The annual Prix Golay, open to graduating goldsmithing students, is under way. The 2006 contest, whose theme is Pearl and Culture, invites entrants to interpret a culture of their choice with a jewel creation based on a cultured pearl. (Examples of cultures include aqua, wine, in vitro, body, Greek, Aztec, spiritual, musical, fashion, alternative, etc.)

Entries must be original creations, and contestants must provide documentation that they are in their final year of a comprehensive professional goldsmithing program.

To start the pearl rolling, Golay will give a 12 mm button-shape cultured yellow South Sea pearl to each contestant. And while contest rules state that the creation has to show the goldsmith’s work in precious metal, a prototype for the contest may be crafted in nonprecious metal. Other complementary materials may be used as well.

A grand prize of 4,000 Swiss francs ($3,174) will go to the most remarkable creation in the contest. Three other prizes also will be awarded: Technical, Conceptual, and Jury Specials. Each winner will receive a cash award of 2,000 Swiss francs ($1,587). All contestants will receive a certificate of participation.

The deadline is Oct. 27. Registration forms and a display of creations from recent contests are available at www.golay.com.