The Cultured Pearl Association of America kicked off its annual pearl jewelry design competition, which accepts entries from artists of all types.

The Sixth International Pearl Design Competition 2015-2016 ?officially opened during JCK Las Vegas, and entries will be accepted through Sept. 17, 2015.

Entrants of all levels, from beginners to seasoned artists, are encouraged to submit renderings, sketches, painted images, or digital JPEG images (finished jewels are not necessary to enter; they only need to be made if they win) to be judged by a panel of industry experts.

The contest celebrates pearls of all types and encourages their creative use in designs. Judges choose entries they feel best represent the themes—including Wedding Day Pearls, among others. Previous entries have come from 40 countries.

Winners will be announced Nov. 2, 2015. Winning entries will be on display during the AGTA and JCK shows in 2016. For more information, log onto cpaa.org or call 888-31-PEARL.

Entangled by Aspen Demirdjian of Los Angeles took the Brilliance award, for the piece that best illustrates the spectrum of pearl colors, in last year’s CPAA competition

JCK