The entries could be described as innovative and cutting-edge, the designers as forward-thinking risk- takers, and the contest as fertile ground that encourages fun, interesting design.

Now in its second year, the 2002 Saul Bell Design Award Competition, sponsored by Rio Grande, honored eight designers in four categories. This year, the competition challenged designers to do what they should do best—create original and innovative jewelry. The response included everything from a space-age bolo tie to an organic composition of enameled glass beads.

Winners received more than $30,000 in prizes and awards. The panel of judges included John Cogswell, metalsmith; Esther Fortunoff, executive vice president of Fortunoff’s; jewelry designer John Atencio; and several representatives of the industry’s trade magazines.

The company is rallying the design community to next year’s competition, which has a Sept. 23 deadline. Call (800) 396-9896 for information.