Entries are now being accepted for MJSA’s 2002 American Vision Awards jewelry design competition. The contest recognizes the talent and innovation of designers whose work is influencing the future design trends of our industry. Designs can be in precious or base metal, with or without gemstones or crystals.

Independent jewelry designers, company-employed jewelry designers, and students enrolled in an art or design-related program at a college or university are eligible to enter. First-place and second-place awards will be given in each of two categories: professional and student. Professionals must submit slides of their work and students must submit renderings.

The American Vision Award, an exquisite piece of Swarovski crystal, will be presented to each recipient at Behind the Design: Designer Day 2002 on March 8. (The Behind the Design symposium, held at New York City’s Fashion Institute of Technology, features top jewelry designers sharing their inspiration and expertise.) Professional winners will also receive $1,500 (first place) and $750 (second place) prizes. Student winners will receive a $500 scholarship (first place) and a $250 scholarship (second place), as well as a one-year AJM subscription. The winning designs are also on display for thousands of buyers and exhibitors during Expo New York, the largest trade show for jewelry manufacturers, which will take place March 10-12 at Pier 94, the UnConvention Center.

American Vision Award entry forms and rules are available by calling Marie Goncalves at 1-800-444-6572, ext. 3010, or e-mailing her at marie@mjsainc.com. Information is also available at MJSA Online at www.mjsainc.com. The deadline for entries is Jan. 4, 2002.

Platinum Guild International, Swarovski North America-Crystal Components Division, the Silver User’s Association, AJM Magazine, and the MJSA Education Foundation also sponsor the award.

JCK