Events & AwardsSep 07, 2023
JA, BIJC Announce Accelerator Program for New Retailers Events & AwardsSep 08, 2023
Ethical Metalsmiths Announces Student Artist Award Winner
Maria Hammond was picked from a pool of students who exhibited their works online.
Maria Hammond of Manchester Metropolitan University has been awarded Ethical Metalsmiths’ 2023 Emerging Artist Award.
New York—Ethical Metalsmiths has recognized a promising student artist.
The organization’s education committee has announced Maria Hammond as its 2023 Emerging Artist Award Winner.
Hammond graduated this year with a Bachelor of Arts degree in product design and craft from Manchester Metropolitan University.
“I'm driven by sustainability and believe that jewelry can make a statement about our relationship with the environment,” she said in her artist’s statement.
“By using materials that go unnoticed, or go to waste, I seek to create pieces that are both beautiful and responsible, that reflect the beauty in aging and the stories that are embedded within the materials themselves.”
Hammond’s winning piece, titled “Fragments With a Future, The Collar,” is an extravagant art jewelry necklace inspired by derelict, forgotten buildings, created by carving, burning, patinating, and oxidizing steel that “[mirrors] the transformative process of time and the representation of memory in buildings and objects.”
Harsh and angular, the piece is part of a collection that transforms architectural and industrial influences into wearable art pieces.
The designer has already put her $1,000 prize money into use.
“It’s already funded a little enameling kiln, some wood turning chisels and materials,” she said.
Hammond was selected from a pool of student designers who exhibited their work in the annual “So Fresh + So Clean” online exhibition.
The Ethical Metalsmiths Student Committee, a group of graduate students at Virginia Commonwealth University, organizes the show. Applicants are student members of EM.
The student committee also chooses the competition winners, alongside an annual guest judge. This year’s guest judge was Dr. Emily Stoehrer, the Rita J. Kaplan and Susan B. Kaplan Curator of Jewelry at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
In addition to Hammond, Amy Beeler, a master’s student at Bowling Green State University, was awarded the “Juror’s Choice” award and a $500 grant, and Rashele Alradaideh, a bachelor’s student at Virginia Commonwealth University, was awarded the “Student’s Choice” award and $250 grant.
Related stories will be right here …
The organization’s education committee has announced Maria Hammond as its 2023 Emerging Artist Award Winner.
Hammond graduated this year with a Bachelor of Arts degree in product design and craft from Manchester Metropolitan University.
“I'm driven by sustainability and believe that jewelry can make a statement about our relationship with the environment,” she said in her artist’s statement.
“By using materials that go unnoticed, or go to waste, I seek to create pieces that are both beautiful and responsible, that reflect the beauty in aging and the stories that are embedded within the materials themselves.”
Hammond’s winning piece, titled “Fragments With a Future, The Collar,” is an extravagant art jewelry necklace inspired by derelict, forgotten buildings, created by carving, burning, patinating, and oxidizing steel that “[mirrors] the transformative process of time and the representation of memory in buildings and objects.”
Maria Hammond’s “Fragments With a Future, The Collar”
Harsh and angular, the piece is part of a collection that transforms architectural and industrial influences into wearable art pieces.
The designer has already put her $1,000 prize money into use.
“It’s already funded a little enameling kiln, some wood turning chisels and materials,” she said.
Hammond was selected from a pool of student designers who exhibited their work in the annual “So Fresh + So Clean” online exhibition.
The Ethical Metalsmiths Student Committee, a group of graduate students at Virginia Commonwealth University, organizes the show. Applicants are student members of EM.
The student committee also chooses the competition winners, alongside an annual guest judge. This year’s guest judge was Dr. Emily Stoehrer, the Rita J. Kaplan and Susan B. Kaplan Curator of Jewelry at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
In addition to Hammond, Amy Beeler, a master’s student at Bowling Green State University, was awarded the “Juror’s Choice” award and a $500 grant, and Rashele Alradaideh, a bachelor’s student at Virginia Commonwealth University, was awarded the “Student’s Choice” award and $250 grant.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online CartJewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-TrendThe fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.
SourcingJun 24, 2026
Columbia Gem House To Offer Alexandrite Melee OnlineThe collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales OfficerDhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in EthiopiaSSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
