Annapolis Jeweler Hosts Annual Mother's Day Jewelry Design Contest for Fifth Graders

Zachary's Jewelers awards custom jewelry pieces to three young designers for their winning submissions.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 2:56pm

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For the 15th straight year, Zachary's Jewelers in Annapolis, Maryland is inviting all area fifth-grade children to submit their designs for the annual Mother's Day Jewelry Design Contest. The top three winners will receive a custom piece of jewelry based on their design to give to their mom or caregiver.

Why it matters

The contest provides a unique opportunity for young, creative minds to have their designs brought to life as real jewelry, rather than just ending up on the refrigerator. It also celebrates the special bond between children and their mothers or caregivers.

The details

Participants must create a colorful jewelry design on a standard-sized sheet of paper, along with a short story about why they designed it for their mom or caregiver. A group of semi-finalists will be invited to a special brunch reception at Zachary's Jewelers, where the three winners will be announced and presented with their custom jewelry pieces.

  • The contest submission deadline is March 30, 2026.
  • The winners will be announced and presented with their jewelry at a special brunch reception just before Mother's Day 2026.

The players

Zachary's Jewelers

A jewelry store located in downtown Annapolis, Maryland that has been hosting the annual Mother's Day Jewelry Design Contest for fifth graders for the past 15 years.

Steve Samaras

The owner of Zachary's Jewelers, who says the contest has a special place in the store's heart and that it's amazing to see the talent and imagination of the young designers.

Constance Polamalu

The Chief Operating Officer of Zachary's Jewelers, who says the contest reminds her of her own childhood sketchbooks and that one of these young designers may one day create jewelry worn on red carpets around the world.

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What they’re saying

“The annual Zachary's Mother's Day Jewelry Design Contest has a very special place in our hearts. It is always amazing to see the imagination and talent that the area fifth graders bring to the contest. The best part about the contest is presenting the finished pieces to the artists and their mom, it is a beautiful exchange that never disappoints.”

— Steve Samaras, Owner, Zachary's Jewelers

“Before any great designer is born, there is a young person with a creative mind and determined spirit. Looking through all the submissions always reminds me of my own childhood sketch books. One of these young designers will one day create jewelry worn on red carpets around the world! When that happens, we will be able to say 'I knew that fabulous designer when they were only in the fifth grade, I bet their mother is so proud!'”

— Constance Polamalu, Chief Operating Officer, Zachary's Jewelers

What’s next

The winners of the 2026 Mother's Day Jewelry Design Contest will be announced and presented with their custom jewelry pieces at a special brunch reception at Zachary's Jewelers just before Mother's Day.

The takeaway

Zachary's Jewelers' annual Mother's Day Jewelry Design Contest provides a unique opportunity for young, creative minds to have their designs brought to life as real jewelry, celebrating the special bond between children and their mothers or caregivers.