RAPAPORT... Jewelry Television (JTV) is offering $10,000 in cash and prizes for this year's annual Jewel School Designer Showcase contest. The company created three jewelry-making categories for contestants to enter their one-of-a-kind jewelry designs between now and August 21. “Jewelry making is a natural extension of our business,” said Trisha Condra, the vice president and general merchandising of gemstones at JTV. “As the world’s largest retailer of loose gemstones, we love providing a platform for our customers to create unique jewelry designs that express their individuality.” JTV's contest categories include ''Mixed-Up Media,'' showcasing design techniques that utilize Kumihimo, leather, concrete or polymer clay; ''Metal-Art Play,'' comprised of designs that transform metal and/or wire into finished pieces using metal smithing, wire work, Viking knit, art clay, chainmaille, cold or hot connections, metal forming, weaving or firing plates; and ''Blissful Beading,'' featuring designs that utilize beads as their focus through techniques such as knotting, beading wire and seed bead looming. The company will engage an expert panel of judges to select five finalists in each category prior to public voting. On September 4, the finalists will be announced and the public will be able to vote online through September 18. A judge’s pick, grand-prize winner and three category winners will be awarded live on the air on September 22. “Whether you are an experienced jewelry designer or attempting your first piece, this is the perfect opportunity to express yourself through the age-old art of jewelry making,” said Condra. The grand prize winner and judge’s pick will receive Jewel School products and cash totaling $3,500. All category winners will receive Jewel School products and cash valued at $1,000.
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