Winner Announced in National Sparkling Snapshots Contest

Contest showcased connection between jewelry and life's precious moments

NEW YORK, Dec. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Jewelry Information Center (JIC), the consumer education arm of Jewelers of America (JA) – the national association for reputable jewelers, is thrilled to announce the Grand-Prize Winner in its nationwide Sparkling Snapshots Contest. The winning snapshot, "The Sparkle of My Life," was submitted by Kelly Roose of Madison, WI, and poignantly describes the connection that jewelry had to her most sparkling moment – the birth of her first child. 

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111220/DC25605 )

Roose captioned her winning photo with: "They aren't just rings; they represent the day we started the best thing life has to offer: our family." 

Life's most precious moments are often commemorated with a piece of fine jewelry. JIC created the Sparkling Snapshots Contest to celebrate those moments, says JIC Spokesperson Amanda Gizzi. The entries clearly illustrate how jewelry is more than just an accessory but rather a symbol of precious memories.

The Sparkling Snapshots Contest launched on September 12 at http://contest.jic.org and received hundreds of entries from across the country. During a public voting period, over 7,000 votes were cast to select the Top 25 Finalists. The Top 25 went on to a final judging round, where a panel of judges selected "The Sparkle of My Life" as the winner.

As the Grand-Prize Winner, Kelly Roose received a luxurious spa getaway for two to the Montage Deer Valley Resort and Spa in Park City, UT; a True Knots diamond necklace; a Louis Vuitton travel jewelry case, donated by Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company; and a feature in the "MC Notes" section of Marie Claire magazine. The Top 25 Finalists received a blackened sterling silver and black spinel necklace by Jane Basch Designs, a Shutterfly.com gift card and signed copy of Nina Garcia's Look Book: What to Wear for Every Occasion.

Sponsors of JIC's Sparkling Snapshots Contest are Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company and Marie Claire magazine.  Visit http://contest.JIC.org to see the winning snapshot.

Jewelry Information Center (JIC), the consumer education arm of Jewelers of America (JA), has provided jewelry education to the public since 1946. JIC's website, JIC.org, is the source for fine jewelry and watch information. Visit www.JIC.org and www.jewelers.org to find a reputable jeweler near you and for more information.

SOURCE Jewelry Information Center