I'm not sure what it says about the state of the jewelry design industry when so many jewelers are launching contests to find other designers to work with.  I can't quite decide whether such competitions are acts of genuine philanthropy to help out new artists, a blatant marketing ploy designed to generate some free column inches, or a symptom of a drought in the inspiration pool. 

I'm reserving any kind of judgement though, as these contests are a win-win for everyone involved.  Brand names get fresh ideas, new designers get a foot in the door and the public gets an interesting story that raises overall awareness of the jewelry design industry.

Behind this contest is jeweler to the stars, Kendra Scott, who launched the competition to find a new, young designer to work with.  After shortlisting three finalists, their designs were voted for by People readers online.  The winning design was an elaborate silver necklace in typical Southwest style, withover-sized turquoise teardrops and amber and garnet accents. The competition was run in conjunction with People magazine, and the 21 year old winner, Kaki Gaines, will get to show off her necklace at the People's Choice awards as she walks up the red carpet with her new mentor.

Gaines, from Austin, is an advertising student, and currently only sells her pieces in a small boutique in her her hometown of Austin.  This is sure to change in 2010, when the collection that she will be working on with Scott is pitched to retailers across the US.