(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK – IGI announced its 2020 JEWEL Jewelry Design Contest. The competition invites novice and professional jewelers, artists, teachers, students and fans to submit design concepts for consideration among an esteemed international panel of judges in the hopes of receiving media exposure, cash prizes and scholarships to one of IGI’s International Schools of Gemology. In the wake of the pandemic, this event will help up-and-coming designers break through obstacles and be introduced to manufacturers who can develop their designs.
With the contest theme “Collision and Fusion,” IGI is inspiring participants to embrace duality in their future submissions. Implying crystal collision in gemstone creation and stylistic cultural fusion, the same growth and unity is being shared globally during these unprecedented times.
“In our industry’s history, every collision and fusion of civilizations made way for new classical eras,” said IGI CEO Roland Lorie. “With the new IGI JEWEL Jewelry Design Contest, we hope to empower participants to approach design with a global perspective and make room for the next period of influential jewelry.”
IGI’s international panel of industry expert judges includes Stephen Webster, David Gotlib, Paola De Luca, Alexandre Corrot, Mauro Vegliante, Maria Laura La Mantia, Philip Sajet and Ms. Wang Jin Yuan, chaiman of the Fosun Art Center. This prestigious group will judge four different categorical events: diamond, colored gemstone, gold and creative material. In their evaluation, they will critique submissions on creativity, use of materials, budget, feasibility of production and wearability.
Participation is free of charge for all entries. A maximum of 30 participants will be selected by September 1stto advance to the fabrication stage of competition where each finalist will enjoy seeing their creative concept brought to life by a manufacturer, underwritten by IGI and event partner, House of Jewelry Creation. All finalist designs will receive exposure on a physical tour of various trade events and expositions, along with online promotion through a series of professional channels and the chance to receive support from jewelry brands towards further development.
The special jury will select one contest grand champion and two silver medalists. These winners will receive cash prizes and full scholarships toward coursework in one of IGI’s International Schools of Gemology. The special jury will issue four additional “Outstanding Design” awards, one for each contest category. These recipients will also receive cash prizes and scholarships.
The 2020 IGI JEWEL Jewelry Design Contest awards ceremony will tentatively be held on Nov. 25 and will be broadcast live globally. As safety of all attending parties is IGI’s top priority, the Institute will notify all parties of circumstances and safety measures that may impact the event.
For more information on IGI and to learn more about the rules and requirements for its new design contest, click here.