Around this time last year, I posted a roundup of jewelry handmade by jewelry designers in Boston. Today, I also pulled together a selection of delicate handmade jewelry, all sourced from UncommonGoods. The occasion? The site is hosting its 2014 Jewelry Design Challenge, which will be judged in part by the site’s Assistant Jewelry & Accessories Buyer, Jackie Udden.
The grand prize is $1000, along with the opportunity to work with UncommonGoods. Runners-up will receive a critique of their work, as well as tips for marketing and growing their businesses. Additionally, UncommonGoods’ buyers will review each entrant’s portfolio, and consider offering submitted work for sale on UncommonGoods. You can enter Uncommon Good’s Jewelry Design Challenge here.
They’re looking for intelligent designs that tell a story, show your individuality and be responsibly produced from animal-friendly materials (that means no leather, feathers, or pearls). I chose a dozen pieces from UncommonGoods’ handmade jewelry collection that I really like, including pieces from San Francisco-based artist Vanessa Gade; Emilie Shapiro, who creates entwined vines of recycled rose gold; and Susan Harbourt, who makes necklaces from aged copper wire she removed from the walls of her Edwardian-era house in Illinois.
Study them… perhaps the designs will provide some insight in case you’re interested in entering the contest.
S H O P P I N G
1. Copper Rays Necklace by Susan Harbourt
2. Fan Coral Wedding Band by Catherine Weitzman
3. Golden Path Earrings by Eileen Baumeister McIntyre
4. Rose Stalk Wedding Band by Emilie Shapiro
5. Baby Bird Earrings by Rhonda & Elijah Wyman
6. Aqua Raindrop Pendant by Jess Panza
7. Open Oval Sterling Silver Necklace by Cindy and Avril Joffe
8. Bullet Casing CufflinksBullet Casing Cufflinks by Shannon Astali DeJong
9. Links of Love Bracelet by Beth Lawrence
10. Fern Frond Earrings by Katie Lime
11. Twigs Necklace by Eben Papele & Jude Rand
12. Inner Circle Necklace by Vanessa Gade