After a well-received first attempt last year, the World Titanium Council has announced its second annual international design contest.

In a step to gain recognition for titanium jewelry and compete in the industry where design contests reinforce the popularity of jewelry in such materials as gold, pearls and gemstones, the council has brought on board some of the industry’s headliners to serve as judges.

The 2003 competition allows entrants to present either design renderings or finished pieces (with renderings demonstrating the qualifications necessary for fabrication). A major criterion in judging each entry will be how the piece is unique to titanium or how the design is enhanced through the use of titanium.

The judges for the contest are jewelry trade editors along with designers like David Yurman, Jose Hess, and Steven Kretchmer and retailers like Ruth Fortunoff of Fortunoff and Amie Ritota of Finlay.

Deadline for entry is April 1. Winners will be announced May 30, 2003, at The JCK Show ~ Las Vegas.

The overall Grand Prize winner will receive the Outstanding Design in Titanium Award along with an expense paid trip to Las Vegas to attend the awards presentations. Other prizes include the TIA (Titanium Innovative Artist) Award from event co-sponsor Spectore, along with $500 cash (professional designers) or a $500 scholarship (design students).

Additional details and information, including entry forms, may be obtained by contacting the World Titanium Council at (954) 421-2310, e-mail: info@worldtitaniumcouncil.org, or by visiting www.worldtitaniumcouncil.org.