Terms and Conditions

TERMS AND CONDITIONS – Osmium Visionary Contest (by Osmium-Institute & Katerina Perez)

1. Eligibility

This competition, organized by the Osmium Institute in collaboration with Katerina Perez, is open to all jewelry designers and manufacturers, including both emerging talents and established brands, from around the world. There are no restrictions on whether the designer is an independent individual or part of a company. Each participant may submit three designs.

Persons involved in the competition’s preparation or execution, who could influence the jury or have any conflict of interest, are ineligible to enter.

2. Submission Requirements

  • Designs: Submissions must be original, featuring crystalline Osmium as a key material, and must meet the design requirements outlined in the competition guidelines. Designs should be feasible for production and commercially viable.
  • Format: Designs must be submitted as detailed sketches (technical drawings) or 3D renderings. A statement of inspiration and concept (max. 300 words, ) and a brief designer biography (max. 200 words) must accompany the submission. All files must be submitted in PDF, PNG or JPG format.
  • Contest Period:
    • Start Date: 03 February 2025
    • End Date: 25 March, 2025 (50 days)
    • Submission Deadline: Submissions must be received by 25 March 2025, 2025 at 11:59 pm.

3. Intellectual Property (IP) and Rights

  • By entering the competition, the participant warrants that the submitted design is their original work, does not infringe upon the intellectual property of any third parties, and that they are authorized to legally dispose of any rights related to the design. Projects that infringe on intellectual property rights (trademarks, patents, utility models, or similar) are excluded from participation.
  • The participant grants the Osmium Institute and Katerina Perez a non-exclusive, transferable, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, reproduce, display, and distribute the submitted design in connection with the promotion and marketing of the competition, including but not limited to social media, websites, trade fairs, publications, advertisements, and other promotional materials. This license is granted for an indefinite duration and may be sublicensed to third parties for the same promotional purposes. The participant acknowledges that their design may be modified for promotional use, and agrees that they will not receive any compensation beyond the prizes listed in the contest rules for the use of their design. The participant confirms that they have the necessary rights to grant this license and that the design does not infringe on the intellectual property rights of any third party. Granting the specified license is a condition for participation in the competition, and any attempt to revoke or limit this license may result in disqualification from consideration
  • Participants may retain ownership of the intellectual property rights to their designs, with the Osmium Institute granted the exclusive right to use the designs for the competition and related promotions. Applicants must ensure that all necessary usage rights (e.g., for photos) are in place. Any damages from insufficient usage rights are the applicant’s responsibility, who must indemnify the Osmium Institute and Katerina Perez from any claims. Participants are not entitled to compensation for usage rights.
  • A.I.-generated submissions (e.g., created by ChatGPT or similar tools) are not eligible for participation in the competition.
  • Participants may submit the same designs to other competitions but the Osmium component of the design must remain exclusively Osmium and cannot be replaced with other materials.

4. Submission Confirmation

By submitting a design, the participant agrees to the use of their personal information (name, biography, etc.) for the purposes of the competition, marketing, and promotion by the Osmium Institute and Katerina Perez, as per the competition’s Privacy Policy.

5. Prizes and Awards

      Prize Breakdown:

  • First Place: Crystalline osmium (cut & certified) prize worth €30,000 *
  • Second Place: Crystalline osmium (cut & certified) prize worth €20,000 *
  • Third Place: Crystalline osmium (cut & certified) prize worth €10,000 *

*Value of the prize depends on if the winning design is physically produced.

If the Winning Design is Produced:

  • The Osmium Institute will provide 100% of the osmium prize value, including the osmium required to create the piece.
  • If the design requires less osmium than the full prize value, winners may select additional standardized osmium shapes to complete their prize allocation.
  • If the design and osmium costs exceed the prize limit, the Osmium Institute will collaborate with the winners to adjust the design so it fits within the prize boundaries.

If the Winning Design is Not Produced:

  • Winners will receive 50% of the osmium prize value, including the osmium required to create the piece.
  • If the design and osmium costs exceed the prize limit, the Osmium Institute will collaborate with the winners to adjust the design so it fits within the prize boundaries.
The intent to manufacture the design in no way impacts the chance to win.

The Osmium Institute reserves the right to adjust the value of the osmium awarded to winners if necessary, based on material availability or other factors. Should more osmium be needed to produce the piece of jewelry, the Osmium Institute may, at its discretion, decide to provide it free of charge. However, costs for other materials and manufacturing will remain the responsibility of the designer or their collaborators.

Should less osmium be required for physical production of the design, the winners (1St.-3rd) will receive the remaining amount in smaller standard forms, such as osmium diamonds or bars, for use in other pieces of jewelry at their discretion.

The prizes will be awarded in the form of crystalline osmium and cannot be converted into monetary value. No compensation will be provided to participants outside of the top three prize winners.

This structure ensures fairness by encouraging participants to plan for the production of their designs while allowing those unable to bring their creations to life to still participate and win. We aim to support visionary creations and help bring them to the global stage.

No compensation will be provided to participants outside of the top three prize winners. The prizes will be awarded in the form of the specified crystalline osmium and cannot be converted into monetary value and no other compensation will be given.

6. Winner Selection and Notification

  • Selection Process: Winners for Osmium Visionary Contest will be determined by a panel of judges, who will evaluate each submission based on a set of key criteria. The Judges’ decision will be final, and the top three designs will be awarded prizes based on the strength of their performance across all categories. The panel consists of experts with extensive backgrounds in jewelry, precious metals, and design and marketing, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to ensure a fair and insightful evaluation of each design. The Judges will assess each submission based on the criteria stated under 7. The top three designs will be selected based on their combined scores across all categories. The final decision will be determined by a majority vote of the panel.
  • Replacement of Judges: A judge may be replaced, if there are valid reasons preventing them from continuing, including but not limited to conflicts of interest, incapacity, misconduct, or failure to fulfill their duties.
  • Tie-breaking Rule: In the event of a tie for any prize position, the Osmium Institute will have the final authority to break the tie and determine the winner.
  • Notification: Winners for all three prizes will be notified via email by 9th of April 2025.

7. Judging criteria

The Judges will assess the designs based on the following factors:

  1. a) Use of Osmium
  • Creativity & Innovation: The design should demonstrate a thoughtful and creative approach to integrating Osmium, showcasing the material’s unique characteristics and its potential in the jewelry industry.
  • Material Integrity: The use of Osmium should be executed in a way that maximizes its visual appeal, sustainability, and craftsmanship. The design should highlight Osmium’s features, such as its rarity, density, and the distinctive glow it brings to the piece.
  1. b) Creativity and Originality
  • Unique Concept: The design must be original and innovative, displaying fresh ideas and distinctive features that set it apart from existing jewelry pieces.
  • Artistic Expression: The design should reflect the designer’s creativity, combining aesthetics with artistic vision. It should stand out for its originality and provide a new perspective on what jewelry can represent.
  1. c) Feasibility for Production
  • Manufacturing Practicality: The design must be feasible to manufacture, considering technical and material constraints with a focus on how to use crystallized osmium properly. The Judges will assess whether the design can be produced using available manufacturing methods and whether the costs align with production viability.
  • Material & Budget Considerations: Designs should be practical and adaptable to a reasonable budget, with attention to material selection beyond Osmium as this will be covered by the participant. The overall design should demonstrate the designer’s understanding of the production process, including cost-effective use of materials.
  1. d) Marketability and Commercial Potential
  • Commercial Viability: The design should have potential for success in the jewelry market. The Judges will evaluate the design’s appeal to both high-end jewelry markets and broader consumer segments.
  • Target Audience: The design should demonstrate an understanding of the target market for the piece, whether that be luxury buyers, fashion-forward consumers, or other specific demographics.
  • Brand Potential: The design should reflect qualities that can make the piece attractive to brand collaborations or retail partnerships, potentially establishing Osmium as a key player in the jewelry industry.
  1. e) Craftsmanship and Technical Excellence
  • Attention to Detail: The design should exhibit a high level of craftsmanship, with attention paid to the finish, durability, and intricate details.
  • Technical Execution: The Judges will assess whether the design demonstrates an appropriate level of technical skill, ensuring that the idea can be executed with precision and excellence.
  1. f) Adherence to Competition Guidelines
  • Compliance with Contest Rules: The design must adhere to the competition’s submission guidelines, including the use of Osmium as the primary material, the inclusion of technical drawings or 3D renderings, and submission within the specified time frame.
  • Inspiration and Concept Statement: Designs should include a brief description explaining the inspiration and concept behind the design, showcasing the designer’s ability to communicate their vision effectively.
  1. Publicity and Marketing
  • Winners and finalists agree to actively participate in publicity and marketing efforts related to the competition. This includes, but is not limited to, engaging in social media posts, interviews, and various promotional activities. Participants may be featured in posts on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other media channels. The competition organizers may use the participants’ names, likenesses, project details, and any related materials for promotional purposes without additional compensation. By agreeing to these terms, winners and finalists consent to the use of their contributions for enhancing the visibility and reach of the competition. This may include posts on Instagram and other platforms by both the Osmium Institute and Katerina Perez.
  • Press Releases: Winning designs may be featured in publications (e.g., Juwelier Business) and at trade fairs. By entering, participants consent to being included in such efforts.

8. Privacy

Participants’ personal data provided in connection with the competition will be processed in accordance with the competition’s privacy policy and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Data will be used for purposes related to the administration of the competition, and where applicable, for promotional activities, based on consent. By entering the competition, participants acknowledge that their data will be processed as outlined in the privacy policy.

9. Tax Responsibility

Participants are solely responsible for any taxes or duties associated with receiving a competition prize in their country of residence. They must comply with all applicable tax laws and report the prize to the relevant tax authorities. Participants are also responsible for providing any necessary information or documentation to the competition organizers or tax authorities if required. The competition organizers will not withhold taxes or offer tax advice, and any tax liabilities arising from the prize are the sole responsibility of the participant

10. Disqualifications

Participants may be disqualified for non-compliance with contest guidelines, plagiarism, misrepresentation of work, ineligibility, conflict of interest, or unethical behavior. The judging panel, in consultation with the contest organizers, will make the final decision regarding disqualification, which will be binding.

11. Use of Designs for Future Promotion and Sales

By entering the competition, participants agree that the Osmium Institute may use all submitted designs, whether winning or non-winning, for future promotional purposes. The Osmium Institute reserves the right to showcase and present these designs to potential customers, partners, or manufacturers. If a customer expresses interest in having one of the designs crafted, the Osmium Institute will contact the designer to discuss the following options:

  1. The designer may choose to have the design crafted and sold directly to the end customer, with the designer purchasing the Osmium inlay required for production.
  2. As a second option, the designer may sell the design rights to the Osmium Institute for 30% (or less) of the finalized end price of the jewelry piece.

In all cases, the Osmium Institute will attempt to prevent unauthorized copying of the designs by third parties, but cannot be held responsible if a third party independently replicates or copies the design. During the competition period, all submitted designs will be kept confidential. After the announcement of the winners, the Osmium Institute may feature the designs on (but not limited to) its website, online shops, and social media to showcase the designs and recognize the participating designers. The Osmium Institute reserves the right to list what it deems the best designs as part of its ongoing promotional efforts.

12. Competition Timeline

  • Start Date: 03 February 2025
  • Submission Deadline: 25 March 2025 (50 days)
  • Judging Period: 26 March 2025 – 08 April 2025 (13 days)
  • Winner Announcement: 09 April 2025 (Winners will be confidentially notified)
  • Design Adjustment Period: Winners will work with the Osmium Institute to adjust their designs until 16 April,  2025 (7 days).
  • Osmium Cutting and Certification: 10 April 2025 – 01 May 2025
  • Exhibition at GemGeneva: The final designs will be exhibited at the GemGeneva Jewelry Show, Switzerland, from 7th to 11th of May, 2025. The final pieces must be submitted to the Osmium Institute by 1st of May, 2025, to ensure inclusion in the exhibition and promotion at GemGeneva.

13. Jurisdiction and Dispute Resolution

  • The competition is governed by German law.
  • Disputes (e.g. third-party IP Infringement) will be handled by the German Osmium Institute, with jurisdiction in Munich, Germany. The registered court in Munich will have exclusive authority to resolve any legal matters.
  • The decision of the jury is final and binding. Legal recourse is excluded to the extent permitted by law. There is no right of appeal and no participant shall have recourse to any national or international court of law.

14. Liability Disclaimer

For breaches of essential contractual obligations due to slight negligence, the organizer’s liability is limited to foreseeable, typical damages. The organizer is not liable for other damages caused by slight negligence. These limitations do not apply in cases of intentional misconduct, gross negligence, fraud, or guaranteed qualities of the prize. The above limitations of liability do not affect liability under mandatory statutory provisions.

However, the Osmium Institute cannot be held responsible for any theft, misuse, or unauthorized copying of the designs by third parties. While the Osmium Institute will make every effort to prevent such incidents and act as a safeguard for the integrity of the designs, the Osmium Institute cannot guarantee that third parties will not attempt to replicate or misuse the designs submitted for the competition.

15. Acknowledgements, Changes and Cancellation

By submitting an entry to the competition, the participant acknowledges and agrees to abide by all terms and conditions outlined above. The Osmium Institute and Katerina Perez reserve the right to modify or cancel the competition if necessary. The participant acknowledges they have read, understood, and accepted these terms.

16. Organization Information

Osmium Visionary Contest is organized by :

Osmium-Institut zur Inverkehrbringung und Zertifizierung von Osmium GmbH (Osmium Institute)

Kemmelallee 6

DE-82418 Murnau am Staffelsee

T: +49 89 744 88 88 88

contest@osmium-institute.com

Register court: München HRB 200 453