VISION

The heart of Austin Shines is about more than just beautiful jewelry—it's about building relationships, empowering local talent, and giving back. Our vision is to:

• Showcase and support the next generation of Austin jewelry designers
• Connect artists with retail opportunities and real-world exposure
• Offer mentorship and education to help emerging designers grow their businesses
• Give back to the community by donating 100% of proceeds from featured jewelry to the Center for Child Protection
  
  

By creating a space for both artistry and advocacy, Austin Shines embodies the spirit of Austin: creative, connected, and community-minded.

 

HISTORY

Elizabeth Gibson, founder of Eliza Page, introduced Austin Shines in 2010 to the fine jewelry community, bringing together Austin-area artists, retailers, designers, educators, and industry influencers to celebrate, nurture, and grow the jewelry design talent in Austin.

Eliza Page, Austin Shines quickly gained momentum, drawing over 60 designer applicants and more than 150 attendees in its first year.

That inaugural event featured educational panels led by industry leaders, a keynote from Kendra Scott, and a spirited design contest that planted the seeds for what Austin Shines would become. Over the years, this event has become a platform for creativity, mentorship, and business growth for jewelry designers across the city.

Today, Austin Shines is not only a showcase for rising stars but a celebration of community and a force for good—supporting the critical mission of the Center for Child Protection.

 

ABOUT THE CENTER FOR CHILD PROTECTION

The Center for Child Protection is a nationally accredited children’s advocacy center and the only nonprofit in Travis County involved in the investigation and prosecution of crimes against children. The Center utilizes a trauma-informed approach to support children who have been physically or sexually abused or who have witnessed a violent crime.

In addition to their direct services, the Center is also dedicated to empowering the community to recognize, report, and prevent child abuse by offering free education trainings. Your donation supports these services and helps make our city a safer place for kids.

 

 

DESIGN CHALLENGE OVERVIEW

DETAILS

• Candidates must have a cohesive, minimum 10 piece jewelry collection, priced at wholesale, to be considered for Austin Shines. Jewelers will apply via the application link provided and submit their business information, website, social media account, photos, descriptions, and wholesale prices of their collection.
• Applicant designer collections will be judged based on Innovation, Craftsmanship, and Commercial Viability. All work submitted must be original in design and made in sterling silver and or 9k-24k gold.

 

CHALLENGE + CHARITY

• Up to 20 finalists will be accepted for the “Shining Star” collection contest and “Design Challenge” and notified via email. All contestants will be required to submit their 10+ piece jewelry collections for review by Eliza Page, and make a single piece of jewelry to be judged for the “Design Challenge”. Eliza Page will provide one, 1-2 carat rustic salt+pepper diamond for use in the charity “Design Challenge”. Jewelers will supply their own metal and can use sterling silver and or 9k-24k gold.
• All jewelry will be submitted to a panel of jurors. The rustic diamond piece will be donated and sold at Eliza Page with 100% of the proceeds going to the Center for Child Protection.

 

GUIDELINES

• All pieces submitted for Austin Shines must be original in design and made by the artist. Jewelry must be made in solid metal, no plating or hollow material allowed. Designs must utilize the diamond provided by Eliza Page.
• Work must be submitted on time following the deadlines stated in the schedule.

 

 

SCHEDULE DETAILS

ANNOUNCEMENT + CALL FOR ENTRY

Call for entries and jewelry collection submission will begin on May 30th. Austin Shines will be advertised via various media outlets, email, social media, Giant Noise, WJA Austin, ACC Jewelry Department, Canopy Art Studios, Austin Fashion Week, and The Jeweler’s Saw. 

 

APPLICATIONS

Designer’s minimum 10-piece fine jewelry collection submissions and applications are due by June 20th. Artists will apply via the link provided through the Eliza Page website - Austin Shines. Austin Shines Finalists will have their collections featured at Eliza Page and will be required to participate in making a donation piece using an Eliza Page provided rustic diamond for the “Design Challenge”, benefiting the Center for Child Protection.

*APPLICATION CONSIDERATIONS*

• Your application will not be considered unless you have completed all required fields and can submit your jewelry for consideration.
• Physical jewelry samples will not be accepted for the initial application.
• By applying to the design contest, any photos, jewelry, or materials you submit to Austin Shines and Eliza Page may be used for promotional purposes.
• You must submit your jewelry priced at wholesale for retail sale by Eliza Page.
• If you are considered as a finalist, any physical jewelry samples you submit that do not sell will be returned to you.
• All and any additional materials you submit to Eliza Page or Austin Shines that are not required for the contest, may not be returned (like packaging).
• Finalists will be required to participate in making a donation piece for the “Design Challenge” benefiting the Center for Child Protection. Finalists must provide metal and any other desired materials, and use the Eliza Page-provided rustic diamond.

 

FINALIST DESIGNERS ANNOUNCEMENT

Up to 20 selected Austin Shines Finalist jewelry artists will be selected and notified via email by June 24th. These Finalists will have their collections featured at Eliza Page and will be entered in the Design Challenge, benefiting the Center for Child Protection. Eliza Page will coordinate appointments for the rustic diamond pickup at Eliza Page before July 3rd. Finalist Designers will be announced via social media and other outlets on June 25th.

 

DIAMOND PICK-UP & SKETCHES

Design Challenge rustic diamond pickup is due before July 3rd. Proposal sketches for donation pieces are due July 16th. Artists will send sketches via email austinshines@eilzapage.com.

 

JEWELRY

All donation “Design Challenge” rustic diamond pieces and the finalist’s 10+ piece jewelry collections are to be delivered to Eliza Page by August 13th. Jewelry will be merchandised and sold in the Austin Shines Showcase at Eliza Page and in store through the remainder of the challenge. Eliza Page Clients can purchase these rustic diamond pieces during this time to benefit the Center for Child Protection. All other jewelry item sales will be paid to the designer at wholesale cost, within 30 day of sale and must be invoiced. Eliza Page will report any sales on a bi-weekly basis to designers.

 

STORE SHOWCASE

Finished works will be displayed at Eliza Page for the public and jurors to see in store and online September 5th - October 31st. Eliza Page will merchandise the jewelry to fit the store aesthetic, all display materials will be provided by Eliza Page. Each artist’s name will be featured alongside their jewelry. Artists will be promoted through various media outlets and to the Center for Child Protection’s benefactors.

 

JURY PROCESS

Two Shining Star awards will be given– a “Judges Shining Star” and a “People’s Choice Shining Star”.

There will be winners for both the Austin Shines jewelry collection contest, and the “Design Challenge” rustic diamond charity piece.

Judges Shining Star Winners will be judged by an industry expert group of judges in the areas of:

• Creativity and Innovation

• • • Craftsmanship and Technique
    • Commercial Appeal and Viabilty

People’s Choice Winners will be voted for online via peers and the general public, giving Austin-area artists more exposure through online marketing.

 

WINNERS

The Judge’s winners receive:

• Austin-area gift cards and cash up to $1000
• A possible residency at Eliza Page to sell their work for at least 6 months

 

The people’s Choice winner receives:

• Austin-area gift cards and cash up to $500
• Various gift bags

 

THE SHOWCASE

The Austin Shines experience culminates in an unforgettable evening that brings the magic of local design, community, and purpose together under one roof. On September 5th, Eliza Page will host the Red Carpet Designer Showcase Cocktail Party —a glittering celebration honoring the Shining Star finalists and their extraordinary jewelry collections.

Guests will enjoy an exclusive first look at the finalists’ work, mingle with designers, jurors, and supporters, and shop limited-edition pieces crafted just for this event. Light bites, cocktails, and a lively crowd make this the can’t-miss jewelry event of the summer.

This is more than a showcase—it's a celebration of artistry and impact. Every jewelry piece designed for the Design Challenge features a one-of-a-kind rustic diamond and is sold in support of our charitable partner, the Center for Child Protection.

Following the event, all finalist designs will remain on display and available for purchase at Eliza Page from September 5th through October 31st, giving the Austin community a chance to shop, support, and celebrate local talent.