Events & AwardsOct 24, 2022
See the Top Collections in the ‘Fairmined 100 Challenge’ 
IGI is calling for entries to its 2022 jewelry design competition. Pictured is a winning entry from last year’s contest.
New York—The International Gemological Institute will soon launch its online jewelry design competition, the 2022 IGI Expressions Awards.
The competition is free to participate and open to all designers, from students to experienced professionals.
“IGI has been grading diamonds and gemstones for over 45 years,” said IGI CEO Roland Lorie.
“We also certify finished jewelry and recognize the vital role creativity plays in using gemstones to move and inspire others. We are pleased to offer the IGI Expressions Awards again, inviting jewelry enthusiasts around the world to participate and be recognized as IGI continues to encourage and support creative talent.”
This year, the competition’s theme is “renewal.” Designs should represent regeneration or rejuvenation, IGI said.
There are three categories in the competition: Lightweight Jewelry, Statement Piece, and Accessory.
Within those categories, different segments allow for different submission types. Designers can submit hand-drawn sketches, computer assisted design (CAD) files, or iPad files.
The institute is accepting submissions beginning Oct. 31 through Nov. 30.
About 40 to 50 designs will be chosen as finalists. Then, nine champions will be selected, one from each category and each type of submission.
The 2022 judges are: Sarah Francois-Poncet, Shaikha Dalia Zaal Al Marri, Donna Hourani, Varuna D Jani, Laksh Pahuja, Chris Ploof, and Kyle Roderick.
The international jury represents different viewpoints across the globe, just as IGI operates its 20 labs and 14 education facilities throughout the world’s major jewelry capitols.
Last year, the IGI Expressions Awards received more than 550 entries from 21 countries.
This year’s nine winners will have their designs fabricated and receive a $500 check, an IGI Expressions trophy, a certificate, and 3-D prints of the design, as well as recognition across IGI’s various social channels.
The winners will be announced on Dec. 13.
All submissions will receive an IGI Expressions Certificate, while the 40 to 50 finalists will receive Finalist certificates plus coverage on IGI’s channels.
Entries should be submitted online.
Related stories will be right here …
The competition is free to participate and open to all designers, from students to experienced professionals.
“IGI has been grading diamonds and gemstones for over 45 years,” said IGI CEO Roland Lorie.
“We also certify finished jewelry and recognize the vital role creativity plays in using gemstones to move and inspire others. We are pleased to offer the IGI Expressions Awards again, inviting jewelry enthusiasts around the world to participate and be recognized as IGI continues to encourage and support creative talent.”
This year, the competition’s theme is “renewal.” Designs should represent regeneration or rejuvenation, IGI said.
There are three categories in the competition: Lightweight Jewelry, Statement Piece, and Accessory.
Within those categories, different segments allow for different submission types. Designers can submit hand-drawn sketches, computer assisted design (CAD) files, or iPad files.
The institute is accepting submissions beginning Oct. 31 through Nov. 30.
About 40 to 50 designs will be chosen as finalists. Then, nine champions will be selected, one from each category and each type of submission.
The 2022 judges are: Sarah Francois-Poncet, Shaikha Dalia Zaal Al Marri, Donna Hourani, Varuna D Jani, Laksh Pahuja, Chris Ploof, and Kyle Roderick.
The international jury represents different viewpoints across the globe, just as IGI operates its 20 labs and 14 education facilities throughout the world’s major jewelry capitols.
Last year, the IGI Expressions Awards received more than 550 entries from 21 countries.
This year’s nine winners will have their designs fabricated and receive a $500 check, an IGI Expressions trophy, a certificate, and 3-D prints of the design, as well as recognition across IGI’s various social channels.
The winners will be announced on Dec. 13.
All submissions will receive an IGI Expressions Certificate, while the 40 to 50 finalists will receive Finalist certificates plus coverage on IGI’s channels.
Entries should be submitted online.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOJosé Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain FutureThe owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown DiamondsThe company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to ApprovalThe retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby'sOf the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His RootsFollowing decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports HistoryThe museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure ProgramThe new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
CrimeMay 04, 2026
Pawn Shop Manager Shot, Killed in FloridaLazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower PreservationA portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
AuctionsApr 30, 2026
Vintage Cartier Watch Crashes Through Records, Selling for $2MBelieved to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
