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.

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.
The Latest

Social media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.

In 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.

The second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

Second-generation jeweler Sean Dunn has taken on the role.


Amber Pepper’s main focus will be on digital innovation and engaging younger consumers.

Called “Origin by De Beers Group,” the loose, polished diamonds are being sold in a total of 30 stores in the United States and Canada.

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

The lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.

A 43-carat sapphire brooch from the Vanderbilt collection was the top lot of the Geneva sale.

Rau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.

Former De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.

La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.

She previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.

The British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.

Plus, the tech giant shares the steps retailers should take if they believe they’re a victim of a review extortion scam.

Danny and Gaby Shaftel are now Shaftel Diamonds’ CEO and chief operating officer, respectively.

The jewelry manufacturer’s seasonal offering features its new “Melodie” bangles, as well as mini stud earrings and layering pieces.

The Chapter 11 filing follows the resignation of CEO Moti Ferder, who stepped down after an investigation into the company’s finances.

Mark Wall, president and CEO of Canadian mining company Mountain Province Diamonds, will vacate his position next month.

Faustino Alamo Dominguez and his son, 25-year-old Luis Angel Alamo, were gunned down following an armed robbery at their jewelry store.

Tiffany & Co. veteran Jeffrey Bennett has stepped into the role.

The showroom is located in a historic 1920s building in the Playhouse District.

The Swiss government announced the deal, which cuts the tax on Swiss imports by more than half, on social media Friday morning.

A buyer paid $4.4 million for the piece, which Napoleon wore on his hat for special occasions and left behind when he fled Waterloo.

Plus, how tariffs and the rising price of gold are affecting its watch and jewelry brands.

Furmanovich designed the box to hold Mellerio’s “Color Queen,” a high jewelry collection consisting of 10 rings.





















