Jewelry Television will air Rock Star Designer leading into "Girlfriend Friday," the network's most-watched show.

'We are dipping our toe into the branded-entertainment arena to entertain our current viewers as well as attract new audiences," said Jill Johnson, vice president of marketing at JTV.

"This is a full-scale television production with original sets, wardrobe, crew and nationally recognized celebrity judges. We hope to make this an annual competition."

"JTV Rock Star Designer" comes after a national search for talented jewelry designers. Each aspiring designer was required to submit examples of their jewelry designs and a biographical video describing why he/she should be JTV's first "Rock Star Designer."

In March 2015, JTV issued a call for entries and received applications from designers around the country, one of whom will win a $5,000 cash prize and the opportunity to design and sell a jewelry collection on the national jewelry and gemstone shopping network.

"As one of the country's largest retailers of fine jewelry and gemstones, this is a new way for us to be at the forefront of identifying refreshing new design talent and jewelry trends," said Johnson. 

 "JTV Rock Star Designer" emcee, Kristie Carson, will present contestants with a series of challenges devised to test creativity, jewelry and gemstone knowledge, design skills, business acumen and ability to work under pressure.

One contestant will be eliminated after each challenge until a winner is announced on Sept. 25. 

A team of JTV executives, jewelry buyers and marketing professionals reviewed the work of the top 10 and narrowed the field to five finalists who traveled to JTV's corporate headquarters in Knoxville, Tenn., and competed head-to-head in jewelry design competitions.

The public voted on its favorite entries, narrowing the field to 10 semi-finalists.  They are:  Tamara Cimalore - Wilmington, Del. Alicia Herzbrun - Maryville, Tenn. Ashley Hoffman - Myrtle Beach, S.C.  Kelly Miller - Saint Louis, Mo.  Deborah Wilson Taylor - Austin, Texas 

With the surging popularity in crowd-sourced design, JTV is getting a first-hand look at what emerging jewelry designers are creating and how that merchandise may drive trends and consumer purchasing decisions.

For more information on "JTV Rock Star Designer," and the contestants, visit JTV.com/rockstar. Tune in on Friday nights at 7:30 p.m. EDT beginning Aug. 7. Check JTV's Channel Finder to discover the network in your area.   

Jewelry Television is one of the largest multichannel retailers of jewelry and gemstones in the U.S. appealing to fashion-conscious women, jewelry-making enthusiasts and private collectors.

 JTV ROCK STAR DESIGNER TOP 5 DESIGNER BIOS 

Tamara Cimalore Wilmington, Delaware After taking a metalsmithing class at an art museum, Tamara fell in love with designing jewelry. She draws her inspiration from the colors, forms, and balance found in nature. Tamara also loves incorporating emotions and surprises in her work. From using fabric from wedding dresses to repurposed materials, she finds beauty in ordinary objects and uses them to create fresh pieces. Now, she sells her bold and colorful pieces on her website. Tamara also enjoys exercising, playing violin, and spending time with her family.    

Alicia Herzbrun Maryville, TN Inspired by her great grandmother's costume jewelry, young Alicia began taking apart jewelry and making her own creations. After graduating from high school, she followed her love of jewelry all the way to design school in Miami. Alicia's handmade jewelry and handbag collection has been featured in fashion weeks in New York and throughout the Southeast.  She hopes to start a non-profit organization that allows her to create and sell her jewelry to help people and animals in need.   

Ashley Hoffman Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Ashley began making jewelry by restringing Ugandan paper beads to help a friend she met while in Uganda. Soon after, she began repurposing pieces to create custom jewelry. Her inspiration for jewelry stems from the history of the heirlooms as well as organic shapes. In addition to her custom pieces, Ashley now has a collection of made to order pieces available through her jewelry business.  When she's not in her studio, she enjoys exercising, traveling, and spending time with her husband and cats.   

Kelly Miller Saint Louis, Missouri Spunky, colorful, and bold, Kelly draws her inspiration from vintage pieces she finds at thrift stores and online. She also uses other materials such as faux bone, hand dyed and cast urethane foam, and of course, gemstones. Her passion for jewelry blossomed in college where she fell in love with the small, intimate nature of soldering and jewelry making. Kelly's passion has now grown into her own brand of art jewelry. She also enjoys roller skating, roller derby, gardening, and thrift shopping for unique fashion finds.     

Deborah Wilson Taylor Austin, Texas At age 14, Deborah's brother taught her how to make chainmaille armor. After improving her chainmaille skills for a year, she ventured into smaller sizes and started using silver instead of steel. Now, she creates and sells intricate hand woven chainmaille jewelry under her own jewelry business. Deborah loves experimenting with chainmaille to create new shapes, textures, and even clothing. She also strives to run an eco-friendly jewelry business by using argentium silver and recycled paper packaging. Deborah also enjoys cooking and gardening. 

There will also be an encore presentation every Wednesday at 2 a.m. EDT beginning Aug. 12.     The new show will be the first reality show broadcast on a home-shopping network.