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IGI Opens Entries for 2025–26 Expressions Jewelry Design Competition December 18, 2025 (0 comments)
New York, NY--The International Gemological Institute (IGI) has announced details for its 2025–26 IGI Expressions jewelry design competition, themed "Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean," according to an IGI update.
[Image via iStock.com/Chaosamran_Studio]
As per the update, participants must submit original jewelry designs created using one of three formats: manual sketch, iPad-based digital sketch, or CAD. All entries must include front and back views of the design. iPad and CAD submissions are required to include an open working file, while manual sketch entries are exempt.
The competition includes three categories: Statement Piece, Convertible Jewelry, and Brooch. The update stated that brooch entries must clearly define the design mechanism and functionality in the written description.
Submission specifications require designs to be presented in A4 size, full color, at 300 DPI resolution, in .jpg, .jpeg, or .png format, with a maximum file size of 10MB. Each entry must detail design elements such as color, stones, size, weight, and dimensions. Participants must also submit a written design description of up to 300 words in English, explaining the theme interpretation and design mechanism. The update noted that AI-generated submissions will be disqualified.
According to the update, entries will be evaluated by a jury based on three criteria: relevance to the theme, weighted at 40%; wearability and functionality, weighted at 40%; and clarity of the design mechanism description, weighted at 20%.
IGI stated that all participants will receive a participation e-certificate. Finalists will receive a finalist e-certificate, recognition on IGI’s social channels, and access to an IGI SOG course at a discounted rate, subject to confirmation. The update added that nine winners, excluding sanctioned regions, will each receive a USD 500 cash prize, an IGI Expressions Champion Trophy and certificate, press coverage, coverage on the IGI GemBlog, and additional social media exposure.
More details are available on the IGI Expressions website.