the Couture Design Awards 2023
Couturemark diamond and coloured gemstone necklace - 'Best in Coloured Gems Above $ 40,000' 3rd Place winner at the Couture Design Awards 2023
Marie Lichtenberg gold necklace- 'Best in Innovative' 1st Place winner at the Couture Design Awards 2023
Jewellery designer Marie Lichtenberg
Rahul and Roshni Jhaveri, founders of Studio Renn
Studio Renn gold, white gold, diamond and coloured gemstone bracelet- 'Best in Innovative' 2rd Place winner at the Couture Design Awards 2023
Gismondi1754 diamond and sapphire necklace - 'The Editor's Choice' 2nd Place winner at the Couture Design Awards 2023
Vendorafa gold necklace - 'The People's Choice' 2nd Place winner at the Couture Design Awards 2023
David Oscarson decorative pocketknife - 'The People's Choice' 3rd Place winner at the Couture Design Awards 2023
WORDS
Sarah Jordan has specialised in content writing, editing and branded storytelling for a range of businesses, including De Beers Jewellery, Sotheby’s, the Natural Diamond Council and Gem-A. She is also the founder of her own specialist copywriting business, The William Agency.
Related Articles
The Psychology of Jewellery: Why We Adorn Ourselves
From the earliest civilisations to contemporary fashion catwalks, humans have consistently sought ways to embellish themselves. Transcending mere decoration, jewellery acts as a powerful expression of identity, status and emotion. Whether it's the intricate beadwork of ancient societies or the minimalist designs of modern artisans, our choices in adornment reveal layers of personal and cultural narratives.
Gem Renaissance: Insights from GemGenève Talk on Coloured Gemstones
One of the most exciting shifts in the world of fine jewellery today is the growing appreciation for coloured gemstones, especially those beyond the traditional “Big Three” of rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. So, when the organisers of GemGenève invited me to do a talk, I instantly knew what subject I was going to touch upon - the rise of colour.
Epic Evolution: Miseno Launches the Arco Collection to Celebrate a Fabulous Decade
Miseno is a brand that I have followed closely over the past decade, largely because of its intriguing transatlantic flair that blends Italian heritage and craftsmanship with the pizzazz of New York City. Now, I am pleased to present to you my highlights of the new Arco High Jewellery collection.
A Dazzling Decade: Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Yi Collection
Since celebrating the 10-year anniversary of KaterinaPerez.com in 2023, I will admit to having a newfound appreciation and respect for any fellow business owner who reaches this incredible milestone. It’s certainly not easy to maintain high levels of creativity and craftsmanship, especially with a consistent focus on quality and professionalism.
Wow Effect: Exploring the Inventive Artistry of Serafino Consoli
While doing my duties as a judge at the 2025 Inhorgenta Awards, I had the pleasure of being introduced to the team behind Serafino Consoli – an Italian brand with a unique claim to fame in the high jewellery world.
Essential Passion: The Artistic Pursuits of Mehragin Rahmati of Mergin Jewelry
Jewellery can be thoughtful and insular, or it can be effusive and bold and full of character that makes it stand out from the crowd. I would put the colourful and charismatic creations of Mehragin Rahmati into the latter camp because of their attention-grabbing silhouettes, unusual structures, and confident mineral palettes.
Maestro of Masterpieces: New High Jewels in the Picchiotti Classics Collection
Ahead of this year’s Couture show in Las Vegas, Picchiotti has revealed some of the latest additions to its high jewellery repertoire, including new suites in the Picchiotti Classics collection.
Reasons to Shop: The Moments that Demand a Fresh Jewellery Purchase
There's no rule that says you need a reason to buy a new piece of jewellery, but sometimes, a little encouragement makes the decision even more exciting. If you're looking for a playful excuse to book your next jewellery appointment, here are a few irresistible reasons to treat yourself.
Grecian Glamour: The Designers Preparing to Spotlight Greek Style at JCK Las Vegas
Recently, I was approached by the organisers of a special ‘Greek mission’ who are supporting 11 independent designers and brands as they seek to make their mark at JCK Las Vegas from June 6-9, 2025. Below, I would like to introduce you to each of the businesses participating in this incredible showcase of Greek design, ingenuity and craftsmanship.
Naked Attraction: The Best High Jewellery of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival
Here’s a rundown of some of the best Cannes jewellery looks from the 78th annual festival (May 13-24), including the likes of Dakota Johnson, Angelina Jolie, and Natalie Portman, who all make striking jewellery the star of their ensembles
In Conversation: Discussing Paraiba — The Legacy of a Color with Vogue Singapore
The conversation encouraged both myself and Kevin Ferreira, my co-author, to recall exactly why we wrote Paraiba: The Legacy of a Color, and I am pleased to share more with you below
Semi-Precious vs Precious Gemstones: Why the Old Labels No Longer Work
I can’t count the number of times I’ve asked myself: what really sets so-called precious and semi-precious stonesapart? Is it their rarity? Colour? Durability? Value? Or is it simply tradition—an outdated hierarchy we’ve inherited without question
Latest Stories
Club
Add articles and images to your favourites. Just
Legacy of Love:The Dreamlike Jewels of Emirati Designer Mariyeh Ghelichkhani
During our meeting in Dubai, we spoke about the importance of family, the sweetness of finding joy through creativity, and the ability to translate dreamy visions and deep feelings into wearable pieces…
Jewels Katerina Perez Loves
Continue Reading
Club
Club
Writing Adventures:Co-Authoring the Book
Paraiba: The Legacy of a Color
Brand Focus: Chopard
Jewellery Insights straight to your inbox
Style Guide
Club
Club
Club
Club
