CollectionsMay 10, 2024
Piece of the Week: Carina Hardy’s ‘Birth of Venus’ NecklaceIndependentsMay 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 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."
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
A winning sketch from fifth grader Hannah Raspet
This heart necklace was sketched by winner Sloane DeCosmo.
This winning sketch of a bird bracelet is by student Gracen McGrath.
“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.
More on Independents
The Latest
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech PlatformThe company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap RingThe 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.
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.
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers DownsizesRocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.
Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired JewelsThe “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 EventThe event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight ContinuesThe Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef JewelryAgents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus PerformersThe designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund RecipientsThe trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for EntriesThe organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local RetailerLori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.
MajorsJun 24, 2025
Tacori, QVC to Launch Exclusive Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CollectionThe “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.
GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural DiamondsSignatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry DesignersThe winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Dua Lipa Stays On-Trend With Chunky Engagement RingThe singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yvonne Léon’s ‘Python Gold’ BraceletThe bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.
CrimeJun 18, 2025
7 Men Indicted in $100M Brinks Jewelry HeistThe heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
Historic ‘Marie-Thérèse Pink’ Diamond Fetches $14M at Christie’sThe 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week.
