JIC Announces Ultimate Proposal Winners

(IDEX Online News) – Just when you think that marriage proposals cannot get any more creative, along comes a story that deserves a standing ovation.

That was the case for the winners of the fourth Jewelry Information Center (JIC) Ultimate Proposal Contest. This year’s contest victor was “An Unforgettable Performance," submitted by Kevin Dietzler, whose theatrical proposal included a performance from a group of students, family and friends that made theater choreographer Abby Shunskis the star.

As the competition winners, Kevin and Abby won a shopping spree that included, among other items, a $1,000 gift card to Jewelers of America-member Barry Jay Jewelers in Springfield, Pennsylvania.

To participate in the increasingly popular contest, JIC, the consumer education arm of Jewelers of America, asked couples to submit their proposal stories at the JIC website. More than 550 entries were submitted and more than 22,000 votes were cast to determine the winners.

JIC says its consumer contests are designed to emphasize the engagement ring as an important part of the proposal, generate excitement for fine jewelry and raise awareness about Jewelers of America-member retail stores during a traditionally slow selling season, from February through May.

"Jewelry Information Center's Ultimate Proposal Contest emphasizes the special sentiment behind the engagement ring. 'An Unforgettable Performance' illustrates the ingredients of a special proposal – uniqueness, surprise and, of course, a sparkling engagement ring!" says Amanda Gizzi, spokesperson for Jewelry Information Center and Jewelers of America Director of Communications.

Sponsors of the contest include David's Bridal and Perfect Circle Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company.