September 2014 Theme Competition

**Jemima** · 01-09-2014, 08:50 AM

September 14 Competition Theme: Silver

Post your themed pieces within this thread with a little bit about the design and the winner will be revealed at the end of the month!

The Winner will WIN a £100 shopping spree.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

A few legalities...

Terms & conditions

No purchase necessary. The closing date for the competition will be 30.09.2014. The winner will win a £100 inc. VAT shopping spree at Cooksongold.

The judging process will take place by 08.10.2014. Our Judging Panel will make the final decision.

The Competition is open to all Cooksongold customers aged 18 years and over.

Only one entry per category per person.

There is no cash alternative. Cooksongold reserves the right to change the prize for one of equivalent value.

The winner will be notified on the forum within this thread by 08.10.2014.

Employees of Cooksongold, their agents and families are excluded from the competition together with any person connected to the competition.

Entry into the competition is deemed as acceptance of the rules. The winner agrees to participate in any publicity in connection with the competition.

To enter the competition, simply publish your design/comment within this thread.

No correspondence will be entered into. The judging panel's decision is final. The promoter is Cooksongold.

**Sandra** · 01-09-2014, 07:29 PM

I would just like to share my thoughts on Cookson Gold's monthly competition. First of all, I want to say I love the competition and it gives me the added encouragement to get back into my workshop despite the struggles of a beginner. I might have otherwise given up or put the next project aside for too long if it hadn't been for the competition. I love seeing the work of other entries, especially those that are still learning as I am. I'm not sure how to say this....but to be totally honest it is a bit discouraging to be up against professional jewellery makers who have been creating and selling jewellery for years. They, of course, have amazing work to enter that beginners could not possibly compete against. Could I possibly suggest, to have separate categories for amateurs and professionals to help level the playing field a bit?

**caroleallen** · 01-09-2014, 08:03 PM

I think that's a good idea Sandra.

**CJ57** · 01-09-2014, 08:07 PM

I agree too, it doesn't seem a very level playing field sometimes

**vsilvered** · 02-09-2014, 02:52 AM

Hmm.. I think it could get complicated.

Amateur/beginner/learners could be defined as:
* People who make jewellery in their spare time, maybe in a small home workshop
* People who rent studio space and work in fully equipped workshops after work/in their spare time and have access to a tutor
* Students studying jewellery design/making at college/uni
* Jewellery course junkies

All of these people could be capable of producing amazing pieces of work that could rival that of any ‘professional’ jewellery artist.

Ultimately, I think these competitions are as much about ‘taste’ as they are about composition, design and technique.

**caroleallen** · 02-09-2014, 06:57 AM

It is a difficult one and I also agree with the points above.

Although I could be considered a "professional", I'm always so busy churning out my stuff that I get hardly any time to spend working on anything amazing enough to enter into a competition. People who are "amateurs" and make jewellery for pleasure usually have much more time to spend on their pieces.

As Sandra says, it gives people the impetus and inspiration to up their game. The "professionals" usually only win once and lots of "amateurs" have won in the past.

On reflection, I think the competition should stay as it is.

**BarryM** · 02-09-2014, 08:57 AM

I understand Sandra's point but as a beginner myself I have to say that I disagree. What I think would be fairer would be a single competition as now, with the winner from one month not being allowed to enter another comp. for 12 months. With each submission the entrant adds their own comment about their competency, e.g. "beginner hobbyist (1 year)", "professional (15 years)", etc. the awarding group can then take into account the experience / skill level of the entrant when making their choice.
A simple design that is well executed from a beginner would then have as much chance of winning as a really complex piece from a professional.
The whole thing is highly subjective and the prize, although worthwhile, is hardly a lottery win that will change your life.