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Orchid awards?

Jewelry Discussion
#1

More often than not, when I watch TV or go to the movies, I am
appalled by the jewelry (especially necklaces) worn by the
newscasters and other celibraties. The problem is, the public is
influenced by what they see on the screen, which may hurt many of
our businesses. (for those of us who are engaged in the art of
producing tasteful jewelry).

I had the idea of doing “Orchid awards” for the celibrity who we
feel consistantly models the best taste in jewelry. We could try to
get press releases to publicize the winner, making it an enviable
award. Maybe JCK or other similar magazines could pick up the story.
I would be more than willing to help chip in money for this. Let me
know what you all think!

Wendy Newman
@Wendy_Newman3

#2

Hi, Wendy, I don’t think this is exactly what you have in mind, but
an obvious choice for such an award springs to mind-- the Lord of
the Rings movies. The jewelry in those was made by an individual,
and is really wonderful.

–Noel Yovovich

#3

Okay my Orchid Friends… here is some food for thought…

I was thinking about the Orchid Awards and how taste is so
subjective. I have had heated debates with designer friends about
what is “good” design and what is “good jewelry”. I adore everything
from a simple hammered silver bangle, a plastic hello kitty necklace
to a Harry Winston Tiara. Even though I admit I can be a snob too
sometimes, I have always disliked the snobbery attached to some award
shows and trade shows when you are “judged” and the criteria is not
clear about how you are being judged. Don’t get me wrong, I have won
some awards and have been in some good juried shows but I still get
annoyed about what does not get in and who does. So I ask how do you
judge style? Some of us prefer very simple minimalist design but
others would turn their noses up since it was not a huge project
that took 100 hours to accomplish or if something is made in brass
or even silver it can not be as “good” as something made in gold. So
I am just throwing out this question, how do you judge style
especially in regard to jewelry ?

#4

Can you be a little specific about what is appalling and distasteful
about the jewelry newscasters and celebrities wear? I have seen
jewelry worn by both - some I think is very attractive and some that
I don’t because it’s just not my style - but I don’t think I’ve ever
found myself being “appalled” by any of it. I don’t understand the
distasteful statement either. How is it distasteful? Please
elaborate.

#5

Hi DeDe, glad to see you’re still here! And I’m glad to be back on
the list after so long! You asked:

So I ask how do you judge style?  Some of us prefer very simple
minimalist design but others would turn their noses up since it was
not a huge project that took 100 hours to accomplish  or if
something is made in brass or even silver it can not be as "good"
as something made in gold. So I am just throwing out this question,
how do you judge style especially in regard to jewelry ?"

One thought that comes to my mind is that, since it would be an
Orchid award, perhaps the emphasis should be on things that
represent most of the group. I realize that we are all from very
different backgrounds, countries, industries, etc., but perhaps we
can come up with criteria that can be voted on by the group as
important. Perhaps an award that celebrates the jewelry artists and
companies with unique vision? A few things that come to my mind
would be:

-handmade/handcrafted, small production type work

-comes from the mind of a single artist

-made in the country it is mainly marketed in (i.e. not designed in
a first world and manufactured in a third world country)

-businesses that have standards of quality for their product and
treat their employees fairly

I don’t mean to step on anyone’s toes with my comments - it is just
what I look for in “good jewelry”. But, like I said, we should have
the group vote and see what stands out as important criteria. And,
once that is established, use it to nominate candidates which the
group can vote on.

Jill
http://www.jjewelry.com