Events & Awards

Texas Jewelers Association Rolls Out New Format for Design Competition

Events & 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.

20220926_TJA design competition header.jpg
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 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

Sothebys Romanov sapphire
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s Geneva

The rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.

Fake Audemars Piguet watch
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet Watches

It is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.

Jewelers of America new board members
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board

Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.

overnight btyb 1026.png
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to Sell

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

Kristi Yamaguchi Wearing Always Dream Collection
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ Collection

The jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.

Weekly QuizOct 29, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Edina Kiss Eye Pendants on Charm Necklace
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’

Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.

Alexis Hoopes
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising Officer

Alexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.

DeBeersICONS_TITLE1_CUSTOMCONTENT_1872x1052 (1).jpg
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural Diamonds

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

Rolex store exterior Bellevue Washington
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington State

The Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.

Norma Wellington spider web pendant
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks

Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.

Ann Cahoon
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Gesswein Hires Longtime Bench Jeweler, Educator Ann Cahoon

Cahoon was appointed strategic account and educational program manager at Gesswein, which recently joined Continental Buying Group.

Tiffany & Co. Love Is a Gift Holiday Campaign with Amanda Seyfried
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Amanda Seyfried Stars In Tiffany & Co.’s Holiday Campaign

Tiffany & Co.’s latest ambassador makes her debut in its “Love Is a Gift” holiday campaign.

Graphic of cauldron and cat with jewelry in bubbles
EditorsOct 28, 2026
These Wicked Jewels Will Cast a Spell on You

For her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow highlights bewitching jewels fit for a witch that go from day to unholy night.

Jaythan Gilder and Stolen Tiffany & Co. Earrings
CrimeOct 28, 2026
Man In Florida Who Swallowed Tiffany & Co. Earrings Convicted

Jaythan Gilder was found guilty of robbery and grand theft after stealing and then ingesting nearly $800,000 worth of Tiffany & Co. jewelry.

Gas station
SurveysOct 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Up in October as Gas Prices Ease

Consumer confidence remains on the long-term downward trend that’s persisted over the past few years, said a Conference Board economist.

Stuller Magic of the Moment Holiday Campaign
MajorsOct 28, 2026
Stuller’s Holiday Campaign Lets the ‘Magic of the Moment’ Shine

The holiday campaign includes key jewelry trends, a curated holiday gift guide, and resources to help jewelers prepare for holiday shoppers.

De Beers Desert Diamonds Icons Campaign Designer Showcase
SourcingOct 27, 2026
De Beers Celebrates the Holidays With New ‘Desert Diamonds’ Campaign

The “Icons” holiday campaign spotlights four classic diamond jewelry styles reimagined in “Desert Diamond” tones.

Mervis Diamond Importers store
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Solomon Brothers Acquires Mervis Diamond Importers

Solomon Brothers, which has three stores in the Metro Atlanta area, said it may continue to acquire other independent jewelers.

Woman holding testing swab
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Gabriel & Co. Supports Charity Partner DKMS With Gala, New Jewels

The fine jewelry brand raised $2.3 million at its annual gala that supports the nonprofit’s fight against blood cancer and blood disorders.

Ali Ahn in Bliss Lau Vantage Collection Campaign
CollectionsOct 26, 2026
Bliss Lau’s ‘Vantage’ Point Is the Hawaiian Horizon

In her “Vantage” collection, Lau explores heritage, identity, and inner strength through designs featuring blue-green Guatemalan jade.

Behind the scenes shot of Tiffany & Co.’s Design and Innovation Workshop
MajorsOct 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Takes Consumers Behind the Scenes

The jeweler gave the public backstage tours of its flagship store and its design and innovation workshop as part of LVMH’s open house.

Jewelers for Children Halloween contest
Events & AwardsOct 26, 2026
Support JFC’s ‘Monster Mash Challenge,’ If You Dare

Vote for which jewelry professional should dress up as a monster to support Jewelers for Children’s annual Halloween fundraiser.

Image from PGI USA Platinum Born campaign
MajorsOct 23, 2026
PGI USA Set to Close at Year’s End

The closure is part of a global restructuring that also includes PGI winding down its operations in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.

Rachel Chalchinsky of Color Source Gems Survivor Tribute Ring
SourcingOct 23, 2026
Rachel Chalchinsky’s ‘Survivor Tribute’ Ring

The ring, our Piece of the Week, was designed by eight-year breast cancer survivor Rachel Chalchinsky of Color Source Gems.

Jewelers of America new logo
TechnologyOct 23, 2026
JA Unveils New Website, Logo

The website offers enhanced member benefit access, industry directories, educational resources, a job board, and access to the MJSA Journal.

Pomellato Paraíba high jewelry choker necklace
FinancialsOct 23, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Sales Up Double Digits in Q3

Boucheron and Pomellato had a strong third quarter, with Kering looking at jewelry as an increasingly important part of its portfolio.

Stock image of crime scene tape and police cars
CrimeOct 22, 2026
Jeweler Shot and Killed in His Suburban Cincinnati Store

Tara Sinchuri was the owner of Everest Jewels in Fairfield, Ohio, and a father of three. He was found dead in his store on Tuesday.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy