Miami Beach International Fashion Week® is hosting the 2nd annual International Emerging Jewelry Designer Competition as organizers search for the best new jewelry designers in the world to spotlight in the "New Stars in Fashion Installation" at the 14^th annual MBIFW.

Jewlery designers will be reviewed and three (3) finalists will be chosen for the final judging and participation in the installation.

The installation will be viewed each evening by local, national and international press, buyers, celebrities and VIP guests attending the event. One designer will be chosen as the "International Emerging Jewelry Designer of the Year" and honored at the opening press conference on March 21, 2012. The judge's decision is final.

Competition Requirements:

For jewelry designers to be eligible for participation in the competition, the following requirements must be met:

1. Jewelry designer must have a minimum of 2 years experience in professional jewelry making and to have been in business for less than 5 years

2. Designer must create at least 1 collection per year with a minimum of 10 pieces

3. Designer must be selling jewelry in at least one store

Rules for Submissions:

1. Designer must make each piece entirely by hand. No beading will be accepted

2. Pieces must be made in the following metals only: copper, brass, silver or gold. Designer may use a combination of any metals

3. Additional design elements may be used such as precious or semi-precious stones, leather, fabric, etc.

4. Designer must provide a written description of each piece including the gauge of the metal used, dimension of the piece and size of the stones used

5. Must provide 3 photos of each piece submitted showing the front and each side of the jewelry item. Sketches will not be accepted. Good quality snapshots are acceptable.

6. Designers may submit up to 3 pieces of jewelry to be judged for the competition

7. A biography in English

Submissions should be sent by email to jewelrydesigner@miamifashionweek.com

Deadline for submissions is January 30, 2012. Finalists will be posted on the MBIFW web site February 15, 2012.

Finalists:

1. Three (3) finalists will be chosen to submit three (3) pieces for the fashion installation and final judging. The jewelry pieces must be received in the MBIFW office by March 1, 2012.

2. The judges will announce the winner at the opening night press conference on March 21, 2012.

3. All costs for the installation will be paid by MBIFW.

4. Finalists are responsible for all costs of producing and shipping the jewelry pieces including any necessary insurance to cover loss of any kind. Please include return postage so the pieces may be sent back to you after the event.
   
   Mailing Address:
   Miami Beach International Fashion Week
   9378 NW 8th Circle
   Plantation, Florida 33324 USA
   Tel: +-954-476-5761

Finalists are responsible for all travel costs should they decide to personally attend MIFW. Travel and hotel discounts are available via our MBIFW travel partners at
http://www.miamifashionweek.com/Travel_Discounts.html

The Prizes!

The winner willer receive the following:

• Name, headshot and a photo of 1 piece of jewelry included in the Winners Circle on the MBIFW web site

• Inclusion in the New Stars in Fashion Installation at MBIFW 2012

• A cash prize presented by the Miami Fashion Week Foundation

• A master class (3 hours) with Metalsmith, Ana Esther Soued. Class will be held at her studio in Hollywood, Florida. Winner is responsible for all travel costs. If winner is unable to travel to Hollywood, a 2 hour consultation via the Internet or Skype will be offered to review technique or any specific topic in jewelry making that is of interest to the winner.

All designers submitting pieces for the competition are invited to attend the fashion styling, trends & retail and business seminars during the event. All travel costs are the responsiblity of the designer. Travel discounts are available via the MBIFW travel partners at http://www.miamifashionweek.com/Travel_Discounts.html

Please send all inquiries to info@miamifashionweek.com

About the Judge: Ana Esther Soued. As a member of the American Craft Council in New York, the North Carolina Society of Goldsmith, Florida Society of Goldsmith, The Miami Mineralogical and Lapidary Guild and Society of American Silversmith, Ana Esther Soued has studied under some of the most acknowledged masters in the art of jewelry making and decorative art pieces. With multiple international exhibitions to her credits, Soued is also the director of the metal department for the City of Hollywood, FL and is a teacher of Gemology and Jewelry Making at A.i. Miami International University of Art and Design in Miami, Florida. At her private studio in Hollywood, she designs and hand-crafts artistic silver craft objects which are praised for their beauty and creativity. Not only is her work exhibited in many international galleries but also in the homes of private collectors.

Thank you and Good Luck!

Beth Sobol, President