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
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
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.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
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.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2026
Watches & Wonders Announces 2027 DatesThe week-long event in Geneva is slated for April 2027.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy BoardThe three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.
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.
