Press Releases

IGI Expressions Jewelry Design Competition Begins October 31

Free online competition is open to all aspiring jewelry designers.

Published

3 years ago

October 26, 2022

Press Releases

IGI Expressions Jewelry Design Competition Begins October 31

(PRESS RELEASE) ANTWERP, BELGIUM — The International Gemological Institute (IGI), the world’s largest independent gemological laboratory, is inviting the world’s creatives to enter their free online jewelry design competition, the 2022 IGI Expressions Awards. This year’s theme, “Renewal,” was selected to inspire interpretations of regeneration or rejuvenation through an original piece of jewelry. The Institute will be accepting submissions from October 31 through November 30, 2022, here.

The IGI Expressions competition is open to everyone, from young students and emerging designers to seasoned professionals. There are three design categories, Lightweight Jewelry, Statement Piece or Accessory. Each category features separate segments to accommodate different submission preferences; by hand-drawn Sketch, Computer Assisted Design (CAD) file or iPad file. Approximately 40-50 designs will become competition finalists, from which nine champions will be selected, one in each submission segment, for each of the three categories.

The 2022 IGI Expressions jury, a diverse panel of esteemed luxury industry experts and luminaries, includes Sarah François-Poncet from France, Shaikha Dalia Zaal Al Marri and Donna Hourani from the UAE, Varuna D Jani and Laksh Pahuja from India and Chris Ploof and Kyle Roderick from the USA.

“IGI has been grading diamonds and gemstones for over 45 years,” observes IGI CEO Roland Lorie. “We also certify finished jewelry and recognize the vital role creativity plays in using gemstones to move and inspire others. We are pleased to offer the IGI Expressions Awards again, inviting jewelry enthusiasts around the world to participate and be recognized as IGI continues to encourage and support creative talent.”

All competition participants will receive an official IGI Expressions Certificate. Finalists will receive Finalist Certificates, coverage on the IGI GemBlog and exposure on IGI’s social channels. The nine winners will see their designs fabricated by a contest partner, receive a $500 check (sanctioned regions excluded) an IGI Expressions Trophy, Certificate, and 3D prints of the design, as well as recognition via press coverage, IGI GemBlog and social channels. The winners will be announced on December 13, 2022.

The 2021 IGI Expressions Awards attracted more than 550 entries from 21 countries. Last year’s theme, jury and winning designs can be seen here.

Family Legacy, New Chapter: How Wilkerson Turns 89 Years of History Into Future Success

After 89 years of serving the Albany community, Harold Finkle Your Jeweler faced a pivotal decision. For third-generation owner Justin Finkle, the demanding hours of running a small business were taking precious time away from his young family. "After 23 years, I decided this was the time for me," Finkle explains. But closing a business with nearly nine decades of inventory and customer relationships isn't something easily managed alone. Wilkerson's comprehensive approach transformed this challenging transition into a remarkable success story. Their strategic planning handled everything from advertising and social media to inventory management and staffing — elements that would overwhelm most jewelers attempting to navigate a closing sale independently. The results speak volumes. "Wilkerson gave us three different tiers of potential goals," Finkle notes. "We've reached that third tier, that highest goal already, and we still have two weeks left of the sale." The partnership didn't just meet financial objectives—it exceeded them ahead of schedule.