Fifth-Graders Design Jewelry for Moms

A necklace designed on paper especially for mom is a memorable gift, like a homemade card on Mother's Day. Having it then turned into a piece of jewelry for mom to wear by makes it a treasure.

About 300 fifth-grade girls and boys from 20 elementary school art classes, submitted their jewelry designs to the second annual Mother's Day Design Contest.

About 95 finalists were selected, then four winners, said Daphne Foreman of Zachary's who created the contest to get involved with the community.

Each of the four winning designs were then replicated and manufactured at the store into a piece that will become a heirloom for their mom.

"The designs were very contemporary and modern. I don't know if it is a reflection of what the kids like or what the mothers wear," said Erica Christian of Zachary's.

The four winning designs were made by:

• Mallory Gersch, Chesapeake Academy
• Will Broadbeck, St. Martin's-in-the-Field Day School
• Kailyn McCulloch, Jones Elementary School
• Vivian Flanagan, Folger McKinsey Elementary School

Foreman said she was particularly impressed with Vivian's necklace design that resembled a piece already for sale in the shop.

The store invited all of the young artists and held a special Mother's Day brunch last Sunday to announce the winners. About 200 people attended, Foreman said.