Olertis picks Firebird Phoenix as winning high jewelry design

Olertis named Estela Soler’s “Firebird Phoenix” the winner of its nationwide design competition and awarded her $5,000. The one-of-a-kind necklace will move into modeling, engineering and fabrication, with all project funds going to charity and a planned public debut in 2027.

Why it matters: - The winning concept will become a real high jewelry piece, moving from competition entry to custom-commissioned necklace. - The project combines AI-era design methods, lab-grown and natural gemstones, and charitable giving in one high-profile piece. - The completed necklace is intended for public display at a major jewelry event or art fair in 2027.

What happened: - Olertis named Estela Soler of Santa Ana, California, the winner of its nationwide design competition. - Soler received a $5,000 award for her concept for a one-of-a-kind necklace called Firebird Phoenix. - The design was selected from more than 350 entries. - Natalie Richard, designer and customer support manager at Olertis, said the company weighed both appearance and whether the concept could be developed into a high jewelry piece within the competition’s constraints. - Richard said Olertis also consulted the future owner before making the final decision. - The necklace design draws inspiration from a flying bird and combines visual characteristics of a swan and a peacock. - The composition uses an elongated, highly detailed form to suggest movement instead of a literal bird image.

The details: - Nearly 100 submissions were considered worthy of serious review. - Approximately 80% of entrants used artificial intelligence tools. - Other entrants used traditional drawing methods, 3D jewelry software and vector graphics. - The broader jewelry trade is discussing AI alongside additive manufacturing and automation. - The 2026 Jewelry Symposium in Metro Detroit included programs on AI in jewelry design, additive manufacturing, metallurgy, responsible sourcing and process automation. - GIA’s Jewelry Design & Technology program links modern design principles with CAD modeling, prototyping and manufacturing, along with scale, proportion, durability, comfort and manufacturability. - Olertis will transform Soler’s concept through 3D modeling, engineering and traditional jewelry craftsmanship. - The gemstone plan blends fine jewelry materials with laboratory-grown options. - Olertis plans to use laboratory-grown rubies, natural garnets, natural citrines and natural F-color, VS-clarity diamonds. - Natural rubies at the scale envisioned would be highly expensive, making lab-grown rubies a more practical option for the project. - The company wants the design to retain its intended scale, color and visual impact within the project’s budget. - Clear disclosure of gemstone origin is especially relevant when natural and laboratory-grown stones are used together. - Jewelers of America has emphasized the importance of distinguishing between natural and laboratory-created gemstones for consumers.

Between the lines: - The project reflects a broader shift in custom jewelry, where designers are blending artistic concept work with engineering and digital production tools. - The selection also shows how high jewelry projects are being shaped by material sourcing decisions as much as by aesthetics. - Olertis is positioning Firebird Phoenix as both a showcase piece and a charitable vehicle, which broadens its purpose beyond commercial jewelry design. - The company’s public references to AI, lab-grown gems and disclosure suggest the project is also meant to sit inside current industry debates, not outside them.

What's next: - Olertis will move the design into digital modeling, engineering, fabrication and handcraftsmanship. - The company will decide which charity receives the proceeds and announce that choice publicly during production. - If Olertis does not choose one recipient, the funds will be split evenly among Feeding America, Direct Relief and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. - Olertis intends to display the finished piece at either JCK in Las Vegas, COUTURE in Las Vegas or The Winter Show in New York. - The possible display dates are The Winter Show from January 22-31, 2027, COUTURE from June 2-6, 2027, and JCK from June 4-7, 2027. - The project is expected to continue evolving from competition concept to completed high jewelry piece as production advances.

The bottom line: - Firebird Phoenix is now a charitable high jewelry build, with AI-era design tools, gemstone sourcing choices and a 2027 showcase all part of the story. - More information: Olertis on Instagram, Olertis on Facebook, Olertis business profile