The Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America is now accepting entries for its 18th annual Vision Awards design competition. Each year, the competition recognizes the talent and innovation of designers whose work will have a profound influence on the future of jewelry design.

In addition to the overall professional and student awards, all eligible professional entries may qualify for distinction awards, which include Enamel Distinction, sponsored by Rio Grande, Laser Distinction, sponsored by Crafford–LaserStar Technologies Corp., Mokumé-gane Distinction, co-sponsored by Shining Wave Metals and Reactive Metals Studio, Palladium Distinction, sponsored by Hoover & Strong, and Platinum Distinction, sponsored by Platinum Guild International.

The 2009 awards will also include “The Reactive Metals Challenge,” which will honor professional designs that incorporate the use of reactive metals. The first 10 entrants will have their $50 competition entry fees waived, courtesy of Reactive Metals Studio, if their design submissions meet the challenge’s criteria. The winner will receive a $500 cash prize.

Other award winners will receive up to $1,000 and will be honored on March 8, 2009, at the annual MJSA Expo New York show. In addition, winners will receive recognition in MJSA Journal, as well as other trade publications, and on MJSA Online.

Entries must be postmarked by Jan. 15, 2009. For submission guidelines and further information, or to request an entry form, contact MJSA Vision Awards at 1-800-444-6572, e-mail info@mjsa.org, or visit mjsa.org.

JCK