News & Awards

A rendering of 2010's student-designed winning piece, the Delicate Flame pendant, by Danica T. The Delicate Flame necklace in 14k gold with pearls, was produced by Golden Artistry Jewelry Design's Terry Whyte.

Whyte is now in the midst of his third annual contest, and he's certain his efforts will continue to evolve and help his store prosper -- along with thee fledgling artists he's helping promote.

He invites about 20,000 students from 12 area high schools to submit a line drawing, color rendering, or CAD file of a pin, pendant, or earring. In 2010 and 2011, entries numbered roughly 300, double the first year's total. This year's winner will be named on May 5.

Whyte -- plus fellow Golden Artistry goldsmiths and a GIA design teacher -- judges submissions on creativity, visual appeal, inspiration, wearability, and most important, reproducibility. He creates three pieces of the winning design -- one for the store, one for the designer, and one to auction at the awards ceremony, held at a nearby community center. (Proceeds are donated to the Friends of East County Arts, which supports local art, drama, and music programs.) In 2010, Whyte spent 25 hours creating the winning piece, the Delicate Flame pendant, with 8 grams of 14k gold and three peach-colored pearls.

The winning designer also gets an internship at Golden Artistry Jewelry Design. "By having students interning, they can see that a creative career is sustainable and fun," Whyte says. The first year's winner, 17-year-old Cathy G., was initially aiming for a career in forensic science, but Whyte says her time at the store inspired her to go into fashion design. "Being here changed her course, and I think it's fantastic."

Though Whyte spends about $5,500 annually to sponsor the event -- local businesses help defrayy costs by donating food and wine for the awards ceremony -- he plans to continnue the tradition mostly because of the connections he makes with the students: "I've got an extended family now.