I got an email today from MySolitaire.com about a unique contest they are having for jewelry bloggers. I don’t plan to participate as it’s not “my thing,” and I have my “own thing” or two going on right now, but I couldn’t help but be intrigued by the concept:

This Mother’s Day MySolitaire is organizing a Post to Win – Blogger’s Contest. We want to celebrate the creative art of blog writing that has become an integral part of E-Retail. We invite you to participate in this interesting contest and win exclusive precious jewelry prizes. Our prize bounty includes not one but four individual prizes. Our winner categories include:

Grand Winner – One overall Winner will be selected by the sponsor based on overall graphics, overall SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and overall sales/traffic to WIN this scintillating 1.00 Carat Black Diamond Ring in 14K Yellow Gold, worth $926.44

Best SEO (Search Engine Optimization) – One Blogger, who makes the best use of the Search Engines, will be selected by the sponsor. The Prize is these exuberant 7mm Princess Cut Swiss Blue Topaz Stud Earrings in 14K White Gold, worth $320.89.

Best Sales or Traffic – One Blogger, who gets us the maximum traffic or sales can take home these magnificent 6 mm Cushion Checkered Aquamarine Stud Earrings in 14K White Gold, worth $457.00.

Best Graphics/Design – One Blogger who uses graphics in the most creative & awe-inspiring manner can be a proud winner of this beautiful 0.37 Ct Pink Tourmaline Solitaire Pendant in 14K White Gold, worth $418.66.

What you need to do to enter?
What you are best at – write and post blogs at your site about MySolitaire Mother’s Day Special offers, give jewelry gift ideas from MySolitaire, or tell our story.

Make sure you participate. The Contest begins on 12th April 2008 at 12.00 a.m. EST and closes on 20th May 2008 at 11.59 a.m. EST

To know more about the Contest visit
http://www.mysolitaire.com/newsletter/blogging_contest/index.html

So, yes, some jewelry is in the mix here, but that’s not what I find so interesting about this contest. Instead, what stands out to me is that a company like this is coming to little ol’ bloggers like moi to get the word out about its jewelry products. That shows you the power of blogging, folks. We have the POWER….AHHHA…

But, seriously, I’ve been teaching some local blogging classes for a while now, and one of the points I try to make is that this medium is very powerful and offers many possibilities. For educators, it’s a tool for learning, a way to teach writing skills and computer skills at the same time. For business people, like the jewelry company I speak of, it’s a way to get the word out about who you are and what you offer. In this example, this company is even going further and trying to bring the jewelry blogosphere on board to help them. Even if this contest isn’t your thing either, you have to admit, the idea is inspired to a certain extent.