FirstStone
FirstStone | 初石计划
A Resource-Backed Creation Program by FundStoneForWOMEN
Important Notice: This program is not a fully sponsored or free initiative.
Participation involves shared responsibility and professional commitment from all applicants.
Program Overview
The FirstStone Program was established to address one of the most critical challenges faced by jewelry designers: access to essential raw materials required to bring design concepts into physical reality.
In the course of operating FundStoneForWOMEN, we have consistently observed that many talented designers are constrained not by creativity, but by limited access to gold, diamonds, colored gemstones, pearls, and other core materials. This limitation often restricts both execution and creative ambition.
FirstStone exists to bridge this gap—connecting creative vision with tangible resources.
How the Program Works
The FirstStone Program works in a simple and transparent way. Designers submit a project they genuinely want to bring to life, along with the materials they need. Once the project is reviewed and approved by the Committee, the Foundation provides the required raw materials under clear and agreed terms. Designers retain full ownership of their design copyrights, while the materials remain under the care of the Foundation. When the finished work enters the market and is sold, material costs are reimbursed to the Foundation, profits are shared, and the project is formally concluded. Through this clear and sustainable process, FirstStone helps creative ideas become real, tangible works.
Due to the limited and valuable nature of these resources, all applications are subject to review and approval by the Committee.
Ownership & Rights
Design Copyright
Designers retain 100% ownership of the intellectual property and design copyright of their works.
Raw Material Ownership
All raw materials provided under the FirstStone Program remain the property of the FundStoneForWOMEN Committee and its donors.
Physical Jewelry
Designers do not own the physical jewelry created using FirstStone-provided materials.
Commercialization & Profit Sharing
When a FirstStone-supported work is successfully sold in the market:
1. The cost of raw materials is reimbursed to the FundStoneForWOMEN Foundation.
2. The net profit is shared equally (50/50) between the designer and FundStoneForWOMEN.
3. This mechanism ensures sustainability of the program while allowing designers to benefit fairly from their creative achievements.
Program Resources
| Tpye | 材料种类 | Num | 材料数量 | Usage | 使用率 |
|---|---|---|
| Diamond 钻石 |
23051 Cts | 克拉 |
|
| Gold 黄金 |
33000 Grams | 克 |
|
| Gemstone 彩色宝石 |
4023 Cts | 克拉 |
|
| Pearl 珍珠 |
2569 Pieces | 颗 |
|
Data is updated on a quarterly basis. Most recent update: December 30, 2025.
FirstStone Program — Application & Execution Framework
Phase 1 ｜ Application & Project Proposal Submission
Applicants submit a formal project application, including:
- Design concept and preliminary sketches
- Required raw materials list (material type and estimated budget range)
- Project objectives (exhibition, market sale, or brand incubation)
- Expected project timeline
Phase 2 ｜ Committee Review & Approval
The FirstStone Committee evaluates each application based on the following criteria:
- Creative merit and professional standard
- Feasibility and risk management
- Resource alignment and allocation efficiency
- Overall project value (artistic, commercial, and industry impact)
Review outcomes may include:
- Approval
- Conditional approval (with adjustments to materials or project scope)
- Deferral or rejection
Phase 3 ｜Material Allocation & Agreement
Upon project approval, the allocated raw materials and their assessed value are confirmed. Both parties enter into a formal FirstStone Project Agreement, covering:
- Ownership of raw materials
- Design copyright and intellectual property rights
- Cost reimbursement and profit-sharing mechanism
- Project termination and exception handling provisions
Phase 4 ｜ Creation & Production
- Designers receive the approved materials and proceed with creation and production.
- Technical, craftsmanship, or manufacturing support may be provided when necessary
- Periodic progress confirmation may be required during the project cycle (non-mandatory reporting)
Phase 5 ｜ Market Presentation & Project Closure
The completed work enters the market for sale. Upon a successful transaction:
- Raw material costs are reimbursed to the Foundation
- Profits are distributed in accordance with the agreed terms
- The project is formally closed and archived within the FirstStone program system
Frequently Asked Questions
The 5 Most Frequently Asked Questions by Designers
No. FirstStone is not a free sponsorship program. Raw materials are provided under a managed framework and remain under the care of the Foundation. When a work is sold, material costs are reimbursed and profits are shared according to the agreed terms.
FirstStone understands that creative work involves uncertainty. A project not resulting in a sale does not constitute a breach, as long as the designer fulfills the agreed responsibilities and follows the project terms.
Design copyright belongs 100% to the designer. FirstStone does not own or claim any intellectual property rights over the design itself.
No. All material applications must be reasonable and aligned with the project scope, and are subject to Committee review. The Committee may adjust material types, quantities, or budget ranges.
Both are important. FirstStone focuses on whether a project is worth realizing, executable, and whether the designer demonstrates professional commitment.
Is FirstStone Right for You?
FirstStone supports projects with clear goals and execution plans, not material experimentation or early-stage exploration.
FirstStone provides raw material support, not cash funding, reimbursements, or financial sponsorship.
FirstStone operates on clearly defined rules regarding material ownership, cost reimbursement, profit sharing, and project management.
FirstStone does not require perfection, but applicants must be able to explain what they want to make, why, and how.
FirstStone is designed to support a critical step, not to function as an ongoing supply system.
Want to become a FundStoneForWOMEN Member? If you are:
Female jewelry designer (Currently open to women designers only)
Any level of experience in jewelry design
At least 2 jewelry designs completed