By Russell Shor

Eddie LeVian knows how hard jewelry designers must work to build a name in the industry. As CEO of a couture jewelry manufacturer based in Great Neck, New York, he's been approached for work many times by aspiring designers who know his company's jewels have adorned celebrities, such as Paula Abdul, Nicollette Sheridan and Felicity Huffman, at high-profile Hollywood events.

So last year he decided to offer an opportunity in the form of a design competition for talented young designers to fast-track their route into the industry. The competition, LeVian for Children, benefits the Jewelers for Children (JFC) fund, which raises money from the industry for various childrens' charities such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Entrants from all over the world responded. Ten winning designs – two in each of five categories – were shown at a lavish JFC fundraiser fashion show at the Venetian Hotel during the JCK Show in Las Vegas last year.

Two GIA students, Susan Oliver Heard and Eun Young Lee were first runners-up in their respective categories. Heard's piece was a patriotic motif domed ring set with diamonds, rubies and sapphires. Lee's was a diamond and white gold engagement ring, titled "Symbol of Love." Both women are now creating original pieces for luxury retailers.

Heard, originally from San Antonio, Texas, earned her Applied Jewelry Arts (A.J.A.) diploma from GIA last December and is with the Elinoff Gallery in Telluride, Colorado, which specializes in designer and custom jewelry. She met her employer, Neal Elinoff, at the award ceremony at the LeVian Fashion Show.

"He liked my design and asked me to work for him," she says.

Heard, who's earning her Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) diploma through Distance Education, says she designs some pieces for the store and sells top-name designer jewelry.

"I hope to eventually create an original line for the store," she says. "I went to GIA because I wanted to learn how to manufacture a good product. Now I'm getting the chance to do just that."

Eun Young Lee, G.G., returned to Korea after spending 14 months in Carlsbad and is creating jewelry designs for Shira Jewellery, a couture jeweler.

"My dream is to become a world-class jewelry designer and manufacturer," she says. "I became interested in jewelry design years ago and took some courses in Korea. One of my teachers, So Yeoun Yoo, was a GIA graduate who encouraged me to come to Carlsbad to study. Everyone there was so helpful and inspiring, particularly my instructor Chris Keenan."

LeVian looks forward to congratulating another crop of GIA winners this year at the second annual LeVian for Children fashion show June 4 in Las Vegas.

"Response to the first competition and fashion show was incredible, so we've decided to make it an annual event," LeVian says.