The competition celebrates timeless beauty and encourages participants to craft designs that embody elegance, brilliance, and enduring significance.
Founded to honour the legacy of renowned designer Jose Hess, the awards continue to foster innovation in fine jewellery design. Hess, a trailblazer in the industry, was known for championing design-driven jewellery and played a pivotal role in shaping modern aesthetics. As the first American President of CIBJO (World Jewellery Confederation) and a founding member of the American Jewelry Design Council, Hess left an indelible mark on the jewellery world.
Call for Submissions
Jewellery designers from around the globe are invited to submit original sketches or CAD renderings of their designs inspired by the “Radiance” theme. The deadline for submissions is February 28, with finalists being notified in early April. Shortlisted designers must submit photographs and videos of the finished pieces by May 1 for the final judging phase.
Competition Criteria
Designs must be original and created specifically for this contest.
Entries must fall under the fine jewellery category and align with the theme.
Acceptable materials include 18kt Gold or Platinum.
Only Natural Diamonds or Natural Precious Stones are permitted.
Designs should reflect exceptional craftsmanship, technical proficiency, and consumer wearability.
Participants must be exhibitors at the JCK and/or Luxury 2025 Shows in Las Vegas.
Award Categories & Recognition
The Jose Hess Design Awards will recognize exceptional talent across multiple categories, including:
Grand Prize Winner
Second Prize Winner
Third Prize Winner
Distinguished Finalists
A panel of esteemed industry experts will evaluate the entries, with winners announced at an exclusive awards reception during the JCK Show in Las Vegas. This prestigious event will bring together influential retailers, industry leaders, and media professionals to celebrate groundbreaking design achievements. Award recipients will receive trophies and unparalleled opportunities to elevate their visibility in the fine jewellery industry.
A Vision for the Future
“We aim to inspire the next generation of jewellery designers to push creative boundaries while upholding the highest standards of craftsmanship,” says Magdalena (Maggie) Hess, wife of the late Jose Hess. “Our hope is that the winners of the Jose Hess Design Awards will leave a lasting impact on the fine jewellery industry, shaping an innovative and radiant future.”
With submissions now open, designers are encouraged to seize this extraordinary opportunity to showcase their artistic vision and technical prowess, ensuring their creations shine among the best in the industry.