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.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
TrendsJul 31, 2026
These Pieces of the Week Are Sweet Edina Kiss’ “Popsicle” pendant and Karina Choudhrie’s “Ice Cream” charm satisfy that summer craving for a sweet piece of jewelry.
MajorsJul 31, 2026
Macy’s Iconic Red Shopping Bag Sign Torn DownThe massive billboard has been in the same spot on the department store’s Herald Square flagship store for decades.
SourcingJul 31, 2026
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Jumps 72%The miner’s ruby and emerald auctions brought in a combined $102.9 million.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
SourcingJul 30, 2026
De Beers Sale in ‘Final, Most Challenging’ Phase, Anglo CEO SaysThe goal is for the De Beers sale to be finished by the second half of 2026, with the subsequent approvals process expected to take a year.
Weekly QuizJul 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2026
JA Heads Back to Washington as New Wave of Tariffs Takes Effect David Bonaparte, along with Tim Haake and Ronnie VanderLinden, continue to lobby for tariff exemptions for diamonds, gemstones, and pearls.
SurveysJul 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Slips in JulySurvey respondents were concerned about the rising prices of food and groceries as well as unemployment.
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.
EditorsJul 29, 2026
Q&A: The Past and Future of Angola’s Diamond Industry Endiama Commercial Director Elton Escrivão knows people have a lot of misperceptions about Angola. He wants to change that.
MajorsJul 29, 2026
Kevin Reilly Retires After 39 Years in the Jewelry Industry Reilly has been with PGI USA for the last 20 years, leading partnership development and professional education.
FinancialsJul 29, 2026
Kering’s H1 Jewelry Sales Up 14%Boucheron reached record sales while Pomellato found success in its signature collections.
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2026
Lauren Harwell Godfrey Designs a Flag for ArkansasShe was one of more than 120 American designers who created flags for the “United Flags of Fashion” project led by CFDA and Vogue.
ColumnistsJul 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Why Your Job Postings May Be Working Against You Smith reveals the method The Retail Smiths use to help retailers and vendors write better job postings.
FinancialsJul 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Lead the Way for LVMH in H1LVMH’s jewelry and watch brands outperformed the company’s other divisions in an environment the company described as “disrupted.”
CollectionsJul 28, 2026
Lionheart’s New Collection Unites Spiritual Iconography“Sacred Heart” features symbols like crosses, angel wings, the Star of David, and the evil eye as a representation of coexistence.
Events & AwardsJul 28, 2026
The Edge Funding 2 Scholarships Via 24 Karat Club SEUS The scholarships will go to early-career professionals looking to study gemology, bench work and jewelry design, or store operations.
SurveysJul 27, 2026
Jewelry Leads Luxury Market Amid Stabilization, Bain SaysBain & Company delved into the trends shaping the luxury market, the impact of AI, and more in its recent study.
SourcingJul 27, 2026
‘Rubies’ Goes on Display at Harvard MuseumThe exhibition reveals the gemology, geology, and cultural history of the iconic red gemstone.
Policies & IssuesJul 24, 2026
New Trump Tariffs: What They Mean for Jewelry The new sweeping slate of tariffs impacts 60 countries, including India, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ode to ‘The Odyssey’From coin pendants to diamond shields, these old world-inspired jewels are the perfect accessory for an epic journey.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Courtney Leidy’s Silk Cord Pendants Center Unexpected Pairings Our Piece of the Week pairs a checkerboard-cut amethyst with an ivy green silk cord.
PodcastsJul 23, 2026
Episode 7: Reinhold Jewelers on the Power of RelationshipsMildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.
SourcingJul 23, 2026
De Beers’ Production Jumps 88 Percent in Q2 Production also was up in the first half of 2026 but is expected to “substantially” decrease in H2 as two key mines undergo maintenance.
CollectionsJul 23, 2026
Silvia Furmanovich’s New Collection Travels Back to the 1920s“Art Deco” fuses ancestral techniques, rare materials, and modern perspectives as a tribute to the optimism and curiosity of the movement.
IndependentsJul 23, 2026
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens Casino StoreThe jeweler’s newest store is inside Arkansas’ Saracen Casino Resort.
WatchesJul 23, 2026
Movado Inks Licensing Deal With Kate Spade New YorkThe watch company will design, manufacture, and distribute Kate Spade New York watches.
Policies & IssuesJul 22, 2026
Trump to Put 50% Tariff on Canadian Goods The higher tax is set to go into effect in August and will apply to loose polished diamonds as well as precious and base metals jewelry.
