Lika Behar’s reversible gold hoops win INSTORE grand prize

Lika Behar Collection’s Diana reversible hoop earrings took the grand prize on a clear promise buyers understand immediately: one pair, two moods. In oxidized silver and 24K gold, with diamonds totaling 0.50 TCW, the 30 mm hoops were priced at $3,410, and the judges singled out the design for moving easily from day to night.

Sarah York called the earrings “a classic design with a modern twist” and “a great pair of day-to-night earrings.” Daniela Balzano added that the hoops are “such a smart study in contrast and versatility.” That combination, a compact silhouette, mixed metals and a reversible construction, is exactly what makes a higher-ticket gold purchase easier to justify: the piece feels styled, not simple, and flexible enough to earn repeat wear.

INSTORE announced the 2026 Design Awards grand prize on May 28, 2026, during the competition’s 11th edition. This year drew 229 total entries, matching last year’s total, which made the win less about novelty alone than about execution. Diana’s appeal lies in the way the materials work together. Oxidized silver gives the hoop depth and shadow; 24K gold brings warmth and richness; diamonds add just enough brightness without breaking the clean geometry of the circle.

Lika Behar’s own product pages reinforce how central reversibility is to the line. The designer describes Diana hoops in 24K gold fusion and oxidized silver, with 14k gold posts, and offers both 25 mm and 30 mm versions. The 30 mm size that won the grand prize also appears with diamond sprinkles, underscoring a design language built around wearability, not one-off spectacle.

That matters in gold jewelry now. Retailers need pieces that can carry a premium because they do more than sit in a tray. Diana does that by giving customers two finishes in one frame, a recognizable hoop shape, and enough surface interest to feel special without becoming fussy. The result is a gold jewel that can move from office to dinner, from stack to solo wear, and from first purchase to repeat use, which is exactly the kind of versatility that turns attention into sales.

Lika Behar, whose inspiration comes from Istanbul, has built a consistent awards profile around this approach. Diana is not just a winning hoop; it is a reminder that gold jewelry earns its place when design, construction and everyday utility meet in the same object.