The International Gemological Institute (IGI) has announced the winners of the fifth edition of IGI Expressions 2025–26, its global jewellery design competition, which received more than 1,000 entries from designers across 55 countries.
The competition was conducted online from December 1, 2025 to January 31, 2026. The theme for this edition was “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean”, encouraging participants to interpret elements such as the ocean’s movement, resilience and hidden features through jewellery design concepts.
An international jury panel evaluated the submissions. The panel included Lisa Koenigsberg, President and Founder of Initiatives in Art & Culture (USA); Ashraf Motiwala, Director at A S Motiwala Fine Jewelry (India); Helen Mao, International Jewellery Consultant (China); Suuraj Popley, Founder and Director at Popley Eternal (India); and Farah Yazbeck, Founder of Joia Jewels (UAE).
Entries were judged based on creative concept, wearability and the accompanying design description. From the total submissions, 60 finalists were shortlisted across three categories — Statement Piece, Convertible Jewelry and Brooch — and three design formats: CAD, manual sketch and iPad design.
Nine winners were selected across the categories. The winners are Vangie Carrillo (USA), Malay Biswas (India), Xu Na (China), Pratiksha Tambe (India), Tanmay Rit (India), He Huishi (China), Vibhoo Bhargava (India) and Peilin Yao (China). Vangie Carrillo secured wins in two categories.
In the Statement Piece category, the winners were Vangie Carrillo, Malay Biswas and Xu Na. The Convertible Jewelry category winners were Pratiksha Tambe, Tanmay Rit and He Huishi. In the Brooch category, the winners were Vangie Carrillo, Vibhoo Bhargava and Peilin Yao.
Each winner will receive a cash prize of USD 500, along with a trophy and a winner’s certificate. According to IGI, the winners will also receive international recognition through the institute’s global platform.
Tehmasp Printer of IGI said, “Congratulations to all the winners! As a global jewelry design contest, IGI Expressions™ continues to provide emerging and professional designers an inclusive platform to showcase their talent without geographical barriers.”
He added that the initiative aims to support creativity and innovation while encouraging wider participation from designers across global markets.
IGI Expressions is conducted as a free and fully online competition aimed at providing equal access to designers globally. According to IGI, participation has increased with each edition since the programme’s launch, reflecting growing interest from the international jewellery design community.
