2026 RESPONSIBLE DESIGN CHALLENGE
Vote for Your Favorite Design
Explore how nine designers brought their own creative perspectives to the same story and selection of responsibly sourced gemstones, resulting in nine unique interpretations of A Quiet Turning, the 2026 MJSA Design Challenge. Discover their original jewelry designs and cast your vote for your favorite.
Voting closes October 31, 2026. The winning design will be announced in the December issue of MJSA Journal and online.
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
Choose Your Favorite Design
Cast Your Vote
Select the name of the designer whose creation is your favorite from the list below. Once you’ve made your selection, click the Submit Vote button at the bottom of the page to cast your vote.
Please note: Voting is limited to one vote per person. One previously featured design is no longer eligible for voting.
Fundraising Raffle: Peoples Training & Research Centre in Silicosis Prevention
Every Ticket Supports the Peoples Training & Research Centre in Silicosis Prevention.
As sponsor of the 2026 MJSA Design Challenge, Columbia Gem House once again donated the responsibly sourced gemstones used by participating designers to bring their creations to life.
This year’s fundraising raffle benefits the Peoples Training & Research Centre in Silicosis Prevention (PTRC), an organization dedicated to improving occupational health and safety for workers in India. Its work focuses on raising awareness of silicosis, an incurable lung disease caused by prolonged exposure to respirable silica dust, as well as supporting affected workers and communities.
The connection to this year’s challenge is especially meaningful, as one of the featured gemstones is moss agate sourced from India, where workers in gemstone cutting and other industries may face exposure to silica dust.
By purchasing a raffle ticket, participants can support PTRC’s efforts while entering for a chance to win their favorite jewelry design.
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.
