Four Canadian designers can count themselves among the finalists in Rio Grande’s 2012 Saul Bell Awards.

Named after the company’s founder, the design competition recognizes artists and students who challenge traditional perceptions of jewellery design.

Applicants are invited to submit designs in the categories of gold/platinum, silver/Argentium, silver, beads, metal clay, hollowware, or enamel. Now in its 12th year, the awards hand out more than $30,000 in prizes.

The Canadian finalists are:
• Pierre-Yves Paquette, Saint-Sauveur, Que. (gold/platinum);
• Mengnan Qu, Dartmouth, N.S. (enamel);
• Marina Babic, Toronto (beads) and;
• Mary Heller, Toronto (beads).

Prizes will be handed out at an awards dinner during JCK Las Vegas on June 2.