The annual Saul Bell Design Award competition, sponsored by Rio Grande, inspires and challenges jewelry designers around the globe to push their "most daring design ideas to the center of the spotlight." Now in its tenth year, the competition continues to recognize artists whose work challenges traditional perceptions of jewelry design.

The competition invites artists and students to enter their most innovative creations in any of six categories: Gold/Platinum, Silver/Argentium® Silver, Beads, Metal Clay, Hollowware, or Enamel. The category you choose must be the foundation of your piece, but it may include any additional materials you wish (up to 25% of the overall piece). Jewelry must be wearable, and the piece may not have won an award in any other competition.

For the Beads category, beads may be of any material, but the work must be your original design and assembly. The Metal Clay category is sponsored by Mitsubishi Materials Corp., developer and manufacturer of PMC®. The predominant material must be silver, gold, bronze, or copper clay, and the design must be original.

A completed registration form along with renderings, photographs or electronic files must be received by Rio Grande no later than September 17, 2010.

Shown: 2010 Saul Bell Award 1st Place Winner--Metal Clay Category: Wendy Wallin Malinow, Portland, Oregon USA