JJS-IJ Design Awards 2026

Retailers Category Entry Guidelines

Important

These categories are open to Jewellery Retailers only. Only naturally mined, real gemstones are permitted across all categories. Synthetic, simulant, or lab-grown stones are not eligible unless specifically stated. All entries must be finished, commercially available jewellery pieces retailed through the participant's store.

What The Jury Wants To See

Ground breaking design thinking that sets a new benchmark for the industry.
Innovative and purposeful use of metal, gemstones and materials.
A strong, clear design concept visible in the finished piece.
Functionality and wearability suited to the intended occasion.
Originality and uniqueness in the Indian market.
Commercial viability with strong retail appeal.

General Submission Requirements — All Categories

The entry must be a single, finished jewellery piece — for example, a necklace or a pair of earrings, not both together, unless the category specifically requires a set.
Submit up to 4 photographs per entry from multiple angles, in JPEG format at a minimum of 300 dpi.
All photographs must be taken against a black or white background only.
One video in MP4 format (maximum 10 MB) is mandatory alongside the photographs.
- Please do not add any company name or brand in the video file.
- Do not use any model images to showcase the product.
Each entry must be accompanied by a fully completed entry form and payment of the applicable fee.
Only naturally mined, real gemstones are permitted across all categories unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Professional photography is strongly recommended to showcase the craftsmanship and detail of each piece.

Best Ring Design of the Year

From the solitaire engagement ring to the bold cocktail ring to the delicate stackable band — this category celebrates the year's most outstanding ring design retailed by an Indian jeweller.

Entry Guideline

The entry must be a single ring.
There are no material restrictions. Any metal, gemstone, or material combination is eligible.
All ring styles are welcome — solitaires, cluster rings, cocktail rings, eternity bands, stackable rings, and statement rings.
Sets of stackable rings designed and sold together as one product may be submitted as a single entry.
The entry will be judged on design originality, setting quality, craftsmanship, and retail appeal

Best Earring Design of the Year

Earrings are often the first piece of jewellery a woman reaches for and the last thing noticed about her. This category honours the year's finest pair — in any style, any material, any occasion.

Entry Guideline

The entry must be a single earrings.
There are no material restrictions. Any metal, gemstone, or material combination is eligible.
All earrings forms are welcome — studs, drops, chandbalis, hoops, jhumkas, ear cuffs, and contemporary sculptural forms.
Both classic and trend-forward designs are eligible. The piece will be judged on design originality, quality of craft, and commercial appeal.
Mismatched earring pairs designed and sold intentionally as a set are eligible.

Best Bracelet Design of the Year

The wrist is one of the most personal canvases in jewellery design. This category celebrates the most outstanding bracelet retailed during the year — from fine diamond tennis bracelets to bold gold cuffs to delicate gemstone-set bangles.

Entry Guideline

The entry must be a single bracelet or bangle — a wrist-worn jewellery piece.
There are no material restrictions. Any metal, gemstone, or material combination is eligible.
Both traditional and contemporary bracelet forms are welcome — including kadas, cuffs, tennis bracelets, charm bracelets, and articulated bangles.
Sets of matching bangles may be submitted as a single entry, provided they are designed and sold together as one product.
The piece must demonstrate strong design intent — not simply fine material or gemstone value.

Best Necklace Design of the Year

The necklace is the centrepiece of Indian jewellery culture. This category celebrates the most beautifully designed and crafted necklace retailed during the year — across all styles, materials, and occasions.

Entry Guideline

The entry must be a single necklace piece — not a set.
There are no material restrictions. Any metal, gemstone, or material combination is eligible.
All necklace forms are welcome — chokers, long necklaces, layered necklaces, statement neckpieces, and contemporary minimalist styles.
If the necklace features a detachable pendant or convertible element, it may be submitted as one entry showcasing both configurations.
The entry will be judged on design innovation, craftsmanship, and commercial relevance.

Best Bridal Design of the Year — Diamond

Celebrating the finest diamond bridal jewellery retailed during the year — pieces where natural diamonds are the undisputed centrepiece, combining design excellence with the grandeur a bride deserves.

Entry Guideline

The entry must be a complete bridal set — a cohesive combination of at least two pieces such as a necklace with earrings, or a necklace with bangles, Maang Tikka, Kamar Band, etc.
Natural, colourless diamonds must visually and materially dominate the set.
A small proportion of additional materials — including natural coloured gemstones — is acceptable, provided they complement rather than overshadow the diamonds.
Yellow gold, rose gold, and white gold settings are all acceptable.
The set must be designed to complement traditional bridal attire for the main wedding ceremony.
All components must share a unified design theme. If the necklace features detachable layers, each layer must maintain a cohesive design.

Best Bridal Design of the Year — Gold

Dedicated to the timeless beauty of gold bridal jewellery — pieces that honour the weight, warmth, and cultural significance of gold in the Indian wedding tradition.

Entry Guideline

The entry must be a complete bridal set — a cohesive combination of at least two pieces such as a necklace with earrings, or a necklace with bangles and maang tikka.
Gold must be the dominant material. Yellow gold, rose gold, and multitone gold are all acceptable. White gold is not permitted in this category.
A small proportion of additional materials, including natural gemstones, is acceptable provided gold remains the visual and material focus.
The set must be designed to complement traditional bridal attire for the main wedding ceremony.
All components must present a unified design — pieces from different collections placed together will not be accepted.

Couture Jewellery of the Year

The highest expression of jewellery artistry — one-of-a-kind, bespoke creations that belong on the international red carpet. This category is for retailers whose jewellery transcends commerce and enters the realm of wearable art.

Entry Guideline

The entry must be a single jewellery piece.
The piece must represent the very pinnacle of handcrafted jewellery — bespoke, exclusive, and of a design calibre comparable to international high-jewellery houses.
There are no material restrictions. Any combination of materials in any proportion is acceptable.
Eligible forms include rings, earrings, bracelets, bangles, pendants, and necklaces.
One-of-a-kind pieces that are not part of a production line are especially encouraged — the jury is looking for pieces that could not have been made by anyone else.
The piece will be evaluated on design ambition, technical mastery, and the overall sense of occasion it carries.

Pret Jewellery of the Year

Great jewellery design should not be reserved for special occasions. This category celebrates ready-to-wear, everyday jewellery that is stylish, accessible, and designed to be worn — and loved — every day.

Entry Guideline

The entry must be a single jewellery piece.
The piece must be lightweight, wearable, and suited for everyday or casual use — bridal or heavy occasion jewellery will not qualify.
There are no material restrictions. Any combination of materials in any proportion is acceptable.
The design must reflect current fashion sensibility while maintaining clear retail appeal and a distinct design point of view.
All jewellery forms are eligible — rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and pendants.

Statement Brooch Design of the Year

From sari pins to couture jacket ornaments, the brooch is one of jewellery's most overlooked canvases. This category rewards retailers bold enough to bring the brooch back into the conversation.

Entry Guideline

The entry must be a brooch — a wearable, pin-backed or clasp-backed ornament.
There are no material restrictions. Any combination of materials in any proportion is acceptable.
The piece must make a strong visual statement — design originality, scale, and presence are all part of the judging criteria.
Both functional brooches — such as those used for draping saris or securing stoles — and purely decorative statement brooches are eligible.
The entry will be judged on design creativity, quality of craft, and the confidence with which it reimagines the brooch as a jewellery form.

Men's Jewellery of the Year

Indian men are wearing jewellery with a confidence and intentionality that has never existed before. This category is dedicated to the retailers designing for that shift — jewellery made specifically for and by today's Indian man.

Entry Guideline

The piece must be jewellery designed exclusively for men — in aesthetic, proportion, and intent.
Eligible forms include: rings, kadas, bracelets, chains, pendants, earrings, and any other piece clearly designed for male wear.
There are no material restrictions. Gold, silver, platinum, gemstones, and alternative materials are all eligible.
The design must reflect the sensibility of the contemporary Indian man — the piece must feel authentically masculine, not a feminised design adapted for men.
Both everyday and occasion-wear men's jewellery are eligible.

Diamond Jewellery of the Year

Celebrating outstanding diamond jewellery retailed during the year — pieces where the brilliance, cut, and setting of natural diamonds create a design that is both extraordinary and commercially compelling.

Entry Guideline

Natural colourless diamonds must be the dominant material.
The entry must be a single jewellery piece.
Sets or combinations are not eligible.
Natural coloured gemstones may be used sparingly.
All jewellery forms are eligible.
The piece must be commercially available for retail sale.

Gold Jewellery of the Year

This category celebrates outstanding gold jewellery that blends heritage with modern flair. From antique styles and temple designs to bold new creations—it proves that gold is never old, it only gets bolder.

Entry Guideline

The entry must be a single jewellery piece — one item only. Sets or combinations (e.g., a necklace paired with earrings) are not eligible.
Gold must be the dominant material. Yellow gold, rose gold, and multitone gold are permitted.
The piece may incorporate a small proportion of natural gemstones or other materials as accent elements
Natural coloured gemstones may be used sparingly.
All jewellery forms — necklaces, bangles, earrings, rings, bracelets are eligible.
Antique-finish, temple-style, and contemporary gold designs are all welcome.

Coloured Stone Jewellery of the Year

This category celebrates jewellery where a natural coloured gemstone is the hero of the design.

Entry Guideline

The entry must be a single jewellery piece — one item only. Sets or combinations (e.g., a necklace paired with earrings) are not eligible.
Natural coloured gemstones must be the dominant element. All natural gemstones are eligible — including sapphires, emeralds, rubies, alexandrites, tourmalines, spinels, opals, tanzanites, and others.
Additional materials including gold, platinum, and diamonds may be incorporated in equal or lesser proportion.
The choice, placement, and framing of the gemstone must demonstrate strong design intent — not simply a showcase of the stone's natural beauty alone.

Pearl Jewellery of the Year

Timeless yet ever-evolving — this category honours the most exceptional jewellery piece that places the pearl at its heart, whether through classical elegance or bold contemporary reinterpretation.

Entry Guideline

The entry must be a single jewellery piece — one item only. Sets or combinations (e.g., a necklace paired with earrings) are not eligible.
Pearl must be the primary or hero material of the piece.
Additional materials including Meenakari enamelling, coloured gemstones, and pearls may be included in balanced proportion.
Natural, cultured, or farmed pearls qualify. Freshwater, Akoya, Tahitian, and South Sea pearls are all eligible.
All treatments applied to the pearl(s) must be fully disclosed at the time of entry.
The piece may be traditional or avant-garde in style, but the pearl must remain central to the design concept.
The design must demonstrate strong creative intent, craftsmanship, and a thoughtful relationship between the pearl and the overall composition.

Adorned Accessory of the Year

Jewellery is no longer limited to the body — this category celebrates the most innovative jewelled accessories that redefine what can be adorned, from hair to handbag to spectacle frames.

Entry Guideline

The entry must be a jewelled accessory that is not a conventional jewellery piece (i.e., not a necklace, ring, earring, bangle, or bracelet).
Eligible pieces include: hair ornaments, jewelled hairpins, jewelled handbag charms, spectacle chains, shoe ornaments, belts with jewelled clasps, and other innovative adornment forms.
There are no material restrictions.
The piece may be wearable or functional. The design must demonstrate strong creative intent and craftsmanship.

Temple Jewellery Of the Year

Rooted in devotion and grandeur — this category celebrates the most magnificent temple jewellery piece that honours the rich legacy of sacred adornment, where craftsmanship meets cultural reverence in every intricate detail.

Entry Guideline

The entry must be a single jewellery piece — one item only. Sets or combinations (e.g., a necklace paired with earrings) are not eligible.
Eligible single pieces include: a necklace, a pair of earrings, a bangle, a bracelet, a brooch, a hair ornament, or any other individual jewellery form rooted in temple jewellery tradition.
Yellow gold, antique gold, and multi-tone gold finishes qualify. No other base metals are permitted.
Precious and semi-precious stones may be incorporated into the design.
The piece must reflect one or more of the recognised temple jewellery design traditions:
- Traditional — featuring classic motifs such as waves, dots, and lines.
- Motif — inspired by nature, including floral forms such as the lotus, and birds such as the peacock and swan.
- Abstract — incorporating geometric expressions such as zig-zag patterns and the interspersion of shapes.
- Temple — depicting sacred and royal imagery such as Gods and Goddesses, celestial dancers, and royal figure statues.
The design must demonstrate strong creative intent, cultural authenticity, and exceptional craftsmanship.

Artefact Of the Year

This category celebrates exceptional, non-wearable creations made with precious metals or stones—like a decorative showpiece, ceremonial item, or luxury keepsake. These pieces reflect artistic brilliance, cultural richness, and the grandeur of Indian craftsmanship beyond traditional jewellery.

Theme Based Jewellery Of The Year: Wings & Feathers

STUDENT

GIA Emerging Designer of the Year 2026

Student Category

✦

Design Theme 2026 — “TBD”

Judging Criteria

Innovation & Creativity
Originality, uniqueness, and inventive transformation concepts.
Theme Interpretation & Concept Development
Clarity of dual-purpose functionality and relevance to the “Transformers” theme.
Design Aesthetics
Visual appeal, artistic excellence, balance, and market relevance.
Technical Proficiency in CAD
Detailing, rendering quality, and communication of transformation mechanisms.
Practicality & Functionality
Ease of transformation, comfort, wearability, and versatility.

General Requirements

Open to jewellery design students pursuing a diploma, degree, or certificate in 2026.
Candidates must be 18 years or older as of August 1, 2026.
No entry fees are required for participation.
Complete the official entry form under the GIA Emerging Designer category.
Each entry must include either: a hand-rendered sketch or a CAD-rendered design file.
Incomplete or non-compliant entries may be disqualified.

Design Specifications

The submitted design must be original and presented at actual size (1:1 ratio).
The design should clearly communicate concept, functionality, and transformation.
Hand-Rendered Design:
A4 vellum paper mounted on black cardboard.
CAD Design:
2480 × 3508 pixels, 300 dpi, max 5 MB.
Accepted formats: PNG, JPG, JPEG.
Designs must be on a clean white background with no identifying marks.

Important Instructions

Do not include name, institution, signature, logo, or watermark.
Entries will be judged anonymously.
Submitted content may be used in digital, print, and promotional publications.
Review all submitted files carefully before final submission.
No modifications or corrections will be permitted after submission.

The Product Categories with description

(Click on a category tab to view its description)	DESCRIPTION
Diamond Jewellery of the Year This category celebrates stunning creations made with natural diamonds, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and design. From bold statement pieces to intricately detailed work, it honors jewellery that reflects elegance, innovation, and the timeless brilliance of diamonds.
Colour Stone Jewellery Of The Year This category celebrates stunning jewellery made with coloured gemstones—from traditional Navratna to rare stones like opals and spinels. The piece should highlight the beauty of the stone through creative design, fine craftsmanship, and a strong sense of style.
Gold Jewellery of the Year This category celebrates outstanding gold jewellery that blends heritage with modern flair. From antique styles and temple designs to bold new creations—it proves that gold is never old, it only gets bolder.
Polki Jadau Jewellery of the Year Honors the finest examples of Polki Jadau craftsmanship—pieces characterized by uncut diamonds set in intricate patterns, reflecting regal aesthetics and exquisite traditions of Indian jewellery art.
Pearl Jewellery of the Year Honors the finest examples of Polki Jadau craftsmanship—pieces characterized by uncut diamonds set in intricate patterns, reflecting regal aesthetics and exquisite traditions of Indian jewellery art.
Adorned Accessory of the Year This category honors the most innovative and stylish accessory that transforms everyday fashion into a statement of artistry. From hair ornaments to brooches, belts, bags, or eyewear, it celebrates designs that redefine how accessories are worn and admired in contemporary style.
Temple Jewellery of the Year Rewards jewellery inspired by traditional temple motifs, renowned for elaborate carving, motifs of deities, and cultural significance. These pieces often blend goldwork, gemstones, and heritage design reflective of South Indian legacy.
Artefacts of the year This category celebrates exceptional, non-wearable creations made with precious metals or stones—like a decorative showpiece, ceremonial item, or luxury keepsake. These pieces reflect artistic brilliance, cultural richness, and the grandeur of Indian craftsmanship beyond traditional jewellery.
Theme Based Jewellery Of The Year: Wings & Feathers Honors the finest examples of Polki Jadau craftsmanship—pieces characterized by uncut diamonds set in intricate patterns, reflecting regal aesthetics and exquisite traditions of Indian jewellery art.

The Retail Categories with description

(Click on a category tab to view its description)

Best Ring Design

Best Bracelet of the Year

Best Earring of the Year

Best Necklace Jewellery Of The Year

Best Bridal Jewellery Of the Year - Gold

Best Bridal Jewellery Of the Year - Diamond

Couture Jewellery of the year

Pret Jewellery of the year

Statement Brooch of the Year

Men's Jewellery of The Year