Students win annual jewelry design contest | Business - Independent Tribune

Three Cabarrus County Schools students saw their original jewelry designs come to life on Thursday, May 30 when they received the finished pieces and were formally recognized as winners of the 9th Annual Future Jewelry Designer Contest sponsored by Ellis Jewelers.
The winners of the contest were:
- Alison Martinez-Cortes, Weddington Hills Elementary School
- Sarah Noell, Harold E. Winkler Middle School
- Valeria Castro, Northwest Cabarrus High School
To enter, students submitted an original ring or pendant design in their grade level category (elementary grades 3-5, middle school grades 6-8, and high school grades 9-12). This year, more than 125 students submitted designs.
The team at Ellis Jewelers carefully judged each design, choosing one for each age group. From there the skilled jewelers at Ellis went to work hand-crafting the winning designs.
Ellis Jewelers made every effort to adhere to the student’s original design; however, it reserved the right to modify the design, at the discretion and suggestion of their jeweler. Judging criteria included practicality of creating the piece, Ellis’ ability to create the piece as exactly as the child designed it without sacrificing the child’s intent, how usable/wearable the piece is and creativity of the design.
“This contest was developed to spark the creative spirit in our community’s children,” said Dan Levinson, owner of Ellis Jewelers. “This contest is so unique because it combines, math, geology, physics, art, design and writing skills”. “Our entire team is excited to see the winner’s reactions when we present them with the jewelry they designed.”
Between contributions to school programs and custom production of the jewelry, Ellis Jewelers has committed more than $15,000 to make the Future Jewelry Designer Contest a reality.
Locally owned and operated, Ellis Jewelers has been a fixture in downtown Concord for 66 years. Offering a large selection of engagement and wedding rings to loose diamonds, Ellis Jewelers also creates unique custom designs, repairs jewelry and in addition, buys gold, silver, precious diamonds, unique estate jewelry and rare coins. Ellis Jewelers specializes in personal service for each of its customers and takes pride in providing special moments in their customer’s lives. Ellis Jewelers – proudly providing uptown selection with hometown value since 1953.
