Press Releases

Scott Kay Partners with Fashion Institute of Technology to Host Design Contest for Jewelry Students

Published

8 years ago

September 28, 2016

INSTORE Staff

(Press Release)

New York, NY – Scott Kay has unveiled its partnership with the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and announced a brand-inspired contest for second year Jewelry Design students to honor the brand’s founding designer.

The students are being challenged to design a set of bridal jewelry that includes three pieces from a set of four — ring, bracelet, necklace and/or earrings.

The contest will take place during the fall 2016 and spring 2017 semesters. FIT is a college of the State University of New York.

When designing, students are being asked to use their creativity to build upon the brand’s original design codes and present hand drawings, technical drawings, measurement details, materials and color options.

The winners of the contest will be chosen after two rounds. Judging will be based on overall design, originality, creativity, production viability and the usage of Scott Kay’s design codes. The judging panel will be comprised of executive members of the

Scott Kay team, as well as a retail partner and select editors from the media.

“The design contest will allow FIT students to experience the realities of the jewelry industry, providing them a firsthand look into the total design process from first sketch to final conception,” said Kelly Kahn, director of brand management. “We hope students will be inspired by the artistry of Scott Kay and that the contest will encourage them to continue exploring their studies in jewelry design.”

In late January, Scott Kay will host a dinner for five finalists where they will present their final drawings to the judging panel and the top winner will be announced.

The winning student will receive $3,000, along with a trip to Las Vegas for the JCK/Luxury Show at which their winning jewelry design set will be displayed. After the contest, the winner will also be eligible to negotiate a separate agreement with Scott Kay to produce and sell their winning design.

Second and third runners-up will each receive $1,000 and fourth and fifth runners-up will each receive $500.

You Wouldn’t Cut Your Own Hair. Why Run Your Own Retirement Sale?

After being in business for over a quarter of a century, Wayne Reid, owner of Wayne Jewelers in Wayne, Pennsylvania, decided it was time for a little “me time.” He says, “I’ve reached a point in my life where it’s time to slow down, enjoy a lot of things outside of the jewelry industry. It just seemed to be the right time.” He chose Wilkerson to handle his retirement sale because of their reputation and results. With financial goals exceeded, Reid says he made the right choice selecting Wilkerson to handle the sale. “They made every effort to push our jewelry to the forefront of the showcases,” he says, lauding Wilkerson for their finesse and expertise. Would he recommend them to other jewelers who want to make room for new merchandise, expand their business or like him, decide to call it a day? Absolutely he says, equating trying to do this kind of sale with cutting your own hair. “The results are going to happen but not as well as if you have a professional like Wilkerson do the job for you.”