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
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
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.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
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.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA MuseumThe new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.
