How it Works

The Rejewelry Competition and Exhibition is an ongoing international juried competition that invites jewelers to create a series of wearable pieces using jewelry donated to the Radical Jewelry Makeover project.

The juror-selected applicants can purchase RJM donation materials through a private RJM Shop to create a suite of jewelry that will exhibit for one year in a traveling exhibition (3 exhibitions). Materials available in the shop include a sweeping range from fine materials (gold, silver, gemstones) to costume jewelry (plastics, pot metal, wood, rubber, etc.). 

Works created in the competition will be available for purchase in the online RJM Store between the exhibitions. 

*All competition works will be available for purchase during the exhibitions and online. Artists will receive the standard 50% of any sales made.

Selection of work from the Rejewelry 2023 cohort, some is available in the RJM store

Eligibility

  • All jewelers are welcome to apply. 

  • International participants (those outside the USA) are welcome but should note, they will purchase their post-consumer materials through local secondary markets as the carbon footprint of shipping RJM materials internationally is in conflict with the mission and ethics of RJM. 

Requirements for Application Review

  • Payment of the $30 application fee and submission of all application materials. 

Important Dates

  • September 15 - November 30 - Application period

  • February 1 - Jurors will select a the new Rejewlery cohort

  • February 1 - March 1 - Private RJM Shop opens for cohort
    *Purchased materials will be mailed out 5 business days from purchase

  • February- May - Applicants create a suite of jewelry

  • May 1 - All completed works shipped to RJM Headquarters

  • June 2026 - Works showcased in traveling exhibition (three stops)

 

About the RJM Materials

RJM receives about 100 pounds of donated jewelry during each installment. From these donations, 99% is costume, fast-fashion jewelry while the other 1% is precious material.

If selected to participate in the Rejewelry Competition these donated materials will be available to you in order to create a suite of jewelry. The materials include:

  • Silver, 2 troy ounces (min purchase): priced at 80% of the day's rate at the time of purchase

  • 14k Gold, 2 gram (min purchase): priced at 80% of the day's rate at the time of purchase
    NOTE: The majority of RJM donated gold is 14k, but there may be small quantities of 18k that will also be available for purchase and sold according to the above system for pricing.

  • Costume Jewelry: Priced by the pound, $12 per pound. 

  • Gemstones will be divided by weight or individually sold. Priced per lot. 

The Jurors

Heidi Lowe

Heidi Lowe comes from a family of artists, where she was surrounded by quality art supplies, and being creative was encouraged. Heidi started her first jewelry company at age 13 where she created earrings and sold them to shops on Rehoboth Avenue. When Heidi made her first silver ring in high school, she knew she would study metals and jewelry in college. Heidi attended the Maine College of Art and then earned a master’s degree in Metals and Jewelry from the State University of NY - New Paltz.

Heidi opened her namesake jewelry gallery, Heidi Lowe Gallery, in 2006 where she exhibits her one-of-a-kind jewels as well the works of 25 artists from around the country. Through the years she has been striving to create a meaningful body of work that merges the handmade with wearable comfort and beauty. While the world was on pause the Liana Collection emerged. The liana vine signified the strength and endurance found within each of us, a spirit to be celebrated and encouraged.

When Heidi’s not making jewelry, she’s focused on having fun with family and friends. She’s always looking forward to her next travel plans where she can recharge and allow her creative mind space. Artistic and personal growth are integral to how Heidi navigates the world, spending her downtime reading, drawing, and learning.

Heidi Lowe Gallery Website

 

Shane Prada

Shane Prada began her career working in education in 2004, first as a Teach For America corps member and then as a cofounder of one of the first charter schools in Baltimore city. In 2010, Shane began taking evening classes at the MICA Jewelry Center and fell in love with art jewelry and metalsmithing. In the fall of 2012, MICA announced that it would discontinue the 22-year old Jewelry Center program in 2014. In the spring of 2013, a leadership team comprised of the core faculty and three students from the program was formed. Shane took the lead as the team created a new organization, the Baltimore Jewelry Center. In her role as director of the BJC, Shane oversees the administration and strategic plan of the organization, steers the educational programming, raises funds, manages the organization’s finances, and spearheads community outreach. At the end of 2025, after nearly 13 years of transformative leadership, Shane will step down from her position as the Executive Director of the BJC. While she will stay on at the BJC in a part-time role, she is excited to welcome a new leader to the organization and to pursue other career pathways for herself.  In her spare time, Shane is an avid equestrian, training and competing in the Olympic sport of eventing. She also loves to sew clothing.

Baltimore Jewelry Center Website

 

Jessica Anderson

Bio…..

Pistachios Website