Independents

Zachary’s Jewelers Names Mother’s Day Jewelry Contest Winners

IndependentsMay 13, 2024

Zachary’s Jewelers Names Mother’s Day Jewelry Contest Winners

Three fifth graders’ winning designs were turned into custom jewelry pieces in time for Mother’s Day.

Zachary’s Jewelers Mother’s Day Jewelry Contest winners
Zachary’s Jewelers has named the three winners of its 2024 Mother’s Day jewelry design contest, including fifth grader Hannah Rapset, seen here with her mom.
Annapolis, Md.—Zachary’s Jewelers has announced the winners of its 2024 Mother’s Day jewelry design contest.

This Mother’s Day weekend, three children were able to present a custom piece of jewelry of their own design to their moms and caregivers.

The annual contest, now in its 13th year, invited fifth graders to submit a drawing of a piece of jewelry they’d like to create for their loved one.

"The annual Zachary's Mother's Day Jewelry Design Contest has a very special place in our hearts,” said Zachary’s Jewelers owner Steve Samaras.

“It is always amazing to see the imagination and talent that the area fifth graders bring to the contest. The best part about the contest is presenting the finished pieces to the artists and their mom, it is a beautiful exchange that never disappoints."

 

More than 180 kids submitted a colorful design as well as a short story about their mom or caregiver.

The jeweler announced the three winners during a brunch reception on May 5 for the semi-finalists, where they were presented with their designs.

The three winners were Sloane DeCosmo from Oak Hill Elementary School, Hannah Raspet from Windsor Farms Elementary School, and Gracen McGrath from St. Mary’s Elementary School.

SEE: The Kids’ Sketches and Finished Designs



“It’s so great that Zachary’s provides this opportunity to encourage children to express themselves in this wonderful forum. I just love it,” said Christy DeCosmo, mother of winner Sloane DeCosmo.

The winners were also able to meet with jewelry designer Marco Bicego during the event.

The contest may produce some well-known jewelers in the years to come, according to Zachary’s Jewelers Chief Operating Officer Constance Polamalu.

“Before any great designer is born, there is a young person with a creative mind and determined spirit,” said Polamalu.

“Looking through all the submissions always reminds me of my own childhood sketch books. One of these young designers will one day create jewelry worn on red carpets around the world. When that happens, we will be able to say ‘I knew that fabulous designer when they were only in the fifth grade, I bet their mother is so proud!’,” she said.

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