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
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. ExpansionSimon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to NoncomplianceThe company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessThe risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to NonprofitThe organization also announced its board of directors.
Weekly QuizApr 18, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So CharmingCharms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in ItalyLocated in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ AwardPaola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to AuctionA platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen BrownThe basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine JewelryThe Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry CollectionThe 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of MouthLilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth OfficerGCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
An Exhibition Exploring the History of Cartier Is Now on Display“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 YearsVan Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise StrategyIndustry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host ConventionThe two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ PendantThe Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated StoreThe jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day CampaignThe “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.
CollectionsApr 17, 2025
John Hardy, Athena Calderone Partner on Art Deco Decor-Inspired CollectionInterior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.
FinancialsApr 17, 2025
Movado Group to Increase Prices to Offset Tariffs ImpactDuring a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
Lab-GrownApr 17, 2025
NDC Launches Its Diamond Learning CenterThe free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2025
Jewelers of America Requests Tariffs Testimonials from MembersThe feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.
