Industry magazine Instore has recognized two pieces of Tariq Riaz jewelry in its 2021 Design Awards, and has named Tariq the Cindy Edelstein Memorial Emerging Designer of the Year. 

Tariq’s Door of Goodness Ring was recognized in the Diamond Jewelry over $5000 category. The ring is inspired by the door of Al Jahili, an iconic fort that guards the oasis of Al Ain, Abu Dhabi. It is part of Tariq’s UAE50 collection, celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the United Arab Emirates, and the humble foundations of this remarkable country. The ring is in 18K yellow gold, and contains 208 diamonds studded with 13 green tsavorites. Inside, a secret for the wearer: enamelling in blue and white.

His DNA Earring was awarded in the Pearl Jewelry over $5000 category. Exploring the double helix shape of DNA, each element moves freely with the wearer’s movement — an earring that changes with every glance.

“I am very proud of the awards attention we have been getting this year,” Tariq says. “To be named the Cindy Edelstein Memorial Emerging Designer of the year is a special honor,” he said. “She was an icon of the business and I know that she was always a champion of emerging designers. She put a lot of energy into finding and supporting new designers doing innovative things. I am delighted to be recognized for this aspect of our work.”

The award honors Cindy Edelstein, former JCK editor and head of the Jeweler’s Resource Bureau, who died in 2016.