The International Gemological Institute (IGI), the world’s largest gemological organization, has announced the winners of the 2023-24 IGI Expressions™ Jewelry Design Competition. This year’s event enjoyed unprecedented response, attracting a total of 1,515 submissions from more than 1,100 artists and creatives around the world. From a total of 54 designs advanced as finalists, seven have been named the 2023-24 IGI Expressions™ Champions.
The theme of the competition was “Abstract Design with Retro Motifs.” Creatives were invited to submit in one of three categories: (1) Statement Piece, (2) Convertible Jewelry and (3) Perfume Bottle or Jewelry Box. The competition included separate segments for sketched versus digital submissions.
Here are the winning artists and designs in each segment
Statement Piece Category –
- Vivienne Shek from China in Segment – Sketch (tie)
- Azade Baloochi from the Netherlands in Segment – Sketch (tie)
- Janki Vaghani from India in Segment – CAD
- Riki Shi from China in Segment – iPad (tie)
- Wang Haoxuan from China in Segment – iPad (tie)
Convertible Jewelry Category –
6. Sadaf Sarvmand from Iran in Segment – Sketch
7. Zhou Jialing from China in Segment – iPad
Perfume Bottle OR Jewelry Box Category
- Suva Han from China in Segment – Sketch
- Yu Ying from China in Segment – iPad
The international jury, which included Pradeep Jethani, Helen Mao, Tania Heikal, Punit Balana, Sonal Sawasukha, and Severine Ferrari, evaluated the submissions in three component areas – relevancy to theme, wearability/usability, and aesthetics. Champions were named according to the total scores from all six judges, who expressed enthusiasm for many of the designs:
“We were blown away by the creativity and skill of the winners. It was a tough competition, but these designers truly stood out” said jurist Helen Mao, International Jewelry Consultant & Author.
“Remarkable creativity and talent shine through the designs submitted for this competition. It was my honor to judge this contest for the first time. Congratulations to the winners!” said Severine Ferrari, Founder of Engagement 101.
IGI CEO Tehmasp Printer extended appreciation to all involved: “Congratulations to the winners. The esteemed jurors have thoroughly evaluated the best from the best designs. On behalf of Team IGI, I would like to thank all the participants who submitted their amazing designs on the free IGI Expressions™ 2023-24 Jewelry Design Competition platform and we look forward to having many more designs when we host next year’s competition.”
In addition to recognition for their designs, the winners will receive an IGI Expressions Participation Certificate, an IGI Expressions Champion Trophy, a Champion Certificate, 3D prints of their design, exposure on IGI’s GemBlog and social channels and a $500 check (Sanctioned Regions excluded).
