Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America promotion of important industry trends is seen in the 2007 MJSA Vision Awards (formerly known as the American Vision Awards). This year also marks the first time international applicants are eligible.

The introduction of a Laser Distinction category, sponsored by Crafford-LaserStar Technologies, will serve to highlight those designs that were created using a laser—and in some cases could not be created any other way.

Palladium is one of the industry’s hottest topics. Sponsored by the Palladium Alliance International, a new trade group formed earlier this year, a Palladium Distinction category has been added for 2007.

The Natural Color Diamond Association will sponsor the Natural Color Diamond Distinction category. More celebrities have been wearing yellow, green, orange, and other diamonds with naturally occurring color—a trend that could soon add “natural color” to the list of characteristics that determine a diamond’s value.

MJSA’s 2007 Distinction categories also include: Crystal Distinction, sponsored by Swarovski; CAD/CAM Distinction, sponsored by Gemvision; Mokumé-gane Distinction, sponsored by Reactive Metals Studio and Shining Wave Metals; and Reactive Metals Distinction, sponsored by Reactive Metals Studio, Cabot Supermetals, and Perryman Company.

The MJSA Vision Awards presents prizes for first and second-place honors in the Professional and Student categories.

Winners will receive monetary awards of up to $1,000, and will be honored at the annual Designer Day conference on March 17, 2007, sponsored by MJSA and the Jeweler’s Resource Bureau. In addition, winners will receive recognition in MJSA Journal, as well as other trade publications, on MJSA Online, and at MJSA Expo New York (March 18-20, 2007).

Entries must be received by November 30, 2006. For submission guidelines, and further information, contact Louly Vorasane at 1-800-444-6572, ext. 3037, or e-mail louly.vorasane@mjsa.org. Watch for updates online at mjsa.org.

JCK