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Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry Designers
The winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.
The Jose Hess Design Awards, held June 7, honored six jewelry designers. From left: Penny Preville, Maggie Hess, Stella Song, and Benjamin King. (Image credit: Melissa Reese)
Las Vegas—The Jose Hess Design Awards honored six jewelry designers at a ceremony held during the JCK Show in Las Vegas.
The nonprofit’s goal is to preserve and celebrate the legacy of the late jewelry designer Jose Hess.
The 2025 awards were presented to designers whose jewelry captured the “Radiance” theme, exuding “enduring brilliance, profound emotional resonance, and extraordinary artistic mastery,” said the organization.
The recipients were as follows:
Penny Preville;
Kouzoupis Jewellery;
Benjamin King of Diamonds De Canada;
Stella Song;
Simon G. Fine Jewelry; and
LÖF by Morgan Mackintosh.
The designs were judged based on creative originality, technical craftsmanship, innovative artistry, and consumer appeal.
This year's judges were Susan Helmich of Susan Helmich Design, Tracey Ellison of The Diamond Girl, Veronica and Louis A. Guarino of Louis Anthony Jewelers, and Magdalena “Maggie” Hess, the founder of the Jose Hess Design Awards and wife of Jose Hess.
SEE: The Winners of the 2025 Jose Hess Design Awards
The nonprofit’s goal is to preserve and celebrate the legacy of the late jewelry designer Jose Hess.
The 2025 awards were presented to designers whose jewelry captured the “Radiance” theme, exuding “enduring brilliance, profound emotional resonance, and extraordinary artistic mastery,” said the organization.
The recipients were as follows:
Penny Preville;
Kouzoupis Jewellery;
Benjamin King of Diamonds De Canada;
Stella Song;
Simon G. Fine Jewelry; and
LÖF by Morgan Mackintosh.
The designs were judged based on creative originality, technical craftsmanship, innovative artistry, and consumer appeal.
This year's judges were Susan Helmich of Susan Helmich Design, Tracey Ellison of The Diamond Girl, Veronica and Louis A. Guarino of Louis Anthony Jewelers, and Magdalena “Maggie” Hess, the founder of the Jose Hess Design Awards and wife of Jose Hess.
SEE: The Winners of the 2025 Jose Hess Design Awards
An 18-karat white gold ring set with a 7-carat Burmese spinel and 1.12 carats of custom-cut tapered sapphires by Morgan Mackintosh of LÖF
An 18-karat yellow gold and diamond bracelet by Penny Preville
An 18-karat white gold ring set with a 22.40-carat tanzanite and round- and princess-cut diamonds by Kouzoupis Jewellery
A pendant by Benjamin King from the “Lands” collection, set with a 1.14-carat custom briolette diamond from De Beers’ Gahcho Kué mine in Canada
This convertible piece by Stella Song can be a pin, pendant, or ring. It’s crafted in 18-karat white gold with titanium plating, set with a 3.87-carat sapphire, and surrounded by white and fancy color diamonds and sapphires.
n 18-karat yellow and white gold ring set with yellow marquise-cut diamonds, white round diamonds, and pear- and marquise-shaped yellow sapphires by Simon G. Fine Jewelry
During the ceremony, held June 7 in the show’s Designer Collective lounge, Maggie and a few of the event’s sponsors, including the World Gold Council and Platinum Guild International, shared their memories of Jose and their congratulations with the winners.
"We have recognized truly incredible radiant designs spanning from highly established designers to emerging new talent,” said Maggie.
“We take immense pride in celebrating both the rich legacy of our industry and the fresh, innovative voices shaping fine jewelry's future.”
John Mulligan of the World Gold Council said, "Your creativity and craftsmanship help turn raw materials into works of art that captivate and inspire.”
Mulligan also highlighted the beauty and value of gold as well as the importance of sustainability.
“Let's continue to innovate and create in ways that respect our planet and future generations."
Jenny Luker of Platinum Guild International shared that Jose was one of the first people in the industry she met around 30 years ago, and that he was her first mentor.
“It is so important to encourage new talent and new leadership, and that is what this represents,” said Luker.
“For platinum, Jose always said it was ‘like butter’ and I am hopeful that the new generation has the same opportunity to work with and experience this incredible metal.”
Nicole Garcia, executive director of alumni development at GIA, highlighted the importance of education to Jose, who was a GIA graduate.
“Jose didn’t just practice his craft; he lived it. He understood that true excellence in the jewelry industry wasn’t just born of talent, it was forged through learning, dedication, and growth. Let’s ensure that the brilliance of our industry continues to shine through knowledge, passion, and purpose.”
For more information or to donate to support emerging jewelry designers, visit the Jose Hess Design Awards website.
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