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
PodcastsJul 22, 2026
Episode 7: Reinhold Jewelers on the Power of RelationshipsMildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.
Policies & IssuesJul 22, 2026
Trump to Put 50% Tariff on Canadian Goods The higher tax is set to go into effect in August and will apply to loose polished diamonds as well as precious and base metals jewelry.
CollectionsJul 22, 2026
Monica Rich Kosann’s High Jewelry Is FruitfulThe “Enchanted Garden” series features a cherry, lemon, and pear that each hold a little secret inside.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
IndependentsJul 22, 2026
Liljenquist Beckstead Opens Rolex New BoutiqueIt’s located in Tysons Galleria, an upscale shopping center in the Washington, D.C., metro area.
Weekly QuizJul 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsJul 21, 2026
Sherry Smith: Shattering the Illusion of the ‘Either/Or’ Diamond MarketSmith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.
CollectionsJul 21, 2026
Graff’s New Butterfly High Jewelry Brooches MetamorphosizeThe 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
SourcingJul 21, 2026
Anglo Reportedly Selects Gareth Penny’s Consortium as Top Bidder for De BeersA Botswana government official told lawmakers Anglo has selected The Global Diamond Consortium, an entity chaired by Penny, to buy De Beers.
Policies & IssuesJul 20, 2026
Tariffs on Brazil to Increase But Rough Gemstones ExemptThe new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.
CollectionsJul 20, 2026
Vhernier Transforms ‘Freccia’ Collection Into High JewelryThe collection from 2014 has been reinterpreted into high jewelry with its signature triangular-shaped elements.
MajorsJul 20, 2026
Krista Collins Walters Promoted to Publisher of InstoreShe will also take on the role of vice president of jewelry for SmartWork Media, a newly created position.
Events & AwardsJul 20, 2026
TJS Accepting Speaker Proposals for 2027 EventOrganizers are looking for presentations on topics like manufacturing, technology and research, bench work, gemstones, and sustainability.
CollectionsJul 17, 2026
HOWL Taps Shailene Woodley for ‘Home Sweet Home’ CampaignWoodley is seen in the campaign wearing our Piece of the Week, the “Frida” collar featuring 13 pieces of hand-carved Venetian glass.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
U.K. Woman Pays £5 for £15K Diamond Ring at Car Boot SaleA WeBuyVintage jewelry expert uncovered how much the flea market find was actually worth.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
Diamond Dealer Jeff Pancis Pens MemoirThe founder of natural colored diamond wholesaler Pancis Gems shares stories from his five decades in the industry.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
EditorsJul 16, 2026
Q&A: Guzema’s Co-Owners On Its US Expansion, 10-Year AnniversaryValeriya Guzema and Mariana Lenha look back on the last decade and discuss the Ukrainian brand’s first U.S. store.
SourcingJul 16, 2026
Ekati to Close, Leaving Canada With One Diamond Mine The diamond mine, which opened nearly 30 years ago in Canada’s Northwest Territories, is expected to shut down by mid-August.
FinancialsJul 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Soar for the Seventh Quarter in a RowJewelry sales for the company, which owns Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Vhernier, and Buccellati, rose 21 percent in the first quarter.
Events & AwardsJul 16, 2026
MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program Certifies First Advanced Apprentice GraduateThe graduate, Grace Barden, credited the program with helping her secure a job as a bench jeweler.
Events & AwardsJul 16, 2026
Jewelers of Louisiana to Host 80th ConventionThe event, scheduled for next month in New Orleans, will include dinner, a custom jewelry design contest, and education sessions.
SourcingJul 15, 2026
1,305-Carat Diamond Recovered from Mine in BotswanaThe yet-to-be named stone is the 10th diamond weighing more than 1,000 carats to come out of Lucara’s Karowe mine.
IndependentsJul 15, 2026
New Jersey Jeweler Barry Berman Dies at 81The founder of Fords Jewelers, Berman is remembered for his love of connecting with his community.
FinancialsJul 15, 2026
Watches of Switzerland’s US Sales Jump 18%, Declines to Comment on Sale Report The watch and jewelry retailer had a strong fiscal year despite what its CEO described as a “complex operating backdrop.”
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in JulyThe open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.
CollectionsJul 15, 2026
Pomellato’s New High Jewelry Is LiberatingBold color, expressive gem-setting, and sculptural form define the three chapters that make up “Stile Libero.”
