From a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
MJSA Vision Awards Open for Entries Until April 1
MJSA is calling for submissions to its 2016 Vision Awards, which recognize outstanding talent in jewelry design.
New York--The MJSA’s 2016 Vision Awards, which recognize outstanding talent in jewelry design, are open for entries now through April 1.
The awards include a number of general categories as well as sponsored categories that honor designers working within specific techniques, known as Distinction awards.
Now in their 25th year, the MJSA Vision Awards also have continued to expand the focus beyond just design to the business of design with the new Responsible Practices Distinction.
The categories for the Vision Awards are as follows.
--Professional Design Excellence (1-3 years), honors designs that exhibit exceptional creativity, craftsmanship and marketability by jewelers who have been in business for one to three years;
--Professional Design Excellence (4-plus years), honors designs that exhibit exceptional creativity, craftsmanship and marketability by jewelers who have been in business for four years or more;
--Custom Design Distinction, honors designs that met a client’s request and the challenges encountered during the design process and how they were overcome;
--Laser Distinction, honors entries in which the design relied upon the use of a laser and any technical challenges that were overcome to take the piece from concept to completion;
-- CAD/CAM Distinction, honors designs that were created with the use of CAD/CAM technologies and the challenges that were overcome to take the piece from concept to completion;
--Responsible Practices Distinction, new for 2016, honors designs that use responsibly sourced materials, including recycled metals and fair trade gems, and were created using environmentally sensitive manufacturing processes; and
--Future of the Industry Award, recognizes the work of students in jewelry-related programs who exhibit exceptional design talent and creativity.
A panel of jewelry designers, manufacturers and editors will judge designs based on originality, presentation quality, effective use of materials, wearability and the design’s perceived manufacturing and marketing potential.
The winning entries will be showcased at the March 2017 MJSA Expo New York and also will be mentioned in InStore, Metalsmith and the association’s own MJSA Journal special awards issue.
In addition, winners will receive cash prizes, gift certificates for tools and supplies, book packages and more.
Eligibility and submission guidelines can be found on the MJSA website.
The Latest

Groundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.

Jost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine


From shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.

The designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.

“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.

The lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.

A Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.

New collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.

Lanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.

A replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.

Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.

To enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.

The winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.

The rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.

It is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.

Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.

The jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.

Spectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.

Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.

Alexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.

The Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.

Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.






















