The International Gemological Institute (IGI) recently concluded its highly anticipated fifth edition of IGI Expressions™ 2025–26, a world-renowned jewelry design contest that continues to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation within the global jewelry industry. This year’s competition marked another significant milestone, attracting an astounding over 1,000 entries from 55 countries across the globe. This remarkable growth since its inception firmly establishes IGI Expressions™ as one of the most inclusive and expansive design platforms available to aspiring and professional jewelry designers worldwide, truly democratizing access to a global stage for exceptional talent.
A Deep Dive into Design: The “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean” Theme
The fifth edition of IGI Expressions™ challenged designers to interpret a captivating and thought-provoking theme: “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.” Running online from December 1 to January 31, the contest invited participants to explore the ocean’s myriad facets—its vast, untold mysteries, its incredible resilience, the dynamic movement of its currents, and its hidden, ethereal beauty. This theme served as an expansive canvas, encouraging designers to transcend conventional boundaries and translate the profound majesty of marine life and ecosystems into original, wearable art. From the tranquil flow of waves to the vibrant biodiversity of coral reefs, and the enigmatic allure of the deep sea, designers were tasked with capturing these elements in their unique jewelry creations, showcasing not only their artistic vision but also their technical prowess in bringing these complex ideas to life.
The selection of the ocean as a theme was particularly poignant, given its universal appeal and its rich symbolic associations with life, change, and untold secrets. It provided a fertile ground for imaginative interpretations, ranging from intricate designs mimicking oceanic flora and fauna to abstract pieces reflecting the ocean’s power and tranquility. This thematic approach not only sparked intense creativity among participants but also highlighted the immense potential for storytelling through jewelry, demonstrating how wearable art can evoke powerful narratives and emotions inspired by the natural world.
An Esteemed International Jury: Guardians of Excellence
The integrity and prestige of IGI Expressions™ are upheld by its distinguished international jury, whose collective expertise and discerning eye are crucial in shaping the selection of winning designs. IGI extends its deepest gratitude to this panel of world-class experts, each bringing a unique perspective from various facets of the jewelry, design, and cultural industries. The esteemed judges for this edition included:
- Lisa Koenigsberg (USA): President & Founder of Initiatives in Art & Culture (IAC), renowned for her insights into art and cultural movements.
- Ashraf Motiwala (India): Director at A S Motiwala Fine Jewelry, bringing a wealth of experience from the luxury jewelry market.
- Helen Mao (China): An International Jewelry Consultant with a profound understanding of global design trends and aesthetics.
- Suuraj Popley (India): Founder & Director at Popley Eternal, known for his innovative approach to retail and bespoke jewelry.
- Farah Yazbeck (UAE): Founder of Joia Jewels, celebrated for her contemporary design philosophy and entrepreneurial spirit.
This diverse panel meticulously evaluated each submission based on three critical criteria: creative concept, wearability, and description. The emphasis on creative concept ensured that designs were not only visually stunning but also conveyed a deep understanding and unique interpretation of the “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean” theme. Wearability, a pragmatic yet essential aspect of jewelry design, ensured that the winning pieces were not just sculptural marvels but also practical and comfortable for everyday adornment or special occasions. Finally, the clarity and eloquence of the design description allowed judges to understand the designer’s intent, inspiration, and the narrative behind each piece, adding another layer to the evaluation process. The jury’s unparalleled experience across the spectrum of jewelry creation, design innovation, and aesthetic appreciation guaranteed that the selected winners truly represent the pinnacle of creative and technical excellence in contemporary jewelry design.
Categories, Segments, and the Road to Victory
The rigorous judging process culminated in the selection of nine winning designers from a highly competitive pool of 60 finalists. These finalists were meticulously shortlisted across three distinct jewelry categories and three innovative design segments, ensuring a broad spectrum of talent and design approaches were recognized.
The Categories:
- Statement Piece: This category celebrated designs that are bold, impactful, and designed to make a dramatic impression. These pieces often push the boundaries of size, material, and form, serving as central focal points of an ensemble.
- Convertible Jewelry: Highlighting versatility and ingenuity, this category sought designs that could be transformed or worn in multiple ways, offering adaptability and extended value to the wearer. This challenges designers to think beyond a single function, showcasing modularity and clever mechanics.
- Brooch: A classic yet often reimagined accessory, the brooch category encouraged innovative designs for this timeless piece, allowing for artistic expression independent of typical necklace, ring, or earring constraints.
The Design Segments:
- CAD (Computer-Aided Design): This segment recognized designs conceptualized and rendered using advanced software, showcasing proficiency in digital design tools that are increasingly integral to modern jewelry manufacturing.
- Sketch (Manual): Celebrating traditional artistic skill, this category highlighted the beauty and precision of hand-drawn designs, emphasizing fundamental drawing techniques and artistic flair.
- iPad: A testament to evolving technology, this segment focused on designs created using tablet-based drawing applications, demonstrating the accessibility and power of mobile digital art tools in the design process.
Celebrating the Visionaries: IGI Expressions™ 2025–26 Winners
The culmination of months of creative endeavor and rigorous evaluation led to the announcement of the following exceptional designers as the winners of IGI Expressions™ 2025–26. These individuals represent the forefront of emerging and established talent, their names now etched into the prestigious history of the contest:
- Vangie Carrillo (USA)
- Malay Biswas (India)
- Xú Nà (China)
- Pratiksha Tambe (India)
- Tanmay Rit (India)
- He Huishi (China)
- Vibhoo Bhargava (India)
- Peilin Yao (China)
A truly remarkable achievement saw Vangie Carrillo from the USA secure wins in two separate categories, marking a significant first in the contest’s history. This extraordinary accomplishment not only highlights Carrillo’s exceptional talent and versatility but also underscores the growing global reach of IGI Expressions™. For the first time, a U.S.-based designer claimed the top spot with multiple accolades, signaling an exciting expansion of the contest’s geographical influence and the diverse pool of talent it attracts.
Each distinguished winner will receive a comprehensive prize package designed to celebrate their achievement and further their careers. This includes a USD 500 cash prize, a beautifully crafted trophy symbolizing their triumph, and a prestigious winner’s certificate. Beyond these tangible rewards, the most invaluable prize is the global recognition afforded through IGI’s extensive international platform, offering unparalleled exposure and opening doors to new opportunities within the highly competitive fine jewelry industry.
A Vision for the Future: Tehmasp Printer on Nurturing Talent
Speaking passionately on this momentous occasion, Mr. Tehmasp Printer, Global CEO of IGI, extended his heartfelt congratulations to all the winners. He articulated the core philosophy behind IGI Expressions™, emphasizing its vital role as a truly global jewelry design contest. “IGI Expressions™ continues to provide emerging and professional designers an inclusive platform to showcase their talent without geographical barriers,” Mr. Printer stated. This ethos of accessibility and equal opportunity is central to the contest’s mission, ensuring that innovative ideas from any corner of the world can find their spotlight.
Mr. Printer further highlighted the initiative’s profound impact: “With serious participation year after year, the initiative reinforces IGI Expressions™ commitment to nurturing creativity, promoting innovation, and celebrating the future of jewelry design on a global stage.” His words encapsulate IGI’s dedication to fostering a vibrant design community, encouraging new perspectives, and ensuring that the fine jewelry industry remains dynamic and forward-thinking. The consistent high caliber of entries and the increasing number of participants are clear indicators of the contest’s success in inspiring a new generation of jewelry designers and solidifying its role as a key driver of industry innovation.
From Experiment to Global Movement: The Evolution of IGI Expressions™
What began as an ambitious experiment, conceived with the noble aim of democratizing jewelry design and making global recognition accessible to all, has blossomed into a formidable movement. Each successive edition of IGI Expressions™ has witnessed a remarkable expansion in its reach and an enhancement of its international reputation. The contest consistently attracts increasingly serious participants, offering a platform for more diverse perspectives and fostering the submission of ever more sophisticated and groundbreaking designs. This organic growth is a testament to the contest’s foundational principles of fairness, accessibility, and the celebration of pure talent.
The fifth edition, with its unprecedented 1,000+ participants and the historic first-ever U.S. double winner, marks yet another significant milestone in IGI’s ongoing commitment to fostering global design excellence. The fact that IGI Expressions™ is free to enter and conducted entirely online is a cornerstone of its success. This fully digital and accessible format is deliberately designed to provide emerging and professional designers everywhere with an unparalleled and equal opportunity to compete, learn, and gain recognition on the world stage, truly embodying its mission to discover and elevate the next generation of jewelry design luminaries.
About the International Gemological Institute (IGI): Setting Global Standards
The International Gemological Institute (IGI), a distinguished entity backed by Blackstone, stands as a global leader in gemological services and a cornerstone of trust within the fine jewelry industry. With a formidable presence across the globe, IGI operates 31 state-of-the-art laboratories and 18 specialized Schools of Gemology spread across 10 countries. This extensive international footprint positions IGI uniquely to capitalize on and significantly contribute to the ongoing transformations and advancements within the dynamic jewelry sector.
For half a century, IGI has been the unwavering benchmark for integrity and precision, providing the fine jewelry community and consumers alike with an exhaustive suite of unparalleled services. These crucial offerings include comprehensive reports for both natural and laboratory-grown diamonds, meticulous colored stone grading and origin reports, as well as authoritative jewelry identification and appraisal reports. In an era where consumer awareness and demand for transparency are paramount, IGI’s reports are trusted documents that empower buyers and sellers with critical information, ensuring informed decisions.
With the accelerating rise of lab-grown diamonds in the market, IGI’s role has become even more critical. The institute meticulously screens millions of diamonds, both natural and lab-grown, employing cutting-edge technology and unparalleled expertise. This rigorous screening process is essential to guarantee that both the industry and end-consumers receive precisely the product they expect, thereby maintaining confidence and preventing misrepresentation. Regardless of geographical location or marketplace dynamics, authentic IGI Laboratory Reports serve as powerful instruments, fostering undeniable trust and unwavering confidence among all stakeholders in the global jewelry trade. IGI’s steadfast commitment to scientific accuracy, ethical practices, and consumer protection continues to reinforce its position as an indispensable authority in the world of gemology.