- Must submit original designs that have not been previously published, exhibited, or awarded in any other contest
- Designs can be any combination of pieces (ex. rings, earrings, necklace, charm, etc.)
- Applicant must have under 5 years of experience
- Applicant cannot submit pieces that you have already produced and sold
- Applicant cannot be a jewelry designer that already has a relationship with Local Eclectic
- Each participant may submit a maximum of 1 entry
Introducing Hidden Gems: The Jewelry Design Contest from Local Eclectic
Discovering the Next Big Talent in Jewelry Design
Hidden Gems is a contest aimed at elevating emerging jewelry designers. We're on the lookout for talented creators with less than five years of experience who want to take their craft to the next level and produce their collection with Local Eclectic!
The winner of Hidden Gems will see their collection brought to life on the LE site with all development and production costs covered by Local Eclectic. They’ll benefit from hands-on mentorship and collaboration with the LE team and earn 20% of the net revenue from their designs. The runner up in the contest will also gain exclusive mentorship to further their career
How it works
Applicants produce and submit 5 designs of their choice
Submit your designs via the embedded yahoo form on this page before 10/30/24 @ 12 PM CST
Our panel of expert judges will select the top 10 entries
The public will vote on the final 5 entries via our website to determine the second place winner
The final winner, chosen by the judge panel, will have their design professionally produced and featured on Local Eclectic
Important Dates
9/6/24
Contest Opens
@ 3PM CST
Deadline Extended:
10/30/24
@ 12 PM CST
10/30/24-11/7/24
Applications Review
Reviewed by LE Team and Judges
11/8/24-11/15/24
Phase 2
Introducing the Final 10
11/25/24-12/2/24 @ 10 AM CST
Public Voting
Narrow Down to Top 5
12/3/24
Winner & Runner-Up Announced
12/10/24-2/28/24
Development Phase
Design, Development & Production
Spring 2025
Collection Launch
Designs sold on Local Eclectic
Meet the Judges
Alexis Nido-Russo
Founder and CEO of Local Eclectic with over 10 years in the jewelry biz.
Sydney Oh
Communications expert and talent agent with in the fashion and lifestyle industries.
Recho Omondi
Designer, Journalist, and founder of the fashion podcast "The Cutting Room Floor".
Taryn Gordon
Senior Manager of Product Development and Merchandising at Local Eclectic.
Sofia Ajram
Canadian Arts and Fashion Award-winning Designer of Sofia Zakia jewelry.
Dale Arden Chong
Writer, editor, and consultant, currently serving as Senior Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com.
Hannah Baxter
Writer, and creative consultant, contributing to The Cut, Harper's Bazaar, Glamour, Bustle, Byrdie, Air Mail and more. She is the founder of the bi-monthly mental health newsletter Anxiety Beer.
Melissa Sova
SVP of Growth and Strategy at Local Eclectic.
Frequently asked questions
FAQS and Requirements
Entry Criteria
What type of jewelry concepts are accepted?
It can be anything as long as it's 5 sketches – if you are someone who particularly has a thing for designing rings that is okay! Everyone has their niche!
What type of format will be accepted for design submissions?
Any form, Sketches, CAD, computer design… etc.
Are there any limitations with materials and stones?
It’s your vision! But keep in mind that once we get to production phase things may change based on what's feasible.
Age or location restrictions
18+ and U.S. residents only
Will you receive a response if you don’t pass the first round?
Yes! You will receive an email on 11/8 if you did not pass the first round.
Can you enter more than once?
No, only 1 entry per person
What criteria will be used to judge my designs?
Entries will be scored on the following 4 criteria:
Product-Market Fit (1-5)
Originality and Uniqueness (1-10)
Appeal to Sponsor's Customers (1-10)
Sense of Storytelling/Meaning Behind Designs (1-5)
Who will be producing the designs — Local Eclectic or the contest winner?
Local Eclectic will produce your designs! LE is partnering with the contest winner throughout the entire product development process – including materials, ideal retail, design sign-off, sample approval, etc. If you are a designer that wishes to hand make their jewelry, we can discuss what this process will look like should you win!