Kering has announced the four finalists for the second edition of its Kering Generation Award X Jewelry, an initiative that promotes sustainability and innovation across the jewellery sector through collaborations with emerging talent and startups.
Organized in partnership with the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) and with scientific coordination by POLI.design – Politecnico di Milano, the award is centred on the theme “Second Chance, First Choice”. It encourages solutions that reduce the environmental footprint of the jewellery industry across products, processes, services and technology.
The finalists comprise two student entries and two startups selected from applications submitted by participants representing 10 universities and academies specializing in jewellery and sustainability, as well as established entrepreneurial ventures.
Among the student finalists, Yang Yuchan of Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology, China, was selected for Perching Willow, a contemporary jewellery project that repurposes discarded compact discs into fine jewellery using traditional craftsmanship. Jill Schmid of Rochester Institute of Technology, US, earned a place with Acacia, which transforms wood-processing waste into jewellery by combining natural wood shavings with gold replicas.
The startup finalists include France-based GeoGems, whose OriGems project aims to provide scientifically verifiable gemstone origin identification, addressing traceability challenges in the jewellery supply chain. Japan-based Novanoma was also selected for its technology-driven approach focused on sustainability and innovation within the industry.
The four finalists will present their projects on 9 July at Kering’s headquarters in Paris during Haute Couture Week. Winners in the student and startup categories will be announced following the presentations.
According to Kering, the winning student will receive an internship opportunity with one of the group’s jewellery maisons, while the winning startup will benefit from mentorship provided by POLI.design. The initiative is supported by Kering’s jewellery brands Pomellato, DoDo and Qeelin as part of the group’s broader efforts to encourage responsible innovation and circular practices in the sector.