The nonprofit Cultured Pearl Association of America, comprised of manufacturers, wholesalers, dealers, and suppliers of cultured pearls in the U.S., has unveiled the International Pearl Jewelry Design Competition. The announcement was made during the AGTA GemFair Tucson, and the contest aims to drive awareness, interest, demand, and marketability of cultured pearls for retailers and consumers.

Pearl jewelry submissions can be by sketch, drawing, painted or digital image on a DVD or CD in jpeg format only, and should be no larger than 5" x 11" (any larger will not be accepted). First entries cost $150 while each subsequent entry is $100; entries are limited to a maximum of five. CPAA members receive a 25 percent discount. The deadline for entries is September 1, 2010, and winners will be announced November 1. Winning entries will be on display during the AGTA GemFair Tucson and JCK Las Vegas shows in 2011. Winners will receive award recognition as well as prestige for being the first recipients of this inaugural competition.

Judges will include a variety of industry professionals, including buyers of pearls and editors.

For more information, click here or call CPAA at (888) 317-3275. Or, to enter, click here.

JCK