International Board of Recommendation
logo Gordon Aatlo, USA

Designing without rules, Gordon Aatlo is a trailblazer in the world of jewelry design. Pursuing the art of fine jewelry emphasizing spectacular colored gems, Gordon often showcases the work of some of the world's finest gem artists. A two time winner of the American Gemstone Trade Association Spectrum Award Platinum Honors, his work is featured in both American and European publications and is a favorite of many fashion editors for his brilliantly constructed and innovative designs.

logo Pauline Barendse, the Netherlands
Pauline on the other hand is a true “storyteller”, the stories surrounding her creations make the unpretentious jewellery fascinating. Pauline loves the search for new techniques and materials to subsequently combine it with the old ones in a holistic way. Pauline’s work has been exhibited close 60 times at different art shows, in several museum collections and gallery exhibitions. Her work has been purchased by a variety of groups: from the Rotary to museums. She’s executes the goldsmith work for top art jewelry designer Gijs Bakker as well.
logo Peter Grumitt (Apsara), UK
Peter developed an interest in gems whilst travelling in Asia during the 1980’s. In 1986 he studied for a diploma in Gemology at the Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences, where his interest soon became a passion. He has travelled to many parts of Asia and Australia in pursuit of procuring fine gems for his clients in the UK. read more
Peter specialises in untreated rubies and sapphires, with the emphasis being on quality of colour, cutting and clarity. Peter has also written several articles in the UK gem & jewellery trade press on the subject of rubies, sapphires and gem mining in Asia.
logo Alishan Halebian, USA
Alishan Halebian is one of the most original artists creating and pursuing his own vision in jewelry. Being a self-taught goldsmith, his treatment of precious metals is masterly. Using sophisticated techniques, he creates seemingly weightless pieces, capturing metal's beauty in a luxe look with textures set to thrill and inspire. read more
Alishan's Armenian heritage brings the philosophies of two world cultures, East and West together, which burst into creative expression of style in his distinctive collections. His discerning clientele are attracted to his designs for their notably individual characteristics and emotions, confronting line and form. His contemporary designs, merged with classical art elements bring exquisite style to his jewelry collection, which sell at the finest retail jewelry stores in America and Canada.
logo Cornelis Hollander, USA
Cornelis Hollander is known to be a master of innovation and style, using precious metals and high quality gemstones to create finely crafted pieces of jewelry. Born and raised in the Netherlands, Cornelis studied art and jewelry design at the Vrije Academie in Den Haag, Holland. read more
His designs combine old world precision and charm with today’s continually changing fashion, inspiring Hollander to create new and unique trends for his stunning collection. Hollander is the recipient of many prestigious awards.

He has captured the imagination of the national and international jewelry community with his superior craftsmanship and trend-setting styles.
logo Jan Matthesius, the Netherlands
Jan’s passion lies in creating objects and jewellery which first priority is not to be comfortable and/or functional but to derive enjoyment from them. Not surprisingly his jewellery exudes humour and beauty. Jan loves the search for new techniques and materials to subsequently combine it with the old ones in a holistic way. read more
Jan’s work has been exhibited in dozens of exhibitions and fairs and about a dozen publications in Europe showcased his avant-garde work. Years ahead of other designers -- early in the 1980’s Jan collaborated -- with Bernd Munsteiner who is considered one of the fathers of modern gem cutting and carving. Jan won about a dozen international awards and his work is present in collections around the globe.
logo Bob Mitchell, USA
Involved in data base management and website design for the jewelry industry since 1980. From 1982-1998, Business Manager of the Society of North American Goldsmiths and Advertising Director of Metalsmith magazine. In 1999, appointed Executive Director of The American Jewelry Design Council (AJDC). Throughout his career Bob has combined his own creative talent with his ability to lead others into new technology directions. read more
As Associate Professor of Jewelry at Arkansas State University (1967-1980), he started their metals program and organized numerous national craft exhibitions. He then formed his own computer consulting and publishing firm, now known as Bob Mitchell Productions. He created and published several CDROMs of enduring importance to the jewelry industry, including PGA's Platinum Source Book 3 and 4, Metal Art Source Books 1 and 2, and Chain Gang.
Education: MFA, Southern Illinois University; BFA, Illinois Wesleyan University.
logo Alberto Scarani, Italy
Alberto Scarani runs one of the most ancient goldsmith workshops in Rome, as officially acknowledged as such by the Mayor’s office in 1998. He carries on a tradition of 5 generations of goldsmiths which started in late 19th century with particular focus on antique goldsmithing techniques. In the last 2 decades Alberto became a graduate gemologist as well and performs appraisal services for the local county. He is also an editor of “Preziosa Magazine”: Italy’s leading and most widely distributed jewelry journals. read more
Over the years Alberto collaborated with several banks as advisor in operations concerning private banking services, including management, evaluation and consulting activities regarding the value of goods, with a particular focus on antique jewelry. He toured through Italy giving lectures, trainings and appraisals while consulting for several leading Italian banks.
logo Llyn Strelau(jewels by design), Canada
Llyn L. Strelau has worked as a custom jewellery designer for over 35 years, from his beginning in a home workshop to the last 25 years as owner of Jewels by Design in Calgary , Alberta , Canada . More than 30 of his designs have been recognized in national and international competitions including the American Gem Trade Association’s Spectrum Awards, the Platinum Guild’s Platinum Honours and Canadian Jeweller Magazine’sExcellence in Design Awards. read more
Llyn has a passion for fine coloured gemstones, diamonds and pearls with a reverence for nature, a fascination for metalwork and mechanics and a sharp sense of humour. His best work contains a narrative element with a respect for his materials and, ultimately, the desire to create jewellery to adorn and give joy to the wearer.
portrait Lydia Tutunjian, USA
Lydia's business acumen has been instrumental in the success of her and her husband's company, Alishan. As with many jewelry design couples, one partner is the creative genius and the other has the business savvy. Alishan is an amazing jeweler and Lydia is an outstanding businesswoman. Interestingly, she's also an amazing artist in her own right, working in large mosaics for architecture projects.