GIA Names Winner of Emerging Jewelry Design Talent Award
Eleanor H. Yeh is the recipient of the eighth annual Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design.

Eleanor H. Yeh, a 2024 jewelry design graduate from GIA's London campus, received the award for her design, pictured above, featuring detailed goldwork, pearls, and gemstones.
The honor recognizes the outstanding talent of GIA jewelry design students worldwide. It was collaboratively established in 2018 by GIA and the foundation.
Gianmaria Buccellati set up a foundation in his name in 2008 to honor the artistic and cultural legacy of his work and that of his father, Mario, who established the Italian jewelry brand.
GIA President and CEO Susan Jacques and Larry French, chief officer for North American strategies of the Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation, announced Yeh as the recipient at the annual GIA Alumni Collective celebration in Tucson, Arizona, on Feb. 7.
Presenting the award, Susan Jacques said, “These beautiful hand renderings are a reminder of the tangible, personal, and physical connection that gems and jewelry spark in each of us. That is what makes this very special design competition such a delight!”
Earlier that day, an independent panel of judges, including designers and educators, examined the hand-rendered designs from 14 finalists at the Alfie Norville Museum in Tucson.
“My design process is deeply rooted in craftsmanship and storytelling. The design draws from a striking floral motif found in the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence, Italy, that captures the grandeur and artistry of the Renaissance era,” said Yeh.
“Winning the 2024 Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design is an incredible honor. I am deeply thankful to GIA and the Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation for their recognition and continued support of design and craftsmanship in our industry."
French shared his congratulations for Yeh and the other finalists, whose work he said “enriched the competition.” He also recognized the GIA design instructors who guided the student participants.
“Our founder, Gianmaria Buccellati, believed that designing jewelry was an art and like all art needed to be studied and practiced in order to grow into a master designer,” said French. “The Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation is proud to partner with the Gemological Institute of America to encourage the growth of these young designers, and we hope that they will continue on this exciting career path."
The judges for this year’s competition were Alishan Halebian, award-winning jewelry designer and goldsmith of Alishan Jewelry; Charles Lewton-Brain, jewelry artist, goldsmith and co-founder of the Ganoksin Project; Nanz Aalund, award-winning jewelry designer, goldsmith and educator; Rémy Rotenier, fine jewelry designer and design teacher; and Victoria Gomelsky, editor-in-chief of JCK.
Submissions for the 2025 competition are open now to students in GIA’s Jewelry Design course who meet the eligibility requirements.
The course is offered at GIA campus locations in Bangkok, Carlsbad, Hong Kong, London, and New York, and at locations in Mumbai, India, as well as Taipei, Taiwan, and Shanghai and Shenzhen, China.
Through the course, students learn drafting, shading, design theory, and illustration using several mediums, and upon completion, they will have a hand-developed portfolio of their work and a digital copy.
GIA also offers programs in Jewelry Design and Technology, Comprehensive Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) for Jewelry, and the Graduate Jeweler Program.
The Latest

Joseph Cavalcante takes on the dual role as the Spanish jewelry brand looks to expand further into the U.S. market.

The Dayton-based jeweler, which has been in business since 1985, was formerly known as Stafford Jewelers.

Reeds Jewelers CEO Alan Zimmer will be presented with the honor at JVC’s annual luncheon.

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

The piece, celebrating birthdays from March 21 to April 19, debuted with Sorellina’s new line of astrological pendants.


The Indian jewelry brand recently opened stores in Atlanta and Seattle.

CEO Beth Gerstein shared its most popular price points, what’s trending in non-bridal fine jewelry, and its holiday performance.

Natural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.

The 15 pieces were crafted from the “Insofu” emerald, discovered in Zambia in 2010.

Chris Anderson is joining the insurance provider as the new chief financial officer and treasurer.

Jewelers of America is distributing a brochure for retailers to use when discussing the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds.

The industry is changing as it grapples with new realities around distribution, supply, and the need for consistent, effective marketing.

Bhansali discusses the potential impact of U.S. tariffs, demand for diamonds by market, and the “cautious confidence” in India right now.

As lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.

Govind Dholakia and Tanishq will be recognized for their contributions to the industry at the Diamonds Do Good Awards in Las Vegas.

The New York City-based brand has opened its first U.K. location with a permanent shop-in-shop at Liberty in London.

A metal detectorist discovered the ring that is believed to have belonged to a bishop in the late 12th to early 13th century.

Organizers looked to new partnerships and interactive experiences to enhance the spring show, set for March 16 to 18.

Kenewendo, Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, will discuss the future of diamonds.

The suspect allegedly stole almost $800,000 worth of diamond jewelry from a store in Orlando and then swallowed it during a traffic stop.

Ahead of the Gem Awards on Friday, Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share pro tips for taking the best photos.

Founded in 2000, Marco Bicego is commemorating its milestone anniversary with a “25 Best” collection and campaigns honoring its heritage.

Those attending the company’s upcoming Zoom workshop will receive early access to “The List,” its new resource for finding buyers.

The organization will present an award to Amy-Elise Signeavsky, law enforcement and diamond recovery manager at GIA.

Chandler started his jewelry career at Michelson Jewelers, joining the Diamond Council of America as president and CEO in 2001.

Scottish American designer Maeve Gillies collaborated with Platinum Guild International on jewelry created by direct metal 3D printing.

Ahead of its trade show in May, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to five up-and-coming jewelry industry professionals.