Events & AwardsSep 22, 2022
JCK Industry Fund Now Accepting ApplicationsEvents & AwardsSep 26, 2022
Texas Jewelers Association Rolls Out New Format for Design Competition
The competition takes place in tandem with TJA’s annual convention, known as the Texas Jewelers Roundup.
Susan Eisen’s gold and diamond pendant featuring a 31-carat ametrine won “Best in Show” at the Texas Jeweler’s Association’s design competition last year. The design competition will take place again this year during the Texas Jewelers Roundup, scheduled for Oct. 16 and 17 at the Westin Irving hotel in Irving, Texas.
Irving, Texas—The Texas Jewelers Association will be doing its annual design competition a little differently this year.
The organization announced the design competition will take place during the vendor social hour, scheduled for 4-6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 16 at the Westin Irving during TJA’s 117th annual convention, now known as the Texas Jewelers Roundup.
In previous years, entrants would send in their pieces ahead of time, but this time around, they will be responsible for bringing their pieces to the Roundup at the Westin for judging. The pieces will be returned to them at the awards dinner.
The new format and exhibition area will allow for “increased visibility and participation,” the organization said.
The TJA’s design competition is comprised of four categories for professionals—pieces made with materials costing less than $1,000; materials costing between $1,000 and $3,000; materials totaling more than $3,000; and the bench jeweler exclusive category.
There is also a category for students to submit renderings.
Participants can enter their jewelry designs for the early-bird fee—also a new feature of the competition in 2022—of $100 per entry by Oct. 1; the early-bird opportunity is also new this year.
Entries will be judged on creative use of materials, craftsmanship, wearability, originality, and fashion merit.
Participants must be TJA members and must be present at the Roundup to win.
TJA members can access the entry form online.
Related stories will be right here …
The organization announced the design competition will take place during the vendor social hour, scheduled for 4-6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 16 at the Westin Irving during TJA’s 117th annual convention, now known as the Texas Jewelers Roundup.
In previous years, entrants would send in their pieces ahead of time, but this time around, they will be responsible for bringing their pieces to the Roundup at the Westin for judging. The pieces will be returned to them at the awards dinner.
The new format and exhibition area will allow for “increased visibility and participation,” the organization said.
The TJA’s design competition is comprised of four categories for professionals—pieces made with materials costing less than $1,000; materials costing between $1,000 and $3,000; materials totaling more than $3,000; and the bench jeweler exclusive category.
There is also a category for students to submit renderings.
Participants can enter their jewelry designs for the early-bird fee—also a new feature of the competition in 2022—of $100 per entry by Oct. 1; the early-bird opportunity is also new this year.
Entries will be judged on creative use of materials, craftsmanship, wearability, originality, and fashion merit.
Participants must be TJA members and must be present at the Roundup to win.
TJA members can access the entry form online.
The Texas Jewelers Roundup is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 16 and Monday, Oct. 17 at the Westin Irving hotel in Irving, Texas.
This year, the event will include what the organization has dubbed Texas Tours, outings designed to give members a behind-the-scenes look at the jewelry industry in the Lone Star State.
The first is a private tour of the Perot Museum of Nature and Science’s special gem collection.
The second features a look into the manufacturing, repairing, and creating of high-end watches and watch accessories at the Time Delay Headquarters, while the third tour offers demonstrations of diamond cutting and polishing at Southwest Diamond Cutters.
All three facilities are located in Dallas.
For more information on the convention, visit the TJA website or contact convention manager Lucinda Rogers at 972-910-0300.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Co-Founder ‘Mama Ann’ Bailey Dies at 100Raised in an orphanage, Bailey was 18 when she met her husband, Clyde. They opened their North Carolina jewelry store in 1948.
ColumnistsFeb 19, 2026
Peter Smith: Happiness, Cavemen, and Jewelry SalesSmith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Material Good Opens Third Location Material Good is celebrating its 10th anniversary as it opens its new store in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
AuctionsFeb 18, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Head to AuctionThe estate of the model, philanthropist, and ex-wife of Johnny Carson has signed statement jewels up for sale at John Moran Auctioneers.
Weekly QuizFeb 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsFeb 18, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
MajorsFeb 18, 2026
Select Jewelry Inks Agreement to Distribute Lightweight Gold JewelryIt will lead distribution in North America for Graziella Braccialini's new gold pieces, which it said are 50 percent lighter.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
Policies & IssuesFeb 18, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Looks for Executive DirectorThe organization is seeking a new executive director to lead it into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence.
TrendsFeb 17, 2026
A Bit of Jewelry for the Year of the HorseWestern wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.
SourcingFeb 17, 2026
Colored Gemstone Experts Talk Tariffs, Trends in TucsonAlthough the market is robust, tariffs and precious metal prices are impacting the industry, Stuart Robertson and Brecken Branstrator said.
GradingFeb 17, 2026
Dr. George Rossman, Former GIA Governor, Dies at 81Rossman, who advised GIA for more than 50 years, is remembered for his passion and dedication to the field of gemology.
CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for AprilThe event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.
Events & AwardsFeb 11, 2026
TJS Announces Roundtable, Launches New AppRegistration is now open for The Jewelry Symposium, set to take place in Detroit from May 16-19.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
At Meeting in South Africa, Support for Natural Diamonds Picks Up Steam Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.
TrendsFeb 10, 2026
Bad Bunny Wears Football-Shaped ‘Desert Diamond’ for Halftime PerformanceLady Gaga, Cardi B, and Karol G also went with diamond jewelry for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show honoring Puerto Rico.
