The Golden Apple Award for innovation 2002. Presented to Mueen Saheed by Mr. Drew Lawsky JA New York Show Director.

Mueen saheed with Nancy Trent. President Trent and Company New York with The Golden Apple Award for Innovation 2002.

This is the first effort of Mr. Mueen Saheed, a designer from Sri Lanka, in a high-profile jewellery competition. He was delighted with the outstanding results of the winner in men's category and the 1st runner up in the Ladies category.

There were over 120 designers from all over the world in this design gallery, and it is the first time for a Sri Lankan to win.

Mr. Mueen Saheed says that he has spent several years in learning the art of creating fine jewellery with themes. His designs are unique as the designs bring out the best of his effort in giving an everlasting happiness to the wearer.

"My winning design, namely Vatti (Sieve) consists of eight collections including rings, pendants, earrings and brooches. Each collection has its own name and story, and features different kinds of precious stones such as diamonds, sapphires, pink sapphires, yellow sapphires, star sapphires, ruby, star ruby and emerald as well as cat's eye. All the iewellery are handcrafted and I have spent seven years in developing them." Mr. Saheed notes.

Asking about the inspiration for the design. Mr. Saheed says "I was inspired by one of the tools in our trade, the gemming sieve which is used for gathering precious, gem bearing gravel in our country."

Mr. Mueen Saheed of Regent Fine Jewels, Negombo was the top winner in the Men's Jewellery category of the 1996 JA Jewel Award during the July JA International Jewellery show at New York City.

He was also the first runner-up in the Women's Jewellery category. Mueen is the first Asian ever to win this award. This year too over 120 top jewellery designers from all over the world took part in this competition.

In the men's category Mueen's design was an 18K yellow gold men's ring set with Sri Lankan blue sapphire. In the women's category it was 18K yellow and white brooch set with precious stones.

Mueen had been a fine jewellery designer for the past 10 years. He entered the international market last year with the assistance of the export development Board and TIPS, USA.

He gained designer status this year after a number of jewellery trade magazine featured his unique design. He has exhibited at jewellery fairs in Hong Kong, Japan, Germany and USA.