The Gemological Institute of America, Carlsbad, Calif., will begin accepting entries on April 1 for the 26th annual George A. Schuetz men’s jewelry design competition. Open to all designers, the competition will be judged by an independent panel of industry experts based on original renderings submitted no later than June 14. Judging will be completed by August.

Conducted in memory of the late George A. Schuetz, whose business specialized in men’s jewelry, this contest annually draws entrants from the U.S. and many nations worldwide. Each contestant may submit only one rendering. The judges will only consider original color designs that must not have been previously exhibited or offered for sale. Entries will not be returned. The design judged as best for its overall wearability, feasibility, and appeal will earn its creator a $500 award and plaque to mark the achievement. Two honorable mentions, one each for second place and third place, will be recognized with plaques, and all entrants will be notified of the outcome by mail.

“This is an excellent opportunity for jewelry designers to attain notoriety and publicize their talents,” said Brook Ellis, GIA’s vice-president of education. “The exposure provided by this contest has been especially helpful for many new designers in launching their careers.”

The 2001 contest attracted hundreds of international entries. GIA student Sarah Cheng, G.J.G, from Taiwan won first place honors. Second place was awarded to Theodoros Tsirozidis of Athens, Greece, and third place went to Guy Paul, G.G., a 1975 GIA graduate who resides in Venice Beach, Calif.

The 2002 winning design and honorable mentions will be publicized throughout the industry trade press and on the GIA Web site at www.gia.edu. Interested applicants can obtain information and an entry form beginning April 1 by calling within the U.S. and Canada at 800-421-7250 ext. 4005 or 4004, or 760-603-4005, or 760-603-4004, or by fax to 760-603-4153. Written inquiries should be sent to: GIA, Office of Student Financial Assistance; 5345 Armada Drive; Carlsbad, CA 92008.

JCK