Events & AwardsDec 27, 2024
18 Designers Graduate from WJA’s Jewelry Loupe ProjectEvents & AwardsJan 15, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Open for Submissions
The awards honor the late Jose Hess, a founding member of AJDC and an award-winning jewelry designer.
Participants must submit design sketches or CAD renderings of pieces inspired by the 2025 theme, “Radiance,” by Feb. 28.
New York—The Jose Hess Design Awards have announced that submissions are open for its 2025 competition.
The awards, which are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, were established in 2022 to honor the legacy of Jose Hess, an award-winning jewelry designer and GIA graduate, who died in February 2021.
Hess had an influential career that spanned more than five decades, including becoming the first American president of the World Jewellery Confederation and being a founding member of the American Jewelry Design Council.
Hess’ legacy continues through this competition which aims to discover and support talent in the fine jewelry industry, said the organization.
“We seek to inspire the next generation of jewelry designers to push creative boundaries while honoring the timeless principles of exceptional craftsmanship,” said Magdalena (Maggie) Hess, Jose’s wife.
“Our vision is for the winners of the Jose Hess Design Awards to have a lasting, positive impact on the fine jewelry industry. Their creativity and passion will help shape a brighter, more innovative future for jewelry design.”
The theme of this year’s competition is “Radiance,” as it celebrates enduring beauty and invites designers to create jewelry that captures the essence of lasting elegance and brilliance, said the organization.
Applicants are encouraged to craft new designs that not only sparkle physically but also illuminate lives to become cherished heirlooms for future generations.
Designs submitted to the contest must be original, created specifically for the Jose Hess Design Awards competition, and relate to the “Radiance” theme.
They should fall into the fine jewelry category exclusively, using only 18-karat gold or platinum, and only natural diamonds or natural precious stones.
The competition emphasizes quality workmanship, finishing, and craft, with designs demonstrating consumer wearability and technical proficiency required for its applicants.
Related stories will be right here …
The awards, which are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, were established in 2022 to honor the legacy of Jose Hess, an award-winning jewelry designer and GIA graduate, who died in February 2021.
Hess had an influential career that spanned more than five decades, including becoming the first American president of the World Jewellery Confederation and being a founding member of the American Jewelry Design Council.
Hess’ legacy continues through this competition which aims to discover and support talent in the fine jewelry industry, said the organization.
“We seek to inspire the next generation of jewelry designers to push creative boundaries while honoring the timeless principles of exceptional craftsmanship,” said Magdalena (Maggie) Hess, Jose’s wife.
“Our vision is for the winners of the Jose Hess Design Awards to have a lasting, positive impact on the fine jewelry industry. Their creativity and passion will help shape a brighter, more innovative future for jewelry design.”
The theme of this year’s competition is “Radiance,” as it celebrates enduring beauty and invites designers to create jewelry that captures the essence of lasting elegance and brilliance, said the organization.
Applicants are encouraged to craft new designs that not only sparkle physically but also illuminate lives to become cherished heirlooms for future generations.
Designs submitted to the contest must be original, created specifically for the Jose Hess Design Awards competition, and relate to the “Radiance” theme.
They should fall into the fine jewelry category exclusively, using only 18-karat gold or platinum, and only natural diamonds or natural precious stones.
The competition emphasizes quality workmanship, finishing, and craft, with designs demonstrating consumer wearability and technical proficiency required for its applicants.
Three winners will be selected through a judging process where they will be evaluated and scored through a rubric-based method.
The judges, slated to be announced in April, will be made up of jewelry retailers and award-winning designers.
The winners will receive trophies and opportunities to advance their exposure in the industry.
The winners and finalists will be recognized through an awards reception at the JCK show where industry leaders, influential retailers, and media will gather to celebrate their design achievement.
Interested participants must submit design sketches or CAD renderings of their piece(s) by Feb. 28.
Finalists will be notified in early April and will be required to provide photos and videos of their finished piece(s) by May 1 for final judging.
In order to participate in the competition, applicants must be an exhibitor at the 2025 JCK and/or Luxury shows in Las Vegas.
For more information and to submit designs to the Jose Hess Design Awards, visit its website.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker LineupThe association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
Policies & IssuesDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
SurveysDec 03, 2025
A Record 202.9M Shoppers Turned Out Thanksgiving WeekendBlack Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.
AuctionsDec 03, 2025
Fabergé’s 'The Winter Egg' Achieves Record $30MThe historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.
FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price PointsThe retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.
