Jose Hess Design Awards Announce Judges
The nonprofit elected five judges who will decide the winners of its design 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.
The theme of the 2025 awards is “Radiance,” celebrating timeless beauty in fine jewelry works that reflect enduring brilliance, emotion, and artistry.
The judging panel consists of five people who bring a rich mix of heritage, innovation, and influence from across the jewelry industry, said the organization.
The 2025 Jose Hess Design Awards Judges are as follows:
Susan Helmich, Susan Helmich Design, has been a celebrated goldsmith and jewelry designer for more than 50 years. Her creations embody a passion for the earth’s natural beauty, ancient, art, and exceptional craftsmanship, said the organization.
Helmich’s work has been featured in the Smithsonian and honored by AGTA, WJA, and MJSA.
Tracey Ellison, The Diamond Girl, is a social media and fine jewelry influencer with millions of followers on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. She has a front-row view of the innovation in today’s market and is known for her sharp eye and deep love for fine jewelry, said organizers.
Veronica Guarino, Louis Anthony Jewelers, is a leader in jewelry marketing and retail strategy. She has guided the family-owned retailer since it was co-founded by her and Louis A. Guarino Jr. in 1990.
Her dedication to excellence in curation and the customer experience informs her strong point of view on wearable, elegant designs, the organization said.
Louis A. Guarino Jr., Louis Anthony Jewelers, is a graduate gemologist with more than 40 years of experience. His global sourcing background makes him a sought-after expert in discerning true artistry and market appeal in fine jewelry, said the nonprofit.
Magdalena Hess, founder of Jose Hess Design Awards and Jose’s wife, is an award-winning designer and the longtime creative partner of Jose Hess. She is continuing their shared legacy of design excellence through her leadership of the awards program, it said.
The judges will evaluate submitted designs based on originality, craftsmanship, technical proficiency, and consumer wearability.
Finalists were chosen from a competitive field of submissions, each inspired by this year’s theme.
The winning designers will be announced and celebrated at the JCK Show in Las Vegas on Saturday, June 7.
The Jose Hess Design Awards presentation and ceremony will be held at the Designer Lounge in the Design Collective at JCK from 3 to 5 p.m. local time.
The event’s attendees will be the first to view the three award-winning pieces, which will be followed by a cocktail reception.
“Don’t miss the unforgettable celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and the spirit of design that defines the Jose Hess Design Awards,” said the organization.
The Latest

Alexander Lacik has led Pandora since 2019. Berta de Pablos-Barbier will succeed him, the first woman to head the company.

Two men allegedly used counterfeit bills to purchase luxury watches and jewelry from a North Carolina jeweler.

The “Lovestruck” collection, designed with the Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings, is the brand’s first lab-grown diamond offering.

The brand, celebrating its 15th anniversary, has popped up at Market, a luxury fashion destination in Highland Park Village.


She was remembered as a creative and generous woman of faith, who also had a sweet tooth.

Move over neck mess, the ear story is the way to make a layering statement today.

With their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.

The New York-based brand is set to launch a limited-time offering for the holiday season at Holt Renfrew in Toronto.

The “Volume 7” bridal catalog features best-selling engagement rings, trending styles, and a new section highlighting anniversary bands.

Holiday sales growth is expected to slow as consumers grapple with inflation and tariff-related uncertainty.

The red and azure colorway is one of many fun enamel pairings offered, bringing whimsy to the classic style of a monogramed signet ring.

A trade deal with Switzerland seems probable, but reaching an agreement with India remains a challenge, David Bonaparte said.

Botswana’s president said his country wants a controlling share, while Angola envisions multiple countries holding minority stakes.

The manufacturer is adding 1,400 chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactors to its growing facility in India.

The jeweler to the stars has worked with Drake, A$AP Rocky, Tyler the Creator, and other celebrities.

The Scarsdale, New York-based jeweler donated a professional-grade watch cleaning machine.

The 50 percent tariffs on diamonds shipped from India to the U.S. have pushed midstream manufacturers to the edge.

De Beers’ refreshed, multipronged approach, which includes generic promotions and retail partnerships, is delivering positive dividends.
They are trying to balance the need to sustain well-established relationships with the pressure higher tariffs have put on margins.

Jewelry manufacturer Jewelex has partnered with JOSH, an industry training center, on a program for people with disabilities.

The collection includes pieces dating back to the Victorian and Art Deco periods as well as mid-century and late 20th-century designs.

He previously served as co-chair of the nonprofit’s beneficiary committee.

Its second collaboration with the conservationist features jewelry with dove and olive branch motifs.

The diamond manufacturer’s new company will provide accessible and affordable high-quality medicines across India.

Emmanuel Raheb shares tips on how a jeweler’s showcases, marketing, and social media presence can whisper, instead of shout.

The private equity firm has a plan to revive the mall staple.