First Prize of International Opal Jewelry Design Award 2019
Paloma Sanchez, The Art of Jewelry is pleased to announce another winning award at the International Opal Jewelry Design Award 2019 recently. The contest, held in the Lightning Ridge Australia- source of the best black opals in the world, was launched in 2001 to promote and showcase freeform and undulating opals as well as cutting methods that conserve opal. It is one of the most prestigious opal design competitions in the world. This award is another important International recognition, after the International Watch and Jewelry Fair in Basel, Switzerland in 2013, where Paloma Sanchez was awarded one of the 30 best jewelry designers in the World.
Medusa’s Sting, by Paloma Sanchez, The Art of Jewelry, took first place as Prestige Professional Jewelry in the competition. The magnificent 39.18cts black opal is from Cody Opal and the National Opal Collection - one of Australia’s leading opal company featuring precious opals. And the great global collaboration makes the strength for a winning team: the opal was carved by internationally awarded Australian master opal carver Daniela L’Abbate (Australia, Oceania), hand manufactured by Chinese experienced goldsmith Mr. Huang (China, Asia) and designed by Spanish G.I.A gemologist and jewelry designer Paloma Sanchez(Spain, Europe). Three countries, there continents and three different cultures joined together to create such a MASTER piece.
This is the Paloma Sanchez’s brand’s philosophy: unity is strength.
▲Mrs. Vicki Bokros presenting the Award to Mrs. Paloma Sanchez. Mrs. Bokros donated the 22,27cts opal (valued $8,000) which was the prize given to Mrs. Paloma Sanchez.
This exquisite black opal necklace/brooch is 39.18ct, inlaid with 18kts gold, green tsavorite garnets, sapphires and diamonds. The green tsavorites, sapphires and diamond undulating “legs”, give an extraordinary lively movement and sense of reality to the “jelly fish”, being this proof of a Master Design.
“It’s such a great honor to win this Prestige Professional Jewelry prize”, said veteran designer Paloma Sanchez during the event, “When we create a piece of jewelry, we make sure that every step on the process is unique. From the selection of the best Gem, to the uniqueness of the design, followed by the hand polish and carving to finish with the handcraft by master goldsmiths. I am so proud to have such a great team that made this happen. Thanks to you all”.
Opal is one of the most beautiful gemstones the world has seen. Its exuberance and vibrancy touches everyone that has the privilege to experience the true beauty of this wonderful gemstone. Opals Australia is the name associated with quality opal jewelry for over 80 years. Run by International Opal Jewelry Design Awards Association in Australia every two years, it is a four-day event that brings together Opal lovers from all over the world.
Paloma Sanchez, The Art of Jewelry has been gaining more and more presence in the world and creating TRUE unique luxury experience that just cannot be replicated.