Stephanie Maslow Blackman, the talented designer behind Metalicious, has been honored with the prestigious 2023 MJSA Responsibly Sourced Design Challenge award. This recognition was well-deserved for her exceptional piece that not only showcased her design prowess but also embodied her commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability. The challenge, which partnered with Columbia Gem House, aimed to support a charitable cause through a unique auction event, raising a total of $12,000.
The challenge tasked designers with crafting a piece of jewelry based on a fictional scenario, and this year’s theme was to create for a fictional 52-year-old divorcée seeking a new beginning. Designers were provided with a selection of responsibly sourced materials, including sterling silver, Cortez pearls, Grape garnets, Neon green beryl, and Teal tourmaline from Columbia Gem House, all of which were incorporated into the final designs.
Maslow Blackman’s winning entry was a sophisticated gemstone and pearl necklace that reflected her signature style of swirls and oxidized silver. The piece not only demonstrated her design talent but also carried a personal touch, symbolizing the client’s passions and life’s journey. The intricate swirls symbolized the highs and lows of life, while a unique detail on the back of the pearl setting featured the initials of the client and her daughter, representing their unbreakable bond.
Metalicious, based in New York City, is known for its commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability, often incorporating recycled materials and unique gemstones into its designs. This win was not only a testament to Maslow Blackman’s design talent but also aligned perfectly with the business’s core values of sustainability, ethics, and community support.
The auctioned pieces, including Maslow Blackman’s design, benefited CRRIFS, a Mexico-based nonprofit dedicated to the conservation and protection of native wildlife, specifically sea turtles. The proceeds from the auction are going towards the construction of a saltwater rehabilitation tank, crucial for CRRIFS’ sea turtle rescue efforts, which also supports the ecosystem vital for Cortez Pearl oysters, a featured gem in this year’s challenge.
Maslow Blackman expressed her joy and commitment to positive industry impact, stating, “This is a dream come true. Our core values at Metalicious include sustainability, ethics, and giving back. Raising awareness and funds for such a significant cause truly embodies what we stand for. No matter the size of your business, it’s possible to create a positive ripple effect in the industry.”
For more information about Metalicious, please contact Stephanie Maslow Blackman at stephanie@metalicious.com.
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