And the Winner Is...
MJSA 2024 Design Challenge: Responsibly Sourced Designs
Congratulations to Susan Burde of Magick Alchemy in Staten Island, New York, the winner of MJSA’s 2024 “Sisterhood Celebration” Responsibly Sourced Design Challenge!
Held annually, the design competition asked nine designers to create a jewelry piece for a fictional client using a collection of responsibly sourced gemstones from the project’s sponsor, Columbia Gem House in Vancouver, Washington. Throughout the year, we featured their designs online, and in October, we invited readers and viewers to vote for their favorite, and Burde’s necklace took the top prize.
Burde’s necklace design tells a compelling story rooted in friendship and the meaningful impact of responsibly sourced materials. In creating her winning design, Burde drew inspiration from Aisha and the beautiful gemstones her friends selected, as she explains below.
“As I delved into Aisha’s story and admired the gemstones that her friends had chosen, I was captivated by their earthy tones and vibrant colors. These stones not only reflected the beauty of nature, but they also resonated with Aisha’s deep commitment to making a positive impact on the world. Inspired by her passion for the planet and global affairs, I envisioned a piece that embodied world peace, unity, and climate awareness.
“I designed this piece to be versatile, allowing Aisha to wear it as both a necklace and a bracelet. The piece features an attachment that lets her easily remove the extra chain when she desires to wear it on her wrist. At its center, an enameled Earth is adorned with 22k fused gold, symbolizing the sun’s radiant rays.
“In addition to the planet, I incorporated celestial elements such as moons and stars, also fused with 22k gold. These details serve as a reminder for Aisha that, no matter how far apart she may be from her friends, they all gaze upon the same sky. Every time Aisha wears this piece, she will feel connected to them, knowing they are always there for her, no matter the distance.”
For a recap of this year’s challenge and to see all of the designs and finished pieces, click here.