Events & AwardsJun 09, 2025
CASE Awards Now Accepting Entries For 2025Events & AwardsMay 22, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Announce Judges
The nonprofit elected five judges who will decide the winners of its design competition.
The winning designers of the Jose Hess Design Awards will be announced and celebrated at the JCK Show in Las Vegas on Saturday, June 7.
New York—The Jose Hess Design Awards have announced the judges of this year’s 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.
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.
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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
