The American Jewelry Design Council is accepting applications for its annual Talent Contest. This high-profile competition—which provides the winner with a booth at the summer JA New York show—has successfully launched the careers of many winners in the past.

The American Jewelry Design Council is a group of 30 nationally prominent designers who have banded together to increase awareness of fine design in American jewelry. In coordination with Jewelers of America, the contest exposes a single outstanding designer to national and international jewelry buyers and members of the press.

Applicants must be a designer/owner of a jewelry manufacturing business, produce in the United States, and never have exhibited at a JA Show. Selection is based on originality, craftsmanship, innovation, marketability, and cohesiveness. The names of all finalists are submitted to the JA selection committee for consideration as a candidate for the New Designer Gallery, and the winner and finalists are honored at an award ceremony during the show.

Deadline for submission is Jan. 15, 2004. For information, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to Alan Revere, AJDC Talent Contest Chairman, 760 Market St., Suite 900, San Francisco, CA 94102.