Press Room Item:
11/22/2004
Master Goldsmith From Federico’s Design Jewelers Receives National Jewelry Design Award
Traverse City, MI – Federico’s Design Jewelers is proud to announce that their Master Goldsmith and Jewelry Designer, Paul Derrickson, has been awarded an Honorable Mention from the 2005 American Gem Trade Association’s National Spectrum Award Competition. The platinum & 18kt rose gold ring, featuring a fancy cut green tourmaline center with pink sapphire side gems, was entered in the Casual Wear category and judged on both technical & promotional merits. Mr. Derrickson was competing with over 420 international contenders, many sponsored by such giants in the industry as Neiman Marcus and Alan Friedman Designs.
Winning pieces were selected on the basis of beauty & wearability, quality of gemstones & materials used and on craftsmanship. The jewelry was also judged for its design innovation and broad-based consumer appeal. Winners will be photographed and featured in several national trade publications, as well as being exhibited before thousands at the AGTA GemFairs in Tucson, AZ & Las Vegas, NV.
A native of Orange County, California, Derrickson began his career in 1975 as a courier for a California jeweler. He then went on to an apprenticeship, where for more than six years he developed and perfected his knowledge, expertise and love for designing unique, fine jewelry.
“Designing jewelry is my passion,” states Derrickson. “Having spent many years developing and cultivating meticulous skills, it’s gratifying for me to know that people experience such great pleasure with my pieces. I consider it an honor to work for Federico’s in Traverse City.”
Commenting on the accomplishment of Derrickson, Federico’s owner George Wildman says, “We can’t say enough about Paul’s extraordinary creations. The amount of time, expertise and creativity necessary to win a Spectrum Award is considerable and we’re thrilled to have him as a part of our talented staff. This is an exciting time for Federico’s.”
Paul Derrickson’s award-winning ring was sponsored by Federicos Design Jewelers, and it will be featured, along with other original Paul Derrickson designs, in their front display windows.
Federico’s Design Jewelers is located in Downtown Traverse City in the historic building on the northeast corner of Front and Cass Streets. For more information on the AGTA Spectrum Awards, please visit www.agta.org/consumer/spectrum/2005winners.htm.
For more information please call: Karen Johnson-General Manager
Federico’s Design Jewelers
Traverse City, MI 49684
231-946-4252