posted 01-15-2012 01:55 PM            

Prize Designs for Buckles.

Awarding of the Prizes Offered by the New England Manufacturing Jewelers’ Association.

The conditions governing the contest this year were that the designs be drawn for a silver belt buckle on paper 7 by I0 inches in size, with no background. Colors were allowed and gems might be indicated. The contest was open from March 29 to April 21. During this time about 40 designs were submitted. all of such a high order of merit that the judges found the task of selecting the prize winners rather an arduous one. The prizes were in cash, $12 for the first, $8 for the second and $5 for the third. These were awarded for the designs executed by Miss Caroline Farrington, William M. Baker and Lillian Swan, respectively. Besides these two others were considered worthy of First and second mention, the work of Miss Emma Parker and Chester Green.

The design which received the first prize was an artistic adaptation of a pair of jonquils, quietly handled and brought out with a modest use of color. The designer, Miss Farrington, has been a persistent user of flowers in her work. and has succeeded in taking a high place among the pupils of the school.

The design submitted by Mr. Baker was a black and white wash drawing in the rococo style, with the high lights in Chinese white. Amethysts were indicated in color. This was considered by the judges a very practical design, much in line with some of the goods now being put on the market, and they were in some doubt as to whether it ought not to have the first prize. In view of the fact that one of the objects in holding the competition was the development of new and original ideas, however, the first prize was awarded to the jonquil design and Mr. Baker’s drawing was given second.

Miss Swan`s drawing, awarded third prize, was a design in the Egyptian order, pure and clear in style, having naturally for its basis the lotus bud and flower. This was treated in bright colors and as a drawing by itself was perhaps the most beautiful of all submitted.

The first of the two to receive special mention was a Gothic design by Miss Emma Parker. It was a pretty adaptation nl the oak. The second mention design consisted of a pair of dolphins cleverly placed by the designer, Chester Green. Many others seemed almost equally deserving of awards. Of the total number submitted the judges chose more than half at first as being especially worthy. These were gradually sifted down until the five mentioned and described above were finally selected.

The judges were John M. Buffinton, of Potter & Buffinton, president of the New England Manufacturing Jewelers’ Association; Frank T. Pearce, of F. T. Pearce & Co., and John L. Remlinger.