Events & AwardsNov 26, 2025
Grandview Klein Presents 4 Scholarships in NamibiaEvents & AwardsDec 10, 2025
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.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the RoadsterThe “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership TeamAs demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out NowThe “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeApr 16, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of GoldThe alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.
Weekly QuizApr 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond DilemmaSally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72 McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle ContinuesThe luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.
SourcingApr 15, 2026
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2026 BoardKalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into BridalThe campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East ConflictPlus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to MontereyPresented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.
CollectionsApr 13, 2026
Uniform Object’s New Jewelry Collection Centers on the ‘Carbon Form’The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
Couture Announces New Show in MiamiThe jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.
CrimeApr 13, 2026
JSA Offers Reward in Oregon Jewelry Store Armed RobberyJSA is seeking information about the gunpoint robbery of a Kay Jewelers location in Oregon’s Washington Square Mall.
WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your SecretsThe “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic OfficerIn her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerOrganizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.
SourcingApr 09, 2026
AGA To Honor ‘Quiet Leadership’ With New AwardThe Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Oris Names New CEO, CFOThe Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.
CollectionsApr 08, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30 Years By Asking a QuestionThe “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.
