Rio Grande is accepting entries for the 2016 Saul Bell Design Award competition.
Now in its 16th year, the contest recognizes innovation and distinction in jewellery design. This time, the competition challenges jewellers to push the limits of their skills and imaginations as they create original jewellery art.
“These are people who care deeply and passionately about our craft; most of them have dedicated a lifetime to honing their skills,” said Alan Bell, president of Rio Grande, which hosts the annual competition.
“Everyone in the industry benefits from their design leadership and the excitement they bring to the jewellery and metal arts—the new directions and possibilities that emanate from them and spread to the wider jewellery world.”
There are seven categories in the 2016 competition:
• gold/platinum;
• silver/Argentium silver;
• metal clay;
• enamel;
• hollowware/art objects;
• alternative metals/materials; and
• emerging jewellery artist.
The emerging jewellery artist category is open designers who are 21 years of age and younger as of Oct. 23, 2015.
Judges will look for originality of design, successful incorporation of materials, wearability (except in the hollowware category), and quality of workmanship, as they examine each finalist piece by hand and on a model.
The winning designs will be promoted throughout the industry and displayed in the Plumb Club during the 2016 JCK Las Vegas show.
Entries are being accepted until Oct. 23. All finalist pieces will be due by Jan. 30, 2016. The entry form and information about the competition, including submission guidelines and information about each of the categories, are available at saulbellaward.com.
