Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
These Designers, Journalists, and Retailers Are Up for a Gem Award Events & AwardsNov 05, 2024
Tiffany & Co., CDFA Announce Design Award Finalists
Ten chosen designers will receive mentorship and participate in a design contest for the Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award.
The ten finalists, pictured above, will compete for the inaugural Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award, which includes $50,000 and a one-year paid fellowship on the Tiffany & Co. design team. (Photo courtesy of CFDA website)
New York—Tiffany & Co. and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) have announced the 10 finalists of the Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award.
The award, announced this summer, is the first of its kind from the collaborators.
It was designed, they said, to recognize outstanding American jewelry designers who are committed to driving inclusivity within the design industry. Applications were accepted through August.
The finalists are Symoné Currie (Metal x Wire), Ian Delucca, Marvin Douglas Linares, Angie Marei (Marei New York), Malyia McNaughton (Made by Malyia); Jameel Mohammed (Khiry), David Perry, Maggi Simpkins, Hi Vu, and Pamela Zamore.
Several of the designers have participated in other inclusivity-focused programs over the last few years.
McNaughton, who is the current president of the Black in Jewelry Coalition, as well as Linares and Mohammed were selected for the inaugural Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative (EDDI) in 2021.
The program was created by Lorraine Schwartz and the Natural Diamond Council to create equity for minority jewelry designers.
Currie was selected for EDDI’s Class of 2023.
Simpkins was one of 13 BIPOC individuals who were selected for the Couture show’s Diversity Action Council’s inaugural mentorship program in 2022. The group debuted a capsule collection under the collective name The Radiance by Couture at the summer trade show.
She was also featured in Sotheby's Black and Brilliant exhibition.
Related stories will be right here …
The award, announced this summer, is the first of its kind from the collaborators.
It was designed, they said, to recognize outstanding American jewelry designers who are committed to driving inclusivity within the design industry. Applications were accepted through August.
The finalists are Symoné Currie (Metal x Wire), Ian Delucca, Marvin Douglas Linares, Angie Marei (Marei New York), Malyia McNaughton (Made by Malyia); Jameel Mohammed (Khiry), David Perry, Maggi Simpkins, Hi Vu, and Pamela Zamore.
Several of the designers have participated in other inclusivity-focused programs over the last few years.
McNaughton, who is the current president of the Black in Jewelry Coalition, as well as Linares and Mohammed were selected for the inaugural Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative (EDDI) in 2021.
The program was created by Lorraine Schwartz and the Natural Diamond Council to create equity for minority jewelry designers.
Currie was selected for EDDI’s Class of 2023.
Simpkins was one of 13 BIPOC individuals who were selected for the Couture show’s Diversity Action Council’s inaugural mentorship program in 2022. The group debuted a capsule collection under the collective name The Radiance by Couture at the summer trade show.
She was also featured in Sotheby's Black and Brilliant exhibition.
Designers were 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 other skills, CFDA said previously.
They first gathered as a group in New York City in early October for the program’s kick off.
The three-day orientation included breakfasts, lecture series, and tours of Tiffany Landmark and the company’s jewelry design and innovation workshop.
They were also briefed on the design challenge—to create a five-piece capsule collection that pays tribute to Tiffany’s heritage while reflecting contemporary design principles.
Between now and the final showcase in January 2025, the participants will work on their designs while also receiving feedback during monthly mentoring meetings with the Tiffany & Co. design team, which will take place in a hybrid format.
According to the CFDA website, the program 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.
At the showcase, the designs will be evaluated by a selection committee that includes Tiffany & Co.’s Chief Artistic Officer Nathalie Verdeille, as well as notable names such as actress Gabrielle Union, Sotheby’s Vice Chairman for Jewelry Frank Everett, and designer Jason Wu.
Tiffany & Co. and the CFDA announce the winner of the Jewelry Designer Award in January.
The winner will receive $50,000 and a one-year paid fellowship on the Tiffany & Co. design team beginning in February 2025.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
TechnologyJul 10, 2026
There’s a New Blind Box for Luxury Watches Collectibles platform Arena Club’s new Time Boxes could contain a Rolex or Patek Philippe watch.
TrendsJul 10, 2026
Jade Trau Creates a Constellation of DiamondsThe “Constellation Plié” collar, our Piece of the Week, features diamonds arranged in a constellation of shining stars.
SourcingJul 10, 2026
CFO of De Beers’ Consumer-Facing Division Leaves Company Shaun Wills joined the company in 2024 and was chief financial officer of the De Beers Brands and Consumer Markets division.
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.
WatchesJul 10, 2026
Brilliant Earth Expands Into WatchesIn honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.
Weekly QuizJul 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & MercierRichemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.
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.
AuctionsJul 09, 2026
Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Hires Former Bonhams Exec to Head New Watch DivisionNate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
