Thank you for your participation in Colored Stone's second annual Reader's Choice Award competition. It all began in January when we opened the floor for nominations for favorite designer on our Web site. The nomination process concluded with the creation of a panel of exceptionally talented individuals each possessing a unique knack for working with colored gemstones. Over the past three weeks you have voted on these distinctive jewelry designers — and we had a record-breaking 1,700 votes. Here are the results:

Second Runner-up (tied): Thomas Dailing and Carol Weidman
First Runner-up: Janis Kerman

And the first-place winner is . . .

	Valerie Naifeh

Valerie Naifeh is obsessed with beautiful gemstones but not as much as her clients are. This Tulsa, Oklahoma, native perfected her jewelry “chops” from the start of her company in 1993 to her current day national and international acclaim. She’s the only Oklahoma jewelry artist to be awarded the DeBeers Diamonds Today award — not once, but twice — and to place in the Japanese International Pearl Competition. Known for her discerning eye and skilled hand, this effervescent designing diva selects gemstones for her custom jewelry pieces and carefully orchestrates their meticulous completion for her clients and friends. And, when you’re a client, you’ll soon become a friend. And vice versa! To see more from Valerie, visit her Web site at www.naifehfinejewelry.com.

As the winner of Colored Stone's Reader's Choice Award 2006, Valerie will be featured in the July/August issue of Colored Stone magazine — the designer issue. This article will also appear online; look for it here in early July.

Valerie received nearly 18 percent of the votes cast in the competition. Here is what some of our voters had to say about her:

"Valerie is so very talented, and her designs are unique and fresh and always beautiful."

"Her beautiful designs have a timeless elegance that I'm sure will be cherished and passed down from generation to generation."

"Her eye for quality and distinction to be different from all the rest is what impresses me."

"Valerie really creates works of art that enhance the beauty of the wearer."

"Stunning colors, combinations, and quality workmanship."

 

Congratulations to Valerie Naifeh and to all our finalists!

Click here to view all of the 20 finalists.