The North Carolina Jewelers Association (NCJA) announced the winner of its annual Design Competition during the NCJA annual meeting at the Myrtle Beach Marriott Grande Dunes Resort. Chris Snowden of Snowden’s Jewelers in Wilmington won the Best of Show Award. The competition recognizes the outstanding work of North Carolina jewelry designers.
“The Design Contest categories are tiered, based on cost of materials used in the creation of the piece,” stated NCJA President Tracey Love. “Design work creates unique opportunities for jewelers to differentiate themselves. Customers need to look no further than their local jeweler to find self-expression in jewelry form. Our Design Contest is the venue by which these designers can be recognized for their craftsmanship and design abilities.”
Chris created a fantasy cut lemon citrine pendant in a 14 karat yellow gold handmade mounting with three round bezel set diamonds. The citrine had been cut by Chris Wolfsberg, winner of a 2012 American Gem Trade Association Innovative Faceting Award. Snowden’s design advances to two national competitions – New York’s Jewelers of America Retailer Design Competition and Atlanta’s SJTA Torch Award Design Competition.
Chris is a second generation jeweler and takes pride in being an independent family owned store. He purchased the business from his father in 2006, having worked in the store along side him since 1990. The store had the area’s first laser welder and 3D custom design program.
Snowden’s Jewelers has been a fixture in Wilmington for over two decades. They are located in University Centre Shopping Center at 352-20 South College Road. For more information about the store, visit www.snowdensjewelers.com.
The North Carolina Jewelers Association is a nonprofit trade organization whose mission is to promote and protect the welfare of retail jewelers in NC. Its collective efforts enable the membership to realize benefits that could never be achieved as individuals. NCJA advocates high ethical standards and promotes professional business practices and leadership skills to enhance members’ profitability.
To learn more about the NCJA, please visit www.ncjewelers.org.
