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
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.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
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.
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.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
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.
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.
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.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
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.
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.
