The International Gemological Institute (IGI) has announced the winners of the fifth edition of IGI Expressions™ 2025–26, its global jewellery design competition. This year’s edition attracted more than 1,000 entries from 55 countries, further strengthening the contest’s reputation as one of the most inclusive international design platforms in the jewellery industry.
Held online from December 1 to January 31, the competition was themed “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.” Designers were invited to translate the ocean’s mysteries, resilience, movement, and hidden beauty into original jewellery creations. The theme inspired participants to explore innovative interpretations through intricate design concepts and craftsmanship.
International Jury Panel
IGI acknowledged the distinguished global jury panel whose expertise guided the selection process. The panel included:
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Lisa Koenigsberg (USA), President and Founder, Initiatives in Art & Culture (IAC)
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Ashraf Motiwala (India), Director, A S Motiwala Fine Jewelry
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Helen Mao (China), International Jewellery Consultant
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Suuraj Popley (India), Founder and Director, Popley Eternal
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Farah Yazbeck (UAE), Founder, Joia Jewels
The jury assessed entries based on creative concept, wearability, and design presentation, ensuring that the selected works met high standards of artistic and technical excellence.
Finalists and Competition Categories
The nine winning designers were chosen from 60 finalists shortlisted across three categories:
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Statement Piece
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Convertible Jewellery
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Brooch
Designs were submitted across three formats: CAD design, manual sketching, and iPad digital illustrations.
Winners of IGI Expressions™ 2025–26
The winning designers include:
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Vangie Carrillo (USA)
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Malay Biswas (India)
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Xú Nà (China)
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Pratiksha Tambe (India)
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Tanmay Rit (India)
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He Huishi (China)
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Vibhoo Bhargava (India)
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Peilin Yao (China)
Notably, Vangie Carrillo (USA) achieved a milestone by winning two categories, marking the first time a designer from the United States secured the top position in the competition.
Category Winners
Statement Piece
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Vangie Carrillo (USA)
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Malay Biswas (India)
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Na Xu (China)
Convertible Jewellery
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Pratiksha Tambe (India)
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Tanmay Rit (India)
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He Huishi (China)
Brooch
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Vangie Carrillo (USA)
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Vibhoo Bhargava (India)
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Peilin Yao (China)
Each winner will receive USD 500 in prize money, a trophy, a winner’s certificate, and international recognition through IGI’s global platform.
IGI’s Vision for Global Design Talent
Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Tehmasp Printer, Global CEO of IGI, said:
“Congratulations to all the winners! As a global jewellery design contest, IGI Expressions™ continues to provide emerging and professional designers an inclusive platform to showcase their talent without geographical barriers. With serious participation year after year, the initiative reinforces IGI Expressions™ commitment to nurturing creativity, promoting innovation, and celebrating the future of jewellery design on a global stage.”
Expanding Global Design Participation
What began as an initiative to democratise jewellery design has grown into a widely recognised international platform. Each edition of IGI Expressions™ has expanded in reach, attracting increasing participation from designers worldwide and encouraging more diverse creative perspectives.
The 2025–26 edition, with over 1,000 participants and the first U.S. designer winning multiple categories, represents another milestone in the competition’s journey.
The contest remains free to enter and fully online, ensuring equal opportunities for emerging and professional designers across the globe to showcase their talent on an international stage.
