The report shows that couples are searching for vintage and antique rings, gold jewelry, pearls, and colorful pieces.
20th Saul Bell Competition Now Accepting Entries
Rio Grande has combined or eliminated some categories in its annual design contest.
Albuquerque, N.M.—Rio Grande is now accepting entries for its 20th annual Saul Bell Design Award competition.
This year, the categories will be a little different. There won’t be a specific enamel category, though enamel pieces can be submitted into any other categories of the maker’s choosing.
Also, the Couture/Fine and Fashion/Bridge categories have been combined into one: the Jewelry Collections category. The category requires designers to submit a “cohesive set of wearable pieces, such as a coordinated necklace, bracelet and pair of earrings,” Rio Grande said in a release.
In addition to Jewelry Collections, the 2020 edition of the jewelry design competition will feature six other categories: Gold/Platinum, Silver/Argentium Silver, Hollowware/Art Objects, Alternative Metals/Materials and Emerging Jewelry Artist for two different ages groups—18 and younger, and 22 and younger.
As with previous competitions, judging will be done in two rounds by two separate panels, each comprised of five jewelry industry judges.
For the first round, judges will consider originality, materials designers want to use to execute their proposed designs, as well as overall aesthetics.
The second round of judging will review completed pieces and consider quality of craftsmanship and wearability (except in the Hollowware/Art Objects category).
It costs $75 to enter the competition through Sept. 16, or $125 if submitted between that date and Oct. 25.
Full guidelines are available at SaulBellAward.com.
“My father would have had so much admiration for every metalsmith who has ever entered this competition,” commented Molly Bell, Rio Grande Executive Vice President and daughter of Saul Bell, Rio Grande’s founder who inspired the contest.
“The spirit of the competition embodies not only his passion for making jewelry and his appreciation for the creativity and technical challenges of the work these artists do but also his respect for those striving to learn more, pushing past obstacles, and thriving in doing what they love. He was so generous with his knowledge and always had time for any bench or technical question.”
The Latest
He’s remembered as a “font of passion,” leaving behind a legacy of dedication to his craft and community.
The first one will take place next month during the Jewelers of Louisiana’s and Mississippi Jewelers Association’s conventions.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
The redesigned boutique features interactive displays and a workshop space for hands-on learning about watchmaking.
There is a willingness to comply with new government-mandated regulations, with an insistence that they should be practical and realistic.
A combination of factors is driving growth in the industry despite the precipitous drop in prices across the board.
Ho Brothers offers scalable solutions for the future of custom jewelry.
The zone’s modernization will enhance and increase India’s jewelry manufacturing capabilities while aiding small and mid-sized businesses.
By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
The company plans to invest $25 million in marketing initiatives to boost awareness around its namesake and licensed brands.
Optimism about the current state of the economy was offset by anxiety around inflation and the political environment.
The former WJA executive director is MFM’s new managing director.
DDG encourages retailers to educate customers on the positive impact of purchasing natural diamonds.
Highlighting the most iconic Tiffany collections, it’s inspired by the company’s late window designer, Gene Moore.
Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen explore how jewelers can save time and money by using AI to analyze engagement and create content.
The retailer previously turned down an $8.4 billion offer in 2018.
The Florida store’s owner Miguel Gonzalez is retiring.
The lab stresses the importance of accurate identification, as the difference in price is “substantial.”
The brand also plans to expand its retail footprint from 138 to 200 stores over the next three years.
Longtime employees Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice have received promotions.
Three guests joined National Jeweler and Jewelers of America to discuss trending time periods, spotting reproductions, and more.
Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere join the company with 50 years of combined experience.
The trendy, metallic earrings wink at classic spring colors.
JSA said a man and woman pulled the safe out of an Oakland jewelry store but couldn’t quite get it into their van.
The miner’s March auction generated $19 million.
Helen McCluskey will succeed H. Todd Stitzer when he meets his 12-year term limit in June.