What is an original design worth?

This post brings to mind the late Janis Joplin song :

Take Another Little Piece Of My Heart

“Come on, come on, come on, come on now

Didn’t I make you feel, oh baby, like you were the only one
Baby didn’t I give you nearly everything that a woman possibly can
Honey you know that I did
Cos each time I tell myself that I, I think I’ve had enough

Oh, I am gonna show you baby, that a woman can be tough”

I created a bracelet that looks “rich” yet uses affordable materials, supplies and minimal tools in its assembly.  This bracelet looks substantial, but is also lightweight and comfortable to wear. It is also semi-adjustable in length. The bulk of this bracelet is formed by using rhinestone plastic banding, size 11 seed beads and C-Lon cord. These materials are intertwined using micro-macrame knotting techniques to form the bracelet bands. Basic wire wrapping skills are used to create the dangling accent beads.

Those of you who follow my blog are aware that I don’t rant and rave much here. I’m usually a minimalist when it comes to writing. So read on at your own discretion.

I originally designed this bracelet with the intention to enter it in a jewelry design contest with today as a deadline date for entries. But, after reading the terms and conditions of the contest and also the voting process (too much like a high school popularity contest), I put a kabosh on that idea. I think the voting process alone is a real insult to serious artists and designers. I also decided that I did not care to sign over a piece of my “soul” one-of-a kind design (thank you Janice for the inspiration!) and the chance to win a mere $ 5,000 – $ 500 prize. While a chance at the prize was tempting, I’m really happy with my design and my decision not to enter this contest. I won’t be voting, but good luck to all the designers who did elect to participate in the contest.

Food for thought for all you jewelry designers out there: What is an original design worth?