Events & AwardsNov 18, 2024
IGI Jewelry Design Competition ReturnsEvents & AwardsNov 20, 2024
Kering Debuts New Jewelry Award With Sustainability Focus
The four finalists will present their pieces at the 2025 JCK Las Vegas show.
The Kering Generation Award X Jewelry will honor a designer with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
Paris—Kering has announced a new jewelry award dedicated to promoting innovation and sustainability.
The Kering Generation Award X Jewelry is an extension of its Generation Award, which launched in 2018 for the fashion sector. This new award is for the jewelry sector, with a focus on young designers and start-ups.
"Extending our Kering Generation Awards to jewelry is a pivotal moment in our commitment to advancing sustainability and innovation in the jewelry industry," said Marie-Claire Daveu, Kering’s chief sustainability and institutional affairs officer.
"This new edition, which brings together universities, start-ups, and future leaders, is designed to recognize and support those pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable jewelry. At Kering, we believe that fostering new ideas at the intersection of craftsmanship, technology, and environmental consciousness is essential to driving the transformative change the industry needs."
The award was created in partnership with the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) and Poli.design at Politecnico di Milano, a technical university based in Milan.
Kering and its jewelry brands—Boucheron, Pomellato, and Qeelin—and the university will launch an international contest among 10 universities with courses on jewelry and sustainability. Start-ups active in the jewelry space will also be eligible for the contest.
Related stories will be right here …
The Kering Generation Award X Jewelry is an extension of its Generation Award, which launched in 2018 for the fashion sector. This new award is for the jewelry sector, with a focus on young designers and start-ups.
"Extending our Kering Generation Awards to jewelry is a pivotal moment in our commitment to advancing sustainability and innovation in the jewelry industry," said Marie-Claire Daveu, Kering’s chief sustainability and institutional affairs officer.
"This new edition, which brings together universities, start-ups, and future leaders, is designed to recognize and support those pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable jewelry. At Kering, we believe that fostering new ideas at the intersection of craftsmanship, technology, and environmental consciousness is essential to driving the transformative change the industry needs."
The award was created in partnership with the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) and Poli.design at Politecnico di Milano, a technical university based in Milan.
Kering and its jewelry brands—Boucheron, Pomellato, and Qeelin—and the university will launch an international contest among 10 universities with courses on jewelry and sustainability. Start-ups active in the jewelry space will also be eligible for the contest.
The theme is “Second Chance, First Choice,” which asks the contestants to use discarded materials to create the jewelry.
“This initiative challenges the traditional concept of waste by exploring the potential of creative reuse,” said Kering.
“Participants are encouraged to design a jewel—whether a single piece or a collection—that transforms waste into something valuable, highlighting the intangible power of creativity.”
Each school will present at least three projects to be presented to the judges. Students will be mentored by local professors.
The start-ups will present their own projects.
There will be four finalists, including two students and two start-ups, that will present to the judges at the JCK Las Vegas trade show in June 2025.
“'Kering Generation Award X Jewelry' embodies the values of innovation and sustainability that are essential for shaping a future where beauty aligns with ethics,” said Professor Alba Cappellieri, head of jewelry at Politecnico di Milano and scientific coordinator of the awards.
“By bringing together young talents from leading academic institutions worldwide and start-ups, we are creating a collaborative platform that celebrates creativity and sustainability. We invite students and start-uppers to join us on this journey, to inspire, to innovate, and to lead together the future of sustainable jewelry.”
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
SourcingJun 01, 2026
RapNet Rebranding as Rapaport TradeThe revamped online diamond marketplace will feature pricing intelligence and data-driven tools for more efficient buying and selling.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
Gemfields’ Higher-Quality Emerald Auction Achieves $26.8MThe miner said demand for higher-quality emeralds is stable, but there is notable caution in the market.
CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ DesertThe “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
Weekly QuizMay 28, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.
MajorsMay 28, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Buy The Clear Cut Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
CollectionsMay 28, 2026
Meet The 17 Newcomers to Couture’s Design AtelierThese up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.
GradingMay 28, 2026
GCAL By Sarine Launches 8X Cushion CutThe lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
5 Security Tips for Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week 2026This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.
ColumnistsMay 27, 2026
What Jewelers Can Learn From Luxury Fashion’s Digital PlaybookHigh-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
Couture’s ‘The Iridescence’ Will Showcase 7 Emerging Jewelry DesignersThe designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.
ColumnistsMay 26, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
12 JCK Talks Sessions to Add to Your Las Vegas ScheduleThe trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
CBG Brings Its Curated Designer Project to Las Vegas ShowThe Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.
TrendsMay 26, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Cooldown Is ComingBring a cool tone to your summer jewelry with these white metal pieces.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2026
Instore Buys JA New York ShowThe deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.
FinancialsMay 22, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Lead the Charge in Q4The company’s jewelry sales were up in Q4 and the fiscal year, with Richemont raising prices in part because of the cost of gold.
CollectionsMay 22, 2026
Leigh Maxwell Celebrates 5 Years at Couture With ‘Bauble’ CollectionThe “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.
MajorsMay 22, 2026
Stuller’s New Packaging, Display Catalog Is Out The updated catalog has a newly dedicated section for gift wrapping.
PodcastsMay 21, 2026
Episode 5: Sotheby’s Frank Everett Puts the Auction Market in PerspectiveEverett covers colored stones’ surging popularity, the mellow return of the “Mellon Blue,” and his “The Devil Wears Prada” doppelgänger.
IndependentsMay 21, 2026
Springer’s Jewelers’ New Flagship Will Serve Next-Gen Luxury ShoppersFourth-generation CEO Lilly Mullen wants to emphasize experience, connection, and personalized service.
Events & AwardsMay 21, 2026
JA Announces Nina Pugliese Memorial ScholarshipThe new award, created in partnership with Henne Jewelers, honors the late designer’s legacy through supporting jewelry education.
SourcingMay 21, 2026
Botswana, Angola Join WFDBThe addition of the diamond-producing countries as nation affiliated members broadens the federation’s global representation, WFDB said.
CrimeMay 20, 2026
NYPD Warns of Jewelry Swap Scams Targeting SeniorsThe NYPD is warning elderly New Yorkers to keep their jewelry hidden when walking outside to avoid being a target.
IndependentsMay 20, 2026
Adornment & Theory’s New Store Feels Like Home Designer Viviana Langhoff has realized her dream of owning a space for her Chicago jewelry store that looks and feels like her brand.
