The 9th edition of the Artisan Jewellery Design Awards 2026 marked a significant milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a global jewellery design hub, bringing together leading designers, industry experts, and international icons to celebrate innovation, craftsmanship, and creative excellence.
Quick Summary
- 9th Artisan Jewellery Design Awards 2026 held in Mumbai
- Organised by GJEPC and curated by The Futurist
- Over 550 entries with 27 finalists
- Theme focused on “Quantum Couture” and design innovation
- Winners across Embroidery, Micro Painting, and Poetic Layers
- Global showcasing planned at major international trade shows
Event Overview
The 9th edition of the Artisan Jewellery Design Awards 2026, organised by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) and curated by The Futurist, concluded in Mumbai on April 8, bringing together the finest expressions of creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation in jewellery design.
Event Partners and Support
The Artisan Awards 2026 was powered by GIA and supported by the World Gold Council.
Distinguished Presence
Held in the distinguished presence of Ms. Lucia Silvestri, Creative Director & Gems Buying Director, Bvlgari; Mr. Amedeo Scognamiglio, Founder & Creative Director, RFMAS Jewellery Group; Dr. Annapurna Garimella, Art Historian & Designer; Mr. Siddharth Kasliwal, Founder, Gem Palace; Mr. Milan Chokshi, Founder, Moksh; Mr. Amit Pratihari, Managing Director, GIA India; and Ms. Paola De Luca, Creative Director & Trend Forecaster, and Curator of the Artisan Awards.
GJEPC Representation
From GJEPC, the event was attended by Mr. Kirit Bhansali, Chairman; Mr. Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman; Mr. Ashish Borda, Convener – Promotions, Marketing & Business Development; Shri Jayanti Savaliya, Regional Chairman – Gujarat; Mr. Vijay Mangukiya, Convener – International Exhibitions; Mr. Mansukh Kothari, Convener – Events; and Mr. Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director.
Evolution of the Awards
Instituted in 2014, the Artisan Awards has evolved into one of the industry’s most prestigious design-led platforms—encouraging originality, nurturing creative talent, and supporting India’s journey from a manufacturing powerhouse to a global design destination.
Theme of 2026 Edition
This year’s theme, “Quantum Couture: Re-engineering Beauty and Cultural Codes,” explored a powerful shift in how jewellery is conceived and experienced—where heritage is not just preserved, but reinterpreted for a new era.
Creative Directions
Through three creative directions—Embroidery, Micro-Painting, and Poetic Layers—designers presented jewellery that is fluid, expressive, and deeply conceptual, blending traditional craftsmanship with technology, storytelling, and contemporary design thinking.
Embroidery Concept
Embroidery reimagined textile traditions as structure—where elements like lace, thread, and brocade were translated into metal and gemstones. Techniques such as filigree and jali evolved into intricate frameworks, creating pieces that felt layered, lightweight, and architectural.
Micro-Painting Concept
Micro-Painting celebrated precision and storytelling at a miniature scale—drawing from heritage crafts like meenakari and miniature art. Each piece became a detailed narrative, where craftsmanship, symbolism, and technique came together to create intimate and meaningful expressions.
Poetic Layers Concept
Poetic Layers explored jewellery as a multi-dimensional form—where nature, emotion, and structure intertwined. Through organic shapes and layered compositions, designers created pieces that felt fluid, sculptural, and deeply expressive.
Participation and Finalists
With over 550 entries, the competition culminated in 27 finalists, whose ideas were brought to life by leading manufacturers—highlighting the seamless synergy between design innovation and manufacturing excellence.
Global Showcasing
Importantly, the journey of these creations does not end here. The 27 winning pieces will go on to be showcased at leading international platforms such as JCK Las Vegas, Vicenzaoro, IIJS Bharat Mumbai, SAJEX in Saudi Arabia, and other leading trade shows—taking the brilliance of Indian jewellery design to a wider global audience and reinforcing India’s growing presence in design-led jewellery.
Chairman’s Statement
Mr. Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC said, “India has long been recognised as a manufacturing powerhouse, but the next phase of growth lies in becoming a global design destination. Platforms like the Artisan Awards play a crucial role in encouraging original thinking and shaping the future identity of Indian jewellery.”
Lucia Silvestri’s Perspective
Ms. Lucia Silvestri, Jewellery Creative & Gems Buying Director, Bvlgari, “I have always been deeply fascinated by India’s extraordinary heritage in jewellery, a tradition that is incredibly rich in craftsmanship, symbolism, and artistry. There is a profound sense of history and culture embedded in every detail, which makes it a constant source of inspiration for me. Having reviewed the design sketches, I was particularly struck by the way this heritage is being reinterpreted through a contemporary lens. There is a beautiful balance between tradition and innovation, where legacy meets modern creativity.”
Paola De Luca’s Insights
“I am honoured to be part of India’s enduring legacy of jewellery and craftsmanship. India continues to inspire the world of jewellery, now empowering a new wave of creative voices and future icons. From heritage to horizon, India fuels the next generation of jewellery designers redefining global aesthetics.” said Paola De Luca, Creative Director & Strategist, The Futurist LLC
Ashish Borda’s Statement
Ashish Borda, Convener, Promotions, & Marketing, GJEPC said, “With over 550 entries responding to the theme of Quantum Couture, we witnessed bold imagination and fresh interpretations. Designers embraced heritage as a foundation to create something distinctly modern, reflecting the growing maturity of the talent pool. Through platforms like the Artisan Awards, GJEPC remains committed to nurturing design innovation and strengthening India’s position in high-value, design-led jewellery.”
Jury Panel
The awards were adjudicated by an eminent jury comprising Ms. Lucia Silvestri, Creative Director & Gems Buying Director, Bvlgari; Mr. Amedeo Scognamiglio, Founder & Creative Director, RFMAS Jewellery Group; Dr. Annapurna Garimella, Art Historian & Designer; Mr. Siddharth Kasliwal, Founder, Gem Palace; and Mr. Milan Chokshi, Founder, Moksh.
Jury Insights – Amedeo Scognamiglio
Amedeo Scognamiglio, Founder & Creative Director, RFMAS Jewellery Group said, “My personal journey is rooted in a multi-generational Italian family tradition of craftsmanship, where technique is inherited, refined, and respected. At the same time, I have always felt the need to challenge that legacy through a contemporary design language of my own. This duality is exactly why the Artisan Awards resonate with me. The designers I reviewed carry the same weight of heritage, but also the courage to evolve it — and that is where true creativity lives. I see in them the younger me.”
Jury Insights – Dr. Annapurna Garimella
Dr. Annapurna Garimella, Art Historian & Designer said, “Refined, ebullient, or wild — craft from India, especially in precious materials, has seduced the connoisseurs of the world for centuries. As an art historian, I am intrigued by the way historic and contemporary makers think through concept, purpose and material. As a designer working with artisan-designers and craftspeople, I am also seduced by the transmission and transformation of historic skills and knowledge. The Artisan Awards allow me to closely observe how other designers work, and it excites me to think about how they visualise concepts and realise them.”
Jury Insights – Siddharth Kasliwal
Siddharth Kasliwal, Founder, Gem Palace said, “What really stood out to me while judging at the Artisan Awards was the sheer fearlessness in creativity. There was a beautiful balance—designs that respected tradition, yet weren’t afraid to push boundaries and explore something new. That’s exactly the kind of mindset our industry needs today. Platforms like the Artisan Awards play such an important role in encouraging artisans and designers to think bigger, take risks, and evolve. It’s genuinely exciting to see this level of talent shaping the future of jewellery design.”
Jury Insights – Milan Chokshi
Milan Chokshi, Founder, Moksh said, “The structure of the Artisan Awards pushes the participants to really explore ideas, and at the same time present originality—extremely relevant in these times of excessive mechanical reproduction, where almost nothing seems original and everything can be made in unlimited quantities.”
FAQ Section
What are the Artisan Jewellery Design Awards?
A prestigious platform by GJEPC that promotes creativity and innovation in jewellery design.
Who were the key highlights of the 2026 edition?
Lucia Silvestri from Bvlgari presented awards, with participation from global industry leaders and designers.
What was the theme for 2026?
“Quantum Couture: Re-engineering Beauty and Cultural Codes.”
How many entries were received?
Over 550 entries, with 27 finalists selected.
Where will the winning designs be showcased?
At global platforms like JCK Las Vegas, Vicenzaoro, IIJS Bharat, and SAJEX.
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