Olertis launches national high jewelry design contest with $5,000 prize

Olertis has opened a U.S. design competition for a women’s high jewelry necklace concept, with the winning idea to be turned into a handmade piece and sold to benefit charity. The contest offers a $5,000 prize and a possible path to future custom jewelry work.

Why it matters: - Olertis is tying a creative competition to a charitable donation, with 100% of proceeds from the commissioned necklace going to a nonprofit. - The contest is open to U.S. creatives with no professional experience required, widening access beyond traditional jewelry industry entrants. - The winning concept will be transformed into a finished high jewelry piece, giving the creator industry exposure and a possible career opening.

What happened: - Olertis announced a national high jewelry design contest inviting people across the United States to create the concept for an exclusive women’s necklace. - The company is accepting submissions from jewelry designers, artists, illustrators and creators using artificial intelligence. - The contest theme is the bird, framed as a symbol of freedom, hope, imagination and creativity. - Natalie Richard, chief designer at Olertis, said the company values the idea itself, not whether it was drawn by hand or created with AI.

The details: - The winning concept will be developed by Olertis jewelry designers, engineers and CAD specialists. - The finished necklace will be handcrafted from solid 18K gold, clear diamonds, rubies and other gemstones based on the design. - The winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize. - The winner will also be credited as the originator of the concept and may collaborate with Olertis on future custom jewelry projects. - The completed necklace is expected to be shown at one or more major jewelry exhibitions, including the JCK Show in Las Vegas, the COUTURE Show in Las Vegas or The Winter Show in New York. - After the exhibition, the necklace will be delivered to the private client who commissioned it. - Olertis says 100% of the sale proceeds will be donated to one of three nonprofits: Feeding America, Direct Relief or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. - Olertis will announce which nonprofit it selects at the end of the contest. - Contest details, eligibility criteria, submission instructions and deadlines are available on the official Jewelry Design Competition page. - Olertis was established in the United States and says it has more than 35 years of industry experience and a portfolio of more than 3,500 custom jewelry pieces.

Between the lines: - The contest is designed to find a strong concept first, then let skilled craftspeople turn it into a luxury object. - That approach also gives Olertis a way to spotlight AI-assisted creativity without treating it as a separate category. - The charity element broadens the pitch beyond jewelry buyers and could help the project stand out in a crowded luxury market.

What's next: - Olertis will review submissions and choose a winning concept. - The company will then produce the necklace and reveal the nonprofit recipient of the proceeds. - More information is available through the official Jewelry Design Competition page and the company’s social channels.