Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerEvents & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting Submissions
This year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
The IGI Expressions jewelry design contest is accepting submissions in its three categories of statement pieces, convertible jewelry, and brooches until Jan. 31, 2026.
New York—The International Gemological Institute (IGI) has opened submissions for the fifth edition of its IGI Expressions jewelry design contest.
This year’s theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
With this underwater theme, designers are tasked with exploring the mysterious and captivating beauty of the ocean and transforming their visions into jewelry, said IGI.
Interested participants can submit their designs in one of three segments—sketch, CAD, or iPad—across the three categories of statement pieces, convertible jewelry, and brooches.
Submissions for the design contest are free and open now through Jan. 31, 2026.
“IGI Expressions continues as a free-entry contest, welcoming both emerging and professional designers to showcase their creativity without limits,” said Tehmasp Printer, CEO of IGI.
“This year’s theme, ‘Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean,’ inspires exploration of marine beauty and mystery through jewelry design. As a global platform, IGI Expressions empowers designers to gain recognition and shape their journey in the jewelry industry.”
IGI Expressions celebrates diversity, innovation, and artistic storytelling, said IGI, making it an international platform for both emerging and seasoned designers.
IGI’s previous design contests have generated more than 1,200 submissions from participants in 54 countries.
Related stories will be right here …
This year’s theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
With this underwater theme, designers are tasked with exploring the mysterious and captivating beauty of the ocean and transforming their visions into jewelry, said IGI.
Interested participants can submit their designs in one of three segments—sketch, CAD, or iPad—across the three categories of statement pieces, convertible jewelry, and brooches.
Submissions for the design contest are free and open now through Jan. 31, 2026.
“IGI Expressions continues as a free-entry contest, welcoming both emerging and professional designers to showcase their creativity without limits,” said Tehmasp Printer, CEO of IGI.
“This year’s theme, ‘Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean,’ inspires exploration of marine beauty and mystery through jewelry design. As a global platform, IGI Expressions empowers designers to gain recognition and shape their journey in the jewelry industry.”
IGI Expressions celebrates diversity, innovation, and artistic storytelling, said IGI, making it an international platform for both emerging and seasoned designers.
IGI’s previous design contests have generated more than 1,200 submissions from participants in 54 countries.
Finalists’ designs will be reviewed by an eminent global jury panel comprised of industry experts.
Nine winners will be chosen, and each winner will be awarded $500, a trophy, and a certificate of achievement.
The winners and finalists will also receive media recognition through IGI’s social media channels, GemBlog, and other industry platforms.
Interested applicants can submit their entry on the IGI Expressions website.
For more information about the design contest, guidelines, and registration information, visit its website or email expressions@igi.org.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
