2026
Responsible Design Challenge
The MJSA Design Challenge invites jewelry designers to transform a fictional client story into an original jewelry design using a selection of responsibly sourced gemstones provided by Columbia Gem House, the project’s sponsor. Each year, participants interpret the story through their own creative vision, showcasing how inspiration, craftsmanship, and thoughtful material choices can come together in a one-of-a-kind piece.
Voting Now Open!
See all the designs from the 2026 MJSA Design Challenge and cast your vote for your favorite. Voting closes October 31, 2026, with the winner announced in the December issue of MJSA Journal and online.
2026 Responsible Design Challenge
A Quiet Turning
The MJSA Design Challenge invites jewelry designers to transform a fictional client story into an original jewelry design using a selection of responsibly sourced gemstones. Each year, participants interpret the story through their own creative vision, showcasing how inspiration, craftsmanship, and thoughtful material choices can come together in a one-of-a-kind piece.
Meet the Designers
Nine Designers, One Story.
See how nine designers brought their own perspectives to the same story and selection of gemstones, resulting in nine unique interpretations of A Quiet Turning.
entry 1
Cheryl Freund
entry 2
Allison Clogg
entry 3
Ambreen Tyeb-Daud
entry 4
Rowan Keylock
entry 5
Anna Nearburg
entry 6
Ben Harju
entry 7
Emily Spykman
entry 8
Yushan Cassie Sun
entry 9
Geeta Bharathi
the story
Meet Mara Ellsworth
At 50, Mara Ellsworth finds herself navigating an unexpected new chapter after losing the career that shaped much of her adult life. Inspired by her resilience, connection to nature, and the quiet routines that have grounded her through change, her sister sets out to commission a meaningful piece of jewelry to mark the milestone.
THE MATERIALS
Responsibly Sourced Gemstones
The gemstones selected for the 2026 MJSA Design Challenge were provided by project sponsor Columbia Gem House. Designers were challenged to incorporate some or all of these responsibly sourced stones into a piece inspired by A Quiet Turning, including:
- Two 7 mm Indian moss agate triangle cabs
- Two 4 x 2 mm green Nigerian tourmaline baguettes
- Four 3 x 2 mm Brazilian andalusite pears
- Four 1.75 mm lavender Winza (African) sapphire rounds
