IGI Announces Third Annual Jewelry Design Contest
This year’s free competition has new categories and a new theme.

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.
“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

McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.

The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.

The 10,000-square-foot diamond manufacturing facility officially opened in late February and employs 50 people.

Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.

The largest white diamond to come to market in the U.K. in more than a decade, the VVS1, I-color stone is expected to top $1 million.


Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.

The collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.

With refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.

In 2026, the jewelry retailer is celebrating a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.

The group of jewelers held a jewelry raffle in support of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.

The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.

The retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.

The award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.

The “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.

The unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.

Bulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.

Awards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.

The top jewelry lot of the late model’s estate sale, hosted by John Moran Auctioneers, was an Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier necklace.

Moses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.

Increased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.

The earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.

“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.

Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.

The ever-growing collection, which just expanded with the addition of Olga of Kyiv, features cameos of 12 women from history.

We asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.

The annual event will be held in Orlando, Florida, from Sept. 14-17.

The “Outlander” star modeled for the digital cover of the magazine’s spring issue, which features a story on her relationship with jewelry.






















