Palladium Alliance International announced that it will sponsor the industry’s largest jewelry design contest, giving 100 designers the opportunity to share $1 million in prizes.

Designs must feature 95 percent palladium alloy; and if designers choose to include gemstones, each stone must be genuine. A panel of industry professionals will judge the pieces based on how well each design highlights the qualities of palladium. 

Interested applicants must complete an official entry form available at luxurypalladium.com/DesignContest as well as submit a digital photo, drawing, or CAD rendering of their design.

The first round of the contest begins May 29 and concludes Sept. 21. Finalists will be notified on Oct. 5. Final pieces must be completed by Dec. 17, and the official winners will be announced in January 2013.

Winners will receive a reimbursement check for the money spent on palladium, as well as a professional photo of their design and an inclusion in a major stylist showroom. The top designer will also have the opportunity to create a full line of palladium jewelry.

“This is an exciting opportunity for designers, retailers and PAI,” John Stark, chairman of the Palladium Alliance, said in a statement. “Palladium is coming into its own as a distinctive luxury metal in jewelry design and entrants in this extraordinary contest are about to prove just how stunning it can be.”

JCK