The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation have announced the winner of the ninth annual Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design.
The award was presented to Catherine (Cathy) Aulick, a graduate of GIA's Jewelry Design program in Carlsbad, California. She was awarded for her handmade necklace design with gold, Ethiopian opal and peridot.
This award recognizes the outstanding talent of GIA jewelry design students around the world. It was jointly established by GIA and the Foundation in 2018.
The GIA presented the award to Aulick during its annual Night at the Museum event. A GIA Alumni Association event held at the Alfie Norville Museum of Precious Stones and Minerals at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona. It was held on February 6, the last day of the AGTA 2026 GemFair.
«I want to thank the Buccellati Foundation and the GIA for the honour of this award. The handmade design has given me a new and beautiful way to communicate my designs,» said Aulick.
He will travel to Italy to meet a representative of Gianmaria Buccellati.
Aulick was selected from 12 finalists at the GIA's Schools of Facial and Cosmetology in Carlsbad. Also London, Mumbai, New York and Taiwan.
It was selected by a jury that included Alishan Halebian, award-winning designer, goldsmith and also owner of Alishan Jewelry Studio. Also Andrew Connors, director of the Alburquerque Museum, Charles Lewton-Brain, master goldsmith, educator and author. Also Nanz Aalund, award-winning jewelry designer, educator and author, and Remy Rotenier, renowned artist and jewelry designer.
Aulick is the final winner of the Gianmaria Buccellati Award for Excellence in Design. As the GIA decided to abolish the competition.
«It has been a pleasure to work with the Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation and to award this prize every year. As it recognizes the wonderful design talent of GIA students around the world.» As Cathryn Ramirez, Director of Education at GIA, said.
«The GIA is currently planning a new design competition and details will be announced in the near future.».
GIA's Jewelry Design courses teach drawing, shading, design theory and illustration using a variety of media. At the end of each course, students have a handwritten portfolio of their work and a digital copy.
GIA also offers programs in jewelry design and technology, integrated CAD/CAM for jewelry and the Graduate Jeweler program.
Source: nationaljeweler.com
