Events & AwardsJun 11, 2025
Kering Announces Winners of Sustainability-Focused AwardEvents & AwardsJun 23, 2025
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.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
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.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy BoardThe three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.
ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online CartJewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-TrendThe fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.
SourcingJun 24, 2026
Columbia Gem House To Offer Alexandrite Melee OnlineThe collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales OfficerDhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.
