MajorsApr 27, 2023
BIJC Seeks Love Stories in Second Annual “Together by Design” Contest Events & AwardsApr 28, 2023
Radical Jewelry Makeover’s New Design Competition Highlights Recycled Materials
Selected designers will create jewelry using recycled and donated goods to be exhibited and judged in November.
The application window for The Rejewelry Competition is open on RJM’s website until June 1.
New York—Nonprofit Ethical Metalsmiths' outreach program Radical Jewelry Makeover (RJM) has launched its first design contest, The Rejewelry Competition.
The competition is centered around RJM’s mission of encouraging jewelers to examine mining issues while making innovative jewelry from recycled sources.
Selected applicants will create a suite of jewelry from RJM’s collection of donated and recycled materials. The final creations will be exhibited in New York in November, where a winner will be announced.
The prize includes a solo exhibition at Alma’s, a “Contemporary Craft” gallery and shop in Richmond, Virginia, slotted for January 2025.
Interested designers can submit an application comprised of a resume, artist statement, five images of current works and a $15 application fee by June 1. No membership is required.
“This competition is a creative challenge for those looking to engage in the tangible redistribution of already-mined persistent raw materials full of creative potential,” RJM said.
RJM is an innovative community project aimed at creating supply chain transparency by raising awareness of the connection between mining, metalsmithing, activism, collaboration, and art.
It takes donations of broken, unwanted, or out-of-date jewelry and redistributes it into the hands of artists through jewelry-making events hosted by RJM members.
RJM membership, which includes the “RJM Toolkit” guide, is available to educational institutions, art centers, collectives, businesses, and guilds.
RJM describes its membership initiative as “both performance and event, linking recycling, reuse and collaborative work sessions with the creation of unique, innovative, handmade jewelry, concluding with an exhibition and reception.”
Designed and developed by Christina Miller and Susie Ganch, RJM is now directed by Ganch and fellow Richmond-based artist and exhibitor Kathleen Kennedy.
Related stories will be right here …
The competition is centered around RJM’s mission of encouraging jewelers to examine mining issues while making innovative jewelry from recycled sources.
Selected applicants will create a suite of jewelry from RJM’s collection of donated and recycled materials. The final creations will be exhibited in New York in November, where a winner will be announced.
The prize includes a solo exhibition at Alma’s, a “Contemporary Craft” gallery and shop in Richmond, Virginia, slotted for January 2025.
Interested designers can submit an application comprised of a resume, artist statement, five images of current works and a $15 application fee by June 1. No membership is required.
“This competition is a creative challenge for those looking to engage in the tangible redistribution of already-mined persistent raw materials full of creative potential,” RJM said.
RJM is an innovative community project aimed at creating supply chain transparency by raising awareness of the connection between mining, metalsmithing, activism, collaboration, and art.
It takes donations of broken, unwanted, or out-of-date jewelry and redistributes it into the hands of artists through jewelry-making events hosted by RJM members.
RJM membership, which includes the “RJM Toolkit” guide, is available to educational institutions, art centers, collectives, businesses, and guilds.
RJM describes its membership initiative as “both performance and event, linking recycling, reuse and collaborative work sessions with the creation of unique, innovative, handmade jewelry, concluding with an exhibition and reception.”
Designed and developed by Christina Miller and Susie Ganch, RJM is now directed by Ganch and fellow Richmond-based artist and exhibitor Kathleen Kennedy.
Applications for The Rejewelery Competition will be juried by RJM Artist Project member Sarah Parker and Alma’s owner Sarah Mizer – both Richmond-based artists.
Selected participants will be notified by June 15 and granted access to purchase RJM donation materials of gold, silver, costume jewelry and gemstones at a discounted rate until Sept. 1.
Designers will have until Oct. 15 to use the materials to create their final suite of jewelry.
In addition to the solo exhibition, the winner of The Rejewelry Competition will also be invited to join the RJM Artist Project as an ongoing participant.
The Artist Project was developed in 2014 when a small group of past participants of RJM collaborated to create a series of works from donated jewelry left over from previous donation drives. The exhibit travels across the country to host exhibitions and in 2019, a new group of artists were invited to join.
For more information or to apply for The Rejewelry Competition, visit RJM’s website.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CollectionsAug 14, 2025
In Midst of ‘Sardine Girl Summer,’ Pippa Small Looks to ‘Flounder Fall’Her new “Ocean” collection was inspired by Myanmar’s traditional articulated fish jewelry, with depictions of flounder, catfish, and more.
MajorsAug 14, 2025
Casio America Names New CEOLongtime Casio executive Yusuke Suzuki is the new president and CEO of Casio’s U.S. subsidiary.
SourcingAug 14, 2025
West Coast Orgs to Host Trading Event, Mixer in LAThe full-day sourcing and networking event, slated for Aug. 18, will be followed by the fifth annual Mega Mixer Summer Soirée.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
TrendsAug 13, 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo Proposes With Gigantic Oval-Cut DiamondModel Georgina Rodríguez received a rock of an engagement ring, with her diamond estimated to be 35 carats, experts say.
Weekly QuizAug 08, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingAug 13, 2025
ICA Names 2025 Board of DirectorsThe board elected 9 new directors at its recent ICA Congress in Brazil.
TrendsAug 13, 2025
Colorado Jeweler, Whiskey Maker Collab on Ring GiveawayThree winners will receive a custom ring from Honest Hands Ring Co. inlaid with a piece of history from Denver-based distillery Stranahan’s.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
SurveysAug 13, 2025
These Are The 25 Hottest Retailers, Says NRFJD Sports and Wawa were among the fastest-growing retail companies in the U.S. last year.
SourcingAug 13, 2025
Columbia Gem House Launches Winza Sapphires, RubiesThe new inventory, all untreated, features vibrant hues and unique bicolor combinations.
SourcingAug 12, 2025
Gemfields Sells Fabergé for $50MAcquired by a tech investor, the historic brand will continue to focus on jewelry, accessories, and timepieces.
Policies & IssuesAug 12, 2025
Higher Tariff on Chinese Imports Paused for 90 Days, Trump SaysPresident Donald Trump issued an executive order extending the pause on higher tariffs to November as negotiations with China continue.
CollectionsAug 12, 2025
Jacquie Aiche’s New Collection Harnesses the Energy of the ThunderbirdThe “Thunderbird Slab” collection features a thunderbird motif as a symbol of power, protection, and boundless possibility.
ColumnistsAug 12, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Take a Better HeadshotColumnists Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share tips on how to elevate your professional image.
CrimeAug 11, 2025
Man Convicted of First-Degree Murder in Death of Colorado JewelerPeter Damian Arguello, a jeweler in the Denver suburb of Wheat Ridge, was found dead inside his store in November 2023.
IndependentsAug 11, 2025
Lisa Bridge to Depart Ben Bridge JewelerThe retailer, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, is becoming part of the Berkshire Hathaway Jewelry Group with Helzberg.
EditorsAug 11, 2025
The Colors Expected to Be On-Trend in a Couple YearsAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore recently attended a fabrics trade show where a trend forecaster shared her predictions for summer 2027.
FinancialsAug 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 3% as Engagement Ring Sales RiseThe company raised its full-year sales guidance while noting it has not yet assessed the potential impact of the latest tariff news.
TrendsAug 08, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rahaminov Diamonds’ Bezel BangleThe brand’s latest iteration of a bezel-set diamond bangle features clean lines and a timeless design for a new modern silhouette.
WatchesAug 07, 2025
Bulova’s New Collection Honors Tony BennettThe first watch in the series commemorates his participation in the Civil Rights movement, marching from Selma to Montgomery in 1965.
Lab-GrownAug 07, 2025
Chatham Releases Catalog for Loose Lab-Grown GemstonesThe catalog contains a complete listing of all the loose gemstones in stock, as well as information about the properties of each stone.
TechnologyAug 07, 2025
Rembrandt Charms Debuts New Website, Bird CharmsThe company added a retailer dashboard to its site and three new birds to its charm collection, the cardinal, blue jay, and hummingbird.
Policies & IssuesAug 06, 2025
Tariff on India to Rise to 50%, Trump Says An additional 25 percent tariff has been added to the previously announced 25 percent.
MajorsAug 06, 2025
Claire’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe jewelry and accessories retailer plans to close 18 stores as part of the proceedings.
IndependentsAug 06, 2025
Smith & Son Jewelers to Close 107-Year-Old Location Its Springfield, Massachusetts, store is set to close as owner Andrew Smith heads into retirement.
CollectionsAug 06, 2025
Zahn-Z Swims With Whales in ‘Beluga’ CollectionDesigner Hiba Husayni looked to the whale’s melon shaped-head, blowhole, and fluke for her new chunky gold offerings.
TrendsAug 06, 2025
Paola De Luca to Release Trendbook 2027+She will present the 23rd edition of the trend forecasting book at Vicenzaoro on Sept. 7.
