The Golay Buchel Prize, awarded to students in the last year of training at the nine applied and decorative arts institutes in Switzerland, has helped launch young careers for the past seven years. The theme of this year’s contest, masculine jewelry, gave the young designers a free rein, as long as they incorporated a blue stone into the piece. The winners were announced in April at the European Watch, Clock and Jewelry Fair in Basel.

Pearl prizes announced in Tokyo

            The judges of the 19^th International Pearl Design Contest had 924 entries to choose from, representing 30 countries. The contest, to promote originality in design of pearl jewelry, is sponsored by the Japan Pearl Promotion Society, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry and the Japan External Trade Organization, in cooperation with the Platinum Guild International and the World Gold Council. The winners were announced in April.

Diamonds highlight Bangkok contest

            The 2^nd Bangkok International Jewelry Fair Award incorporated two new categories this year: one for designs with at least 50 percent diamond content and another for jewelry of 60 percent diamond content. The contest is organized by Headway Trade Fairs and sponsored by the Thai Diamond Manufacturers Association, the Jewelry Designer Association of Thailand and the International Diamond Publication Co. The winners were announced at the March fair.