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MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge Winner
Silas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
Silas Smith is the owner and designer of Meridian Metalworks in Los Angeles. His winning pendant uses Columbia Gem House’s Lighting Ridge opals from New South Wales, Australia, and green and blue Australian sapphires.
New York—The Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America (MJSA) has announced that Silas Smith is the winner of the 2025 MJSA Responsible Design Challenge.
Smith, the owner and designer of Meridian Metalworks in Los Angeles, won the online initiative that highlights responsibly sourced gemstones and supports worthy causes in the communities where these gemstones are mined.
The 2025 MJSA Responsible Design Challenge, sponsored by MJSA and Columbia Gem House, is an annual competition that invites designers to create custom renderings inspired by the story of a fictional client.
Their designs must feature a selection of gemstones chosen and supplied by Columbia Gem House.
This year’s client was Matilda “Tilly” Cleary, an Australian scientist with a deep commitment to land stewardship.
The featured gems were Lighting Ridge opals from New South Wales, Australia, and green and blue Australian sapphires.
Smith’s winning design was a pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes as a stylized desert scene.
“I kept the imagery simple: a red rock formation on one side, a yellow cactus on the other, and a dark sky above, punctuated by an opal moon and scattered stars,” said Smith.
“Beneath that, a burst of yellow plant life brings in energy and balance. The colors are bold but purposeful, chosen to echo the earthy tones of the Outback while also feeling at home in the American Southwest.”
Related stories will be right here …
Smith, the owner and designer of Meridian Metalworks in Los Angeles, won the online initiative that highlights responsibly sourced gemstones and supports worthy causes in the communities where these gemstones are mined.
The 2025 MJSA Responsible Design Challenge, sponsored by MJSA and Columbia Gem House, is an annual competition that invites designers to create custom renderings inspired by the story of a fictional client.
Their designs must feature a selection of gemstones chosen and supplied by Columbia Gem House.
This year’s client was Matilda “Tilly” Cleary, an Australian scientist with a deep commitment to land stewardship.
The featured gems were Lighting Ridge opals from New South Wales, Australia, and green and blue Australian sapphires.
Smith’s winning design was a pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes as a stylized desert scene.
“I kept the imagery simple: a red rock formation on one side, a yellow cactus on the other, and a dark sky above, punctuated by an opal moon and scattered stars,” said Smith.
“Beneath that, a burst of yellow plant life brings in energy and balance. The colors are bold but purposeful, chosen to echo the earthy tones of the Outback while also feeling at home in the American Southwest.”
Nine designers completed MJSA’s challenge and their pieces were raffled off in the “Opals for Outback Heroes” fundraiser.
The other designers were:
Marilyn Brogan of Marilyn Brogan Jewelry in Apalachicola, Florida;
Laura Deakin of Coral Covey Jewellery in Melbourne, Australia;
Delphine Leymarie of Delphine Leymarie Fine Jewelry in New York City;
Jiovanni Mancarella of Lux Forge in Denver;
Kelsey McQown of Moraine Jewelry in Leland, Michigan;
Kassandra Nicholson of Kassandra Nicholson Jewelry in Los Angeles;
Destené Styles of House Third Rock in New York City; and
Allison Teague of Allison Alane Jewelry Designs Ltd. in Brooklyn, New York.
The raffle raised $6,900 to support the Lightning Ridge Rural Fire Brigade, the volunteer team that provides critical frontline protection for the community where the gems were sourced.
Columbia Gem House said that MJSA’s challenge continues to encourage greater awareness of responsible sourcing and the impact of designers’ choices.
Through October, each of the nine designs were presented monthly on MJSA’s website alongside an online poll for viewers to vote for their favorite.
The completed pieces were featured in the MJSA Journal December issue.
For more information about the Responsible Design Challenge, visit the MJSA website.
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