Events & Awards

Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry Designers

Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025

Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry Designers

The winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.

Penny Preville, Maggie Hess, Stella Song, and Benjamin King
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


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.

The Latest

Ethical Gem Fair
SourcingJul 14, 2025
Ethical Gem Fair Heads to Seattle

The trade-only event will host its debut fair in the Emerald City later this month.

Miseno Arco Earrings
CollectionsJul 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: Miseno’s ‘Arco’ Earrings

For its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.

James Avery Texas charm
Policies & IssuesJul 11, 2025
James Avery to Donate $1M to Texas Hill Country Relief Efforts

The jewelry company is one of several contributing to relief efforts in the region after the recent floods.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Kelly Osbourne Engagement Ring
TrendsJul 11, 2025
Kelly Osbourne’s Engagement Ring Is Sweet as Honey

Inspired by fiancé Sid Wilson’s nickname for her, the white and yellow diamond ring features a unique honeycomb design.

Weekly QuizJul 10, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Penny Preville Anniversary Bangles and Penny Preville
CollectionsJul 10, 2025
Penny Preville Celebrates 5 Decades of Jewelry Design

The brand is marking its 50th anniversary with a limited-edition bangle, high jewelry suites, new collections, and more.

Exterior shot of Alvin Goldfarb Jeweler in Bellevue, Washington
IndependentsJul 10, 2025
Steven Goldfarb to Retire, Close Alvin Goldfarb Jeweler

Goldfarb said changes in the industry, coupled with his age and the updates needed to modernize his business, drove his decision.

Jewelers of America logo with meetup, State of the Majors, giveaway and massages
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

LVMH chairman and CEO of the Americas Michael Burke
MajorsJul 10, 2025
LVMH Names New Chairman, CEO of the Americas

Longtime LVMH executive Michael Burke has stepped into the role.

Vickie Rokkos
MajorsJul 10, 2025
Hearts On Fire Appoints New Sales Director

Vickie Rokkos has joined the jewelry company as its new national sales director of North America.

Mikimoto The Bows high jewelry necklace
SurveysJul 09, 2025
Jewelry Stays Strong as Luxury Market Slows, Bain & Co. Says

Turbulence will be the new baseline for luxury as it faces its biggest potential setbacks in 15 years, a recent report said.

1 NJ-Supplier-Bulletin-Snake-One.jpg
Supplier BulletinJul 09, 2025
JCK Unwrapped: Trends, Insights & Post-Show Tips

Sponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply

Cece Jewellery For the Love of Fruits Pendants
CollectionsJul 09, 2025
Cece Jewellery’s New Fruit Jewels Celebrate Life’s Sweetness

The “For the Love of Fruits” collection features five fruit pendants, each holding a different meaning.

Graphic showing images from National Jeweler’s top 5 stories 2025
EditorsJul 09, 2025
The Most-Read Stories of 2025, So Far

Diamonds and crimes (some involving diamonds) top the list of National Jeweler’s most popular stories halfway through the year.

 The Dash Diamond Crater of Diamonds State Park
SourcingJul 09, 2025
Florida Couple Finds 3-Carat Diamond in Arkansas

They discovered “The Dash Diamond,” named for their dog, at the Crater of Diamonds State Park earlier this month.

Mikimoto Les Pétales Campaign Imagery and Les Pétales Necklace
CollectionsJul 08, 2025
Mikimoto’s High Jewelry Collection Turns Pearls into Petals

The “Les Pétales” collection imagines roses caught mid-bloom as a tribute to nature’s beauty.

National Jeweler columnist and jewelry sales expert Peter Smith
ColumnistsJul 08, 2025
Peter Smith: Why Jewelers Struggle With Premium Pricing

Luxury brands charge thousands for their shoes and handbags. Jewelers pricing diamond products should take note, Peter Smith writes.

David Rotenberg of David Craig Jewelers
IndependentsJul 08, 2025
David Rotenberg of David Craig Jewelers Dies at 79

Rotenberg was an active member of the American Gem Society and an accomplished appraiser who also worked with therapy dogs at a hospital.

Diamond Divas Cast
TechnologyJul 08, 2025
‘Diamond Divas’ Brings the Showroom to Social Media Reality Series

It follows New York-based brand Shahla Karimi Jewelry’s all-women team in “Say Yes to the Dress” meets “The Office”-style episodes.

SMO Golden Gala
Policies & IssuesJul 08, 2025
SMO Gold Launches New Foundation

In its inaugural year, the SMO Foundation will focus on supporting two organizations in West Africa and one in South America.

Stock image of container ship in port
Policies & IssuesJul 07, 2025
Higher Tariffs Set to Take Effect Aug. 1, Officials Say

The announcement comes just as the 90-day freeze on the “reciprocal” tariffs nears its end, giving countries more time to negotiate.

David Kellie
SourcingJul 07, 2025
Natural Diamond Council CEO David Kellie To Step Down

Kellie, who joined the organization in 2019, will remain in his role through the end of 2025.

Suspects in Glendale burglary
CrimeJul 07, 2025
7 Suspects Charged in California Jewelry Store Burglary

Police officers apprehended the suspects as they were allegedly attempting to gain entry into another jewelry store.

Ella Klein Internship
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2025
Applications Open for Ella Klein Internship

The program, a collaboration between Julius Klein Diamonds and the Women’s Jewelry Association, is in its second year.

GIA iD100® Technology
Supplier BulletinJul 03, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

Madison Keys in Brilliant Earth campaign
MajorsJul 03, 2025
Brilliant Earth Names Tennis Star Madison Keys as Its New Ambassador

The 2025 Australian Open champion is the jewelry brand’s first athlete ambassador.

Muse Nordstrom shop-in-shop
MajorsJul 03, 2025
Muse Sets Up Shop in Nordstrom’s New Jewelry Hall

The West Village jewelry boutique’s new shop-in-shop is the cornerstone of Nordstrom’s revamped jewelry hall.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy