See the Winners of the Inaugural AJDC Jose Hess Design Awards
Six finalists created original jewelry designs based on the theme of connection.

The awards were created in honor of AJDC founding member Jose Hess, a talented jewelry designer who died in February 2021 at the age of 87.
“AJDC believes that jewelry designers who are presented with a challenge can bring fresh ideas and innovations to the American jewelry industry, just as Jose did,” said the organization.
The challenge was to create an original piece of jewelry based on “Connection,” which was AJDC’s Design Theme Project of the year in 2022.
Each year, the organization chooses a new inspiration for jewelry design for its members.
The contest drew in 80 applicants. The judges chose six finalists who attended the gala event in Tucson.
The grand prize of $15,000 was awarded to designer Baiyang Qiu for her “Childhood Dream VI” dandelion brooch.
The piece is made of 18-karat yellow gold and platinum, set with round brilliant and rose-cut diamonds.
“Inspired by nature and its beautiful forms, I use extremely fine gauge wire of high karat gold and platinum to bring my designs to life,” said Qui on her website.
Qui’s jewelry career began at her family’s jewelry store in China and continued in the U.S.
She received her Master of Fine Arts degree from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2009.
Qui is a member of several industry organizations, including the American Gem Trade Association, the Society of North American Goldsmiths, and the American Craft Council.
The five additional finalists were Darci Shea Bodgan, Everett Walker Redus, Marianne Hunter, Liaung Chung Yen and Sandra McEwen, who each received a prize of $1,000.
In addition to the prize money, each finalist received a Jose Hess Design Award Trophy, modeled after an original pendant design by Hess symbolic of the “Connection” theme, said ADJC.
SEE: The Five Jose Hess Design Awards Finalists
The Latest

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine

David Walton will serve three years’ probation after an incident in a hotel bar led to the death of West Virginia jeweler David Ettinger.

The retailer also provided an update on how the tariffs situation in the U.S. is affecting its business.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

The family-owned jeweler in Great Falls, Virginia, will be celebrating its golden jubilee with a year’s worth of events.


This year’s edition includes articles on the favorite tools of notable designers, evaluating when to outsource production, and more.

The jeweler’s high jewelry collection features extraordinary gemstones, like a 241.06-carat emerald and the world’s fourth-largest spinel.

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

In a special column for the State of the Majors, Edahn Golan breaks down what the top-performing fine jewelry sellers are doing right.

The bolo tie necklace is inspired by “Queen Bey” and set with a nearly 15-carat black diamond.

The nonprofit focused on mining communities in East Africa has added three new members to its advisory council.

Current Diamond Council of America President and CEO Terry Chandler is set to retire in January 2026.

The company's Series A shares will continue to trade following a reverse stock split while its Series B shares will be delisted.

Communicating clearly with your staff is key to navigating turbulent times, writes columnist Peter Smith.

The “Inner Journey” collection debuted as the brand celebrated its 25th anniversary, with designs inspired by Morais’ journey.

Tanishq is expanding its presence in the United States with a new store in Santa Clara, California, which is its largest in the country.

Sales for Richemont’s four jewelry brands increased 8 percent, while watch sales picked up toward the end of the year.

The retailer’s new flagship is set to open in October at the Tuscan Village development in Salem, New Hampshire.

Sapphires, emeralds, and rubies are finding their place in a U.S. market captivated by the gemstones once referred to as “semi-precious.”

Plus, parent company Saks Global announces plans to cut ties with up to 600 vendors.

Peter Smith joined Michelle Graff to chat about the state of brick-and-mortar stores and share a few book and podcast recommendations.

The necklace features a candy-colored Australian white opal in 18-karat Fairmined gold, as the brand was named a Fairmined ambassador.

Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show

A private American collector purchased the 10-carat fancy vivid blue diamond.

The designer has taken the appeal of freshly picked fruit and channeled it into a capsule collection of earrings, necklaces, and pendants.

The country’s gem and jewelry exports fell 5 percent year-over-year last month, while imports declined 18 percent.

Around 54 million Americans and counting live with a disability. Here’s how to make your jewelry store and website more accessible.