CPAA Opens 13th Annual Pearl Design Competition for Entries

New York—The Cultured Pearl Association of America has officially kicked off its 13th annual International Pearl Design Competition.

The goal of the contest is to create compelling new pearl jewelry designs worthy of recognition, media exposure, and possible sales, CPAA said.

The organization is encouraging emerging designers and seasoned artists alike to enter.

CPAA is now accepting submissions for this year’s contest. Entries are due by Oct. 7.

There are once again two divisions for entries: international and domestic.

Those who live outside of the U.S. will submit renderings and sketches, while those living in the United States will compete in two stages with finished jewels.

The first stage is to submit professional photographs of completed pieces in one to three different angles.

Prejudging will be based on these photos, and finalists will then be chosen. U.S. finalists will be announced on Monday, Oct. 17.

The second stage for U.S. finalists is to mail in their pieces of finished jewelry for final live judging in New York City.

U.S. entrants must be prepared to sell their piece if it becomes a finalist or winner.

Winners will be announced on Thursday, Oct. 27.

Select pieces will immediately go on display and sale at the Aaron Faber gallery in New York City.

Meanwhile, the award categories have been slightly revised for 2022.

This year, the Spotlight Award will highlight one variety of pearl—baroque shapes of both saltwater and freshwater pearls—to drive attention to the beauty and uniqueness of the different types of pearls available.

A new student award will give those still studying at a university with a jewelry arts program the chance to enter with sketches. 

There is also a new Retailer’s Choice award to replace the Popularity Award, with 4,000 jewelry stores across the country choosing their favorite pieces from all U.S. finalists, including students.

Additionally, pieces considered for the Luster award—reserved for a best-selling pearl design—now must retail for under $3,000.

The Orient award, given to a jewel priced attainably for new collectors, has been discontinued.

The cost of entries is $175 for the first entry, with each additional entry costing $150 apiece.

Students pay $75 for their first entry and $50 for each additional entry; they can email JHeebner@cpaa.org for a coupon code to enter at the discounted rate.

For more information about categories, entry instructions, or complete contest details, click here.

To purchase an entry, click here.