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.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online CartJewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-TrendThe fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.
SourcingJun 24, 2026
Columbia Gem House To Offer Alexandrite Melee OnlineThe collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.
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.
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales OfficerDhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in EthiopiaSSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
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.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 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.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
