Events & AwardsAug 19, 2024
Nominations Are Open for the 2025 Gem AwardsEvents & AwardsJul 30, 2024
Tiffany & Co., CFDA Announce New Jewelry Designer Award
One designer will win $50,000 and a fellowship with the jewelry company.
Beginning this October, selected applicants will participate in a multi-week mentorship program with Tiffany & Co.’s design team, a program that will culminate in a jewelry design challenge. The winner of the challenge will receive the inaugural “Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award.”
New York—Tiffany & Co. and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) have partnered to establish the Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award.
Starting in October, selected applicants will take part in a multi-week mentorship and immersive learning experience at Tiffany & Co.
According to the CFDA website, the program will be hybrid.
It will take place in person in New York City from Oct. 8-10, virtually the weeks of Oct. 21, Nov. 11, and Dec. 2, and in person again on Jan. 14 and 15.
During the program, participants will be briefed on the design challenge, which will be led by Tiffany & Co.’s design team.
A selection committee will then evaluate the design challenge results and choose the winner of the first Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award.
They will receive $50,000 and a yearlong paid fellowship with Tiffany & Co.’s design department, beginning February 2025.
The 2024 selection committee is comprised of:
Alexandre Arnault, executive vice president of product, communications, and industrial at Tiffany & Co;
Bethann Hardison, board member and activist at CFDA;
Frank Everett, vice chairman of jewelry at Sotheby’s;
Gabrielle Union, an actress;
Jahleel Weaver, a creative director and stylist;
Jason Wu, founder and chief creative officer of Jason Wu Studio, and a CFDA member;
Joan Smalls, a supermodel and actress;
Nathalie Verdeille, chief artistic officer of jewelry and high jewelry at Tiffany & Co.;
and Rajni Jacques, global head of fashion and beauty at Snap Inc.
Related stories will be right here …
Starting in October, selected applicants will take part in a multi-week mentorship and immersive learning experience at Tiffany & Co.
According to the CFDA website, the program will be hybrid.
It will take place in person in New York City from Oct. 8-10, virtually the weeks of Oct. 21, Nov. 11, and Dec. 2, and in person again on Jan. 14 and 15.
During the program, participants will be briefed on the design challenge, which will be led by Tiffany & Co.’s design team.
A selection committee will then evaluate the design challenge results and choose the winner of the first Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award.
They will receive $50,000 and a yearlong paid fellowship with Tiffany & Co.’s design department, beginning February 2025.
The 2024 selection committee is comprised of:
Alexandre Arnault, executive vice president of product, communications, and industrial at Tiffany & Co;
Bethann Hardison, board member and activist at CFDA;
Frank Everett, vice chairman of jewelry at Sotheby’s;
Gabrielle Union, an actress;
Jahleel Weaver, a creative director and stylist;
Jason Wu, founder and chief creative officer of Jason Wu Studio, and a CFDA member;
Joan Smalls, a supermodel and actress;
Nathalie Verdeille, chief artistic officer of jewelry and high jewelry at Tiffany & Co.;
and Rajni Jacques, global head of fashion and beauty at Snap Inc.
The award was created to recognize jewelry designers who are committed to driving inclusivity within the design industry, said the organizations, elevating jewelry design as its own category akin to womenswear.
“This first-ever award with a sole focus on jewelry is a testament to CFDA’s longstanding commitment and mission to celebrate American creative excellence,” said Steven Kolb, CEO of CFDA.
“Through the CFDA Impact program, we are thrilled to partner with Tiffany & Co., a cornerstone house with an iconic heritage, and Tiffany Atrium to identify and cultivate an inclusive next generation of American jewelry designers.”
This award was developed by the council’s CFDA Impact program and Tiffany Atrium, the jewelry company’s social impact program.
Respectively, these branches of Tiffany & Co. and CFDA work to create more access and opportunity in the jewelry space, and equitable and sustainable change in representation of diverse creatives.
“The inaugural Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award uplifts Tiffany Atrium’s commitment to fostering lasting change across the jewelry and design industries,” said Arnault, of Tiffany & Co.
“With a rich history of supporting inclusivity and creative excellence, Tiffany & Co. continues to be a champion for creative expression and social impact.”
The application process for the 2024 program opened Monday, July 29, and closes Aug. 16.
Applicants will be chosen based on years of proven design experience, concept sketching, experience with digital and hand rendering, 3D CAD design and printing, ability to design concepts and collections through couture designs and gifts, and other skills, said CFDA.
The program’s participants will be announced this fall, with the award recipient announced in early 2025.
For more information on the Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award and to apply to the program, visit CFDA’s website.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
Weekly QuizFeb 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for AprilThe event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
At Meeting in South Africa, Support for Natural Diamonds Picks Up Steam Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.
TrendsFeb 10, 2026
Bad Bunny Wears Football-Shaped ‘Desert Diamond’ for Halftime PerformanceLady Gaga, Cardi B, and Karol G also went with diamond jewelry for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show honoring Puerto Rico.
SurveysFeb 10, 2026
Shoppers to Spend Big on Jewelry This Valentine’s Day, Says NRFJewelry is expected to be the No. 1 gift this year in terms of dollars spent.
FinancialsFeb 10, 2026
Kering Plans Transformation as 2025 Sales Sink 13%As star brand Gucci continues to struggle, the luxury titan plans to announce a new roadmap to return to growth.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
AGTA To Debut ‘Stuller Color of the Year’ Spectrum Awards CategoryThe new category asks entrants for “exceptional” interpretations of the supplier’s 2026 color of the year, which is “Signature Red.”
Policies & IssuesFeb 09, 2026
U.S., India Trade Deal One Step Closer to Being FinalizedThe White House issued an official statement on the deal, which will eliminate tariffs on loose natural diamonds and gemstones from India.
Events & AwardsFeb 09, 2026
JA Now Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE AwardsEntries for the jewelry design competition will be accepted through March 20.
IndependentsFeb 09, 2026
James Free Jewelers Unveils Revamped FlagshipThe Ohio jeweler’s new layout features a curated collection of brand boutiques to promote storytelling and host in-store events.
TrendsFeb 09, 2026
These 14 Jewels Will Melt Your Heart This Valentine’s DayFrom heart motifs to pink pearls, Valentine’s Day is filled with jewelry imbued with love.
CrimeFeb 06, 2026
Florida Man Sentenced After Selling Fake Native American Jewelry for a Decade Prosecutors say the man attended arts and craft fairs claiming he was a third-generation jeweler who was a member of the Pueblo tribe.
FinancialsFeb 06, 2026
Pandora’s North America GM Departs Amid Executive ChangesNew CEO Berta de Pablos-Barbier shared her priorities for the Danish jewelry company this year as part of its fourth-quarter results.
TrendsFeb 06, 2026
Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi Wear Matching Cece Jewellery Signet RingsOur Piece of the Week picks are these bespoke rings the “Wuthering Heights” stars have been spotted wearing during the film’s press tour.
MajorsFeb 05, 2026
Pandora to Begin Selling Platinum-Plated JewelryThe introduction of platinum plating will reduce its reliance on silver amid volatile price swings, said Pandora.
SourcingFeb 05, 2026
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2026, Anglo Mulls Another WritedownIt would be the third impairment charge in three years on De Beers Group, which continues to grapple with a “challenging” diamond market.
