Thank you for your participation in Colored Stone's first-ever Favorite Designer Contest — it was a huge success! We began the search for our readers' favorite designer back in March when we opened the floor for nominations on our Web site. We received more than 100 nominations, and the nominated designers were then narrowed to 20 finalists. Over the past two weeks you have all voted on these 20 exceptional jewelry designers — more than 1,000 votes have been tallied. Here are the results:

Second Runner-up: Lynn Harrisberger
First Runner-up: Charles P. Bahringer

And the first-place winner is . . .

	Michael Alexander

Michael Alexander is a self-taught jewelry artist based in New York City. His handcrafted original designs in 18K gold and platinum with fine and unusual gemstones are sold at fine juried art and craft shows. More of his work can be seen on his Web site at www.michaelalexander.com.

As the winner of Colored Stone's Favorite Designer contest, Alexander will be a featured designer in the July/August issue of Colored Stone magazine. This article will also appear online — look for it here in early July.

Alexander received nearly 13 percent of the votes cast in our readers' choice designer contest. Here is what some of our voters had to say about him:

 

"Michael's work is absolutely amazing; each piece I see takes my breath away. I personally can't own enough of it."

 

"Michael's work fits every lifestyle and every age group. It is so hard to have a favorite piece of his jewelry."

 

". . . When I purchase one of Michael's pieces, I know I can trust the quality and value of the piece, as well as enjoying the uniqueness and beauty of the design and stones."

 

"From one artist to another, [I'm] very impressed. . . . Very fine work."

 

"Michael is fabulous! His designs are gorgeous and he takes personal time to ensure satisfaction."

 

"Michael's work stands out for it's elegance and simplicity. Clean lines and stones of rare beauty are the hallmarks of his pieces."

 

". . . His work is unique and simply elegant. I am used to getting compliments whenever I wear his wonderful creations."

Congratulations to Michael Alexander and to all our finalists!

Click here to view all of the 20 finalists.