By Tara J. McKenna

A collaboration between GIA and the American Jewelry Design Council (AJDC) has culminated in a special collection of contemporary designer jewelry on display at GIA’s world headquarters and Robert Mouawad Campus in Carlsbad, California.

GIA’s AJDC Collection was unveiled at the Board of Governors Dinner Nov. 14 and features 29 signature pieces gifted to the Institute by AJDC members.

“I’m very grateful to see how many of our members created pieces for the collection,” said Jose Hess, honorary chairperson of the AJDC Collection Campaign. “It’s a great advantage to be able to talk about design and demonstrate what it is in GIA’s home.”

The newest addition to the GIA Collection also marks a historic moment for the Institute – it is the Museum’s first formal jewelry collection.

“This collection is highly important because its primary goal is to keep students, industry members and the public excited about innovations and individuality in jewelry design,” said GIA President William E. Boyajian. “We’re certain it is just the beginning of a world-class collection that will be appreciated by many.”

The AJDC, like GIA, is a nonprofit educational organization. It is composed of highly respected American jewelry designers and focuses on raising awareness of the artistry of fine jewelry.

“The AJDC Collection at GIA was really the ultimate opportunity for us in our pursuit to educate and inspire others about jewelry design as an art form,” said Susan Helmich, member and former president of the AJDC. “It’s like a dream come true.”

To view the AJDC pieces gifted to GIA’s
Collection click here. To make a contribution,
contact Patricia Syvrud, director of In-Kind Gifts,
at  (760) 603-4432 or patricia.syvrud@gia.edu.

Members of the AJDC who gifted a signature
design to GIA were honored at the Institute’s
annual Board of Governors Dinner Nov. 14. 
A list of each AJDC donor and the title of
their piece follows.



Back row, from left:
Jean-François Albert
     Signature Fit Amethyst Ring
Michael Bondanza
     Crescent Moon Bracelet
Whitney Boin and KR Gems & Diamonds International
     Post Engagement Ring and EighternityTM Diamond
Christoph Krähenmann
     Kaleidoscope Brooch
Susan Sadler
     Helidor and Tahitian Cultured Pearl Brooch
Christo Kiffer
     Niemayer Ring
Paul Klecka
     Dragonfly Brooch
Pascal Lacroix
     Infinity Bracelet
Alan Revere
     Double Helix Earrings

Front row, from left:
George Sawyer
     Mokume Necklace
Heart & Co./Orbis by Ron Hartgrove  
      Hexagonal Ring
Steven Kretchmer and EightStar
      Round-top Omega Ring and Eightstar® Diamond
Susan Helmich Designs, Inc.
      Flagship I Brooch
Mark Schneider
      Contempo I Ring
Alishan
     Desert Moon Pendant
Eddie Sakamoto
     R069 Ring

Not pictured:
Jane Bohan
      Cultured Pearl and Fancy Sapphire Bracelet
Chris Correia
     Kazam Ring
Michael Good
     Garland Cuff
Jose Hess
     Pyramid Ring
Cornelis Hollander
     Folding Ring
Scott Keating
     Fall Snowflake, Now Golden Pendant
Richard Kimball
     36,000 ft. Above Flaming Gorge Brooch
Robert Lee Morris
      Pegged Nuggets Bracelet
Mark Patterson
      Intensity Brooch
William Richey
      Fold-Over Ring
William Schraft
      Retro Ring
Diana Vincent
      Onyx and Mabe Pearl Earclips
Barbara Westwood
      Look Both Ways Brooch