Events & Awards

IGI Announces Third Annual Jewelry Design Contest

Events & AwardsJan 03, 2024

IGI Announces Third Annual Jewelry Design Contest

This year’s free competition has new categories and a new theme.

IGI Expression global jury panelists
IGI has announced the following professionals will make up the global jury panel for its annual IGI Expressions design competition: Helen Mao, Tania Heikal, Pradeep Jethani, Severine Ferrari, Punit Balana and Sonal Sawansukha.
New York—The International Gemological Institute has announced the third installment of its annual online jewelry design competition, open to designers globally. 

The IGI Expressions jewelry design competition is free to enter and underwritten entirely by IGI. 

This year’s contest offers new categories and a new theme, “Abstract Design With Retro Motifs,” encouraging designs that blend modern jewelry design with timeless, retro-era motifs.   

The three categories are Statement Piece, Convertible Jewelry, and Perfume Bottle or Jewelry Box. 

Designers are encouraged to draw inspiration from their everyday surroundings, such as elements in their homes, workplaces, and other areas, and may submit hand-sketched, CAD, or iPad designs. 

With a vision to recognize and honor exceptional talent within the jewelry industry, the contest invites and celebrates a diverse array of designs that embody the spirit of artistic expression, IGI said. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

“Designers provide ingenuity and creative expression to our industry and need to be recognized for their exceptional work,” said IGI CEO Tehmasp Printer. 

“We encourage all artists to participate for a chance to win one of the many titles conferred by our global panel of acclaimed jury members.”

The six judges for this year’s competition are: Punit Balana, an international fashion designer; Severine Ferrari, founder and editor-in-chief of Engagement 101 Magazine; Tania Heikal, a professional gemologist, influencer, and blogger; Pradeep Jethani, CEO of Jet Gems and a jewelry designer and producer; Helen Mao, an international jewelry consultant, jewelry author, and curator; and Sonal Sawansukha, jewelry designer and co-founder and creative director at Jewel Saga.

When submissions conclude, judging will take place over one week, and winners will be announced Feb. 20.

Nine winners will be chosen, and their designs will be manufactured. 

Winning designers also will receive an IGI Expressions Champion Trophy, Champion Certificate, 3D prints of their design, press coverage, exposure on IGI’s GemBlog and social channels, and a $500 check. (Designers in sanctioned countries will not be eligible to receive the cash prize.)

All participants will receive an official IGI Expressions participation certificate, and finalists will receive a finalist certificate and coverage on IGI’s GemBlog and social channels. 

Artists can submit designs online until Jan. 31. 

Requests for information and questions can be directed to expressions@igi.org

The Latest

Shekhar Shah Real Gems
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of Directors

Shekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.

Lalaounis good luck charm 2026
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to Resilience

This year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.

Collage of NationalJeweler.com’s most-read stories of 2025
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025

Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.

Recipients Collage 2025 - NJ (1872 x 1050 px) (1872 x 1052 px).png
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow Today

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

Becka Johnson Kibby
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail Academy

As part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.

Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Stock image of rough diamonds from Diavik mine in Canada
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026

It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.

Bulova x Stetson collection
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western Flair

The new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.

roseco-catalog.png
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line Catalog

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

Rahaminov Diamonds Pop-Up at Yamron Jeweler
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in Florida

Its residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.

In Memoriam collage 2025
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025

From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.

Tanishq Orlando store exterior
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, Virginia

The retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.

Nanis Madonna di Campiglio Flagship
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store

The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.

Amethyst Geodes Unearthed: Raw Beauty
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA Museum

The new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.

Stock image of gavel
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRS

The couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.

People shopping in winter clothes
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in December

Consumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.

Bonhams US headquarters
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYC

In February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.

Brian Patrick Gilbertson
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82

The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.

Costume Designers Guild Award By Bulgari
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild Award

The LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.

Kering logo
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco Group

The luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.

For Future Reference Vintage
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’s

The company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.

Counterfeit Cartier and Audemars Piguet watches
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier Watches

In the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.

Helzberg new store concept rendering
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its Stores

Helzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.

Graphic for the 2025 Year-End Webinar
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year

Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.

Pair of Ippolita Lollatini earrings
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita

The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.

Bulgari CEO Laura Burdese
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEO

Laura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.

Harwell Godfrey Lil Buddies
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review

The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.

Front of Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ brooch
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection

Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy