Sergey Jivetin, Battle formation brooch, 2003, watch hands, silver, 2 x 2 x 0.5 inches

Well, it isn’t quite as dramatic as the title of this post might suggest, but there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth to match any Renaissance vision of hell from those who do not get their applications submitted for the Emerging Artist Award. Each year AJF gives $5000 to a young jeweler at the beginning of their career as a small but significant gesture of support and encouragement. The award is open to jewelers from around the world who have graduated from formal study and not yet had a solo exhibition in a gallery or museum. The winner will be decided by blind jury. (And no, for all you wits out there who might be preparing a snappy barb for the comments function on this post, we aren’t referring to the jurors and their optical capabilities, but the process.) Entries must be received by the 13th June 2010, and you can apply at www.callforentry.org/

Sergey Jivetin, China accumulus necklace, 2009, porcelain handles, silicone tile sealer, 22 x 12 x 2 inches

And now, because a picture is worth a thousand posts, and because AJF is like an elephant when it comes to never forgetting those we have already celebrated, here are some images of work by Sergey Jiventin, who won the EAA in 2005. Sergey, we salute you and all the past winners of the award. And for the lucky individual who will claim the EAA crown in 2010, may the price of gold (or whatever material you favour) plummet just as the cheque arrives in the mail!

Sergey Jivetin, Whorls and Eddies bracelet, 2007, jeweler’s saw-blades, stainless steel, 6 inches diameter, 1 inch high

Sergey Jivetin, Poultry accumulus necklace, 2009, eggs, carbon fiber, gold, steel, 22 x 12 x 4 inches