Events & AwardsFeb 13, 2023
Halstead Is Now Accepting Applications for Its 2023 Grant Events & AwardsFeb 27, 2023
See the Winners of the Inaugural AJDC Jose Hess Design Awards
Six finalists created original jewelry designs based on the theme of connection.
The winner of the first Jose Hess Design Awards was Baiyang Qiu’s “Childhood Dream VI” dandelion brooch.
Tucson, Ariz.—The first Jose Hess Design Awards were held during the Tucson gem shows earlier this month, presented by the American Jewelry Design Council at the Alfie Norville Gem and Mineral Museum.
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 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 “Endangered” necklace by Darci Shea Bogdan was crafted using 18-,22-, and 24-karat gold, fine and sterling silver, 3mm sapphire gemstone beads, and painted enamel.
This “Succulent” ring by Everett Walker Redus features 18-karat yellow gold, fine and sterling silver, and ebony wood, set with 30 carats of round and oval cabochon rubellite tourmaline.
The “Celestial Symphonies” necklace by Marianne Hunter was created in 14-,18-, and 24-karat yellow and rose gold with gold and silver foils as well as enamel over copper. It’s set with a variety of stones, including Australian, Ethiopian, and Peruvian opal, Paraíba tourmaline, quartz, diamonds, and mabé and keshi pearls.
The “View from Above” pin by Liaung Chung Yen in 22-karat yellow gold and silver on a steel pin, featuring a 162-carat nellite slice.
The “Communion” necklace by Sandra McEwen is made of fine and sterling silver and 24-karat gold wires with vitreous (porcelain) enamel.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
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.
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.
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.
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.
Weekly QuizJul 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
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.
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.”
IndependentsJul 14, 2026
Foundrae Opens First Standalone Store Outside USThe New York-based jewelry brand has expanded overseas, opening a store in London’s Mayfair district.
ColumnistsJul 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: What Today’s Jewelry Consumer Is Telling Us Rising revenue does not automatically mean a healthy business, particularly in the current economic landscape, Smith writes.
TrendsJul 14, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Shoulder Dusters These long, fluid drop earrings are sure to catch the eye.
CrimeJul 14, 2026
Man Charged in $1M Jewelry Store Heist Lands on FBI Most Wanted ListAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged with robbing a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and is the only one still at large.
Events & AwardsJul 14, 2026
Conference on Mining, Sustainability Kicks Off in NYCInitiatives in Art and Culture is hosting its 16th annual Gold and Diamond Conference, with the theme of “Resilience.”
