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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
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.
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.
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.
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.
Weekly QuizFeb 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
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.
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.
IndependentsFeb 05, 2026
Borsheims to Undergo Massive Renovation in the Spring The Omaha jewelry store’s multi-million-dollar renovation is scheduled to begin in mid-May and take about six months.
CollectionsFeb 05, 2026
Marco Bicego’s Amethyst Collection Travels to a Purple ParadiseThe “Paradise Amethyst” collection focuses on amethyst, pink tourmaline, garnet, and 18-karat yellow gold beads.
FinancialsFeb 05, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Reports Strong Holiday Results in Q3The retailer credited its Roberto Coin campaign, in part, for boosting its North America sales.
ColumnistsFeb 04, 2026
January Jewelry Sales: More Dollars Spent, Fewer Units Sold Sherry Smith unpacks independent retailers’ January performance and gives tips for navigating the slow-growth year ahead.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
What Designers Should Know About Saks Global’s BankruptcyFrom how to get an invoice paid to getting merchandise returned, JVC’s Sara Yood answers some complex questions.
TrendsFeb 04, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: February Birthstone BlissAmethyst, the birthstone for February, is a gemstone to watch this year with its rich purple hue and affordable price point.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
Marco Bicego Names New Global Marketing DirectorThe Italian jewelry company appointed Matteo Cuelli to the newly created role.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
Frederick Goldman Updates Leadership TeamThe manufacturer said the changes are designed to improve speed, reliability, innovation, and service.
Policies & IssuesFeb 03, 2026
Tariff Relief on Horizon for India as Trump, Modi Make DealPresident Trump said he has reached a trade deal with India, which, when made official, will bring relief to the country’s diamond industry.
CollectionsFeb 03, 2026
Jade Trau Releases New Charms, Introduces RondellesThe designer’s latest collection takes inspiration from her classic designs, reimagining the motifs in new forms.
WatchesFeb 03, 2026
Casio America Calls Jersey City HomeThe watchmaker moved its U.S. headquarters to a space it said fosters creativity and forward-thinking solutions in Jersey City, New Jersey.
SourcingFeb 03, 2026
Nivoda Reveals Upgraded Gemstone MarketplaceThe company also announced a new partnership with GemGuide and the pending launch of an education-focused membership program.
GradingFeb 02, 2026
IGI to Acquire American Gemological Laboratories IGI is buying the colored gemstone grading laboratory through IGI USA, and AGL will continue to operate as its own brand.
CrimeFeb 02, 2026
Ylang 23’s Dallas Store BurglarizedThe Texas jeweler said its team is “incredibly resilient” and thanked its community for showing support.
EditorsFeb 02, 2026
Stars Choose Chokers, Elongated Earrings at 2026 GrammysFrom cool-toned metal to ring stacks, Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights the jewelry trends she spotted at the Grammy Awards.
CollectionsFeb 02, 2026
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the fact that the 2026 Olympics are taking place in two different cities.
SurveysJan 30, 2026
These Are the Top Brands of 2026, Says YouGovFrom tech platforms to candy companies, here’s how some of the highest-ranking brands earned their spot on the list.
