The UncommonGoods Jewelry Design Challenge!

 UncommonGoods is celebrating jewelry this month with a call to enter their 3rd annual Jewelry Design Challenge!

I was recently contacted by an associate at UncommonGoods to share the details of their current design challenge.  UncommonsGoods is an online shop based in NYC that promotes merchandise made by artists and small manufacturers.  The company has a refreshing  focus on handmade and eco-friendly products.  You’ll find gifts to give and gifts you’ll want to keep.   Of course, my favorite section is the jewelry + accessories page right here.   I love that you can get to know the makers right on the website by perusing artist bios. There is a personal touch on the site, right down to the ability to vote on a design that you’d like to see carried in the shop.

Enter your original necklace, bracelet, earring or ring designs for a chance to win $500 and a Vendor Contract with UncommonGoods. Runners up will receive a consultation of critique of their work given by guest judges, as well as tips on marketing their businesses.  The challenge is open to U.S. Residents only, and the deadline is approaching soon –  you have until June 30th at 11:59 EST to share your designs.  For all of the rules and information, you can find the details on the website right here.

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I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review a piece of artisan-made jewelry from UncommonGoods.  As a jewelry designer myself, I have a whole new perspective on selling wholesale and partnering with online retailers after recently taking a popular course with F&TA.  Some of us choose to sell our designs on our own websites, Etsy, at craft shows, retail shops, and through catalogues.   I was honored to choose a piece of jewelry from a designer whose talent and skill caught the eye of such an esteemed online retailer.

When you order jewelry from UncommonGoods, you’ll see their eco-friendly commitment right away in their packaging.  What a creative way to use t-shirt remnants that would have likely hit the scrap pile! Here’s the clever package I received from UncommonGoods.

I had a hard time choosing a piece of handcrafted jewelry from the catalogue, but when I saw these Jellyfish earrings by Catherine Weitzman, I was smitten.  My favorite season (summer = the ocean) and color were combined in show-stopping earrings.  I enjoyed reading Catherine’s artist bio right on the product page – I like how UncommonGoods shares an in-depth look at the designers behind their gorgeous jewelry.  I know we as jewelry designers are eager to share our inspiration, challenges and a bit of our histories with our customers. This sure adds value to the jewelry and sets it apart from mass-produced products that can be bought at the mall.  An artist bio is included with your jewelry purchase, right in the gift box.

I found it fascinating that the little caps were made from recycled silver,  hand cast in Hawaii using a sea urchin shell that the artist found herself.  Faceted apatite rondelles were wire wrapped by hand – 23 on each earring!  There is a subtle graduation in color in the stones, from dark to very pale.  The earrings are dainty, just 1.5″ long and have a nice swing – view the product page right here.   So many little details that I can truly appreciate, making jewelry by hand myself.

I can only imagine what an honor it must be to have one’s work featured in UncommonGoods.  And so exciting to think that the opportunity is available – right now.  Consider submitting your jewelry designs to the current challenge and join the artisan community at UncommonGoods!

– Cindy

This post is sponsored by Uncommon Goods.  I was selected for this opportunity and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.