GJEPC Artisan Jewellery Design Awards 2026: The 9th edition of the Artisan Jewellery Design Awards 2026, organized by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) and curated by The Futurist, concluded in Mumbai on April 8. The prestigious event celebrated a new era of Indian craftsmanship, blending traditional heritage with cutting-edge global innovation.
Powered by GIA and supported by the World Gold Council, the awards were held in the presence of global jewelry icons, including Lucia Silvestri, Creative Director at Bvlgari, and Amedeo Scognamiglio, Founder of RFMAS Jewellery Group.
Quantum Couture: Re-engineering Indian Heritage
The theme for 2026, “Quantum Couture: Re-engineering Beauty and Cultural Codes,” challenged designers to reinterpret traditional Indian crafts for the modern era. The competition focused on three distinct creative directions:
- Embroidery: Reimagining textiles like lace and brocade into intricate metal frameworks and gemstones.
- Micro-Painting: Celebrating miniature arts like meenakari to create narrative-driven, detailed jewelry pieces.
- Poetic Layers: Exploring multi-dimensional, organic shapes that blend nature and emotion into sculptural forms.
With over 550 entries, the journey culminated in 27 finalists whose designs were brought to life by India’s leading manufacturers.
Winners – Artisan Jewellery Design Awards 2026
Embroidery Category:
- Winner: Surajit Ghosal (Anan Jewels India LLP)
- 1st Runner-Up: Lekshmi Raj Manju (Walking Tree Pvt. Ltd.)
- 2nd Runner-Up: Prajakta Vesvikar (Anan Jewels India LLP)
Micro-Painting Category:
- Winner: Kavitha Rajendran (GRT Jewellers)
- 1st Runner-Up: Elena Pari (Arun Jewels)
- 2nd Runner-Up: Archangel Caszo (Farah Khan Fine Jewellery)
Poetic Layers Category:
- Winner: Namira Shaikh (Farah Khan Fine Jewellery)
- 1st Runner-Up: Nayonika Chatterjee (Walking Tree Ventures)
- 2nd Runner-Up: Abhijit Das (Anan Jewels India LLP)
From Manufacturing Hub to Global Design Destination
Mr. Kirit Bhansali, Chairman of GJEPC, emphasized the industry’s shift: “India has long been recognized as a manufacturing powerhouse, but the next phase of growth lies in becoming a global design destination.”
Lucia Silvestri (Bvlgari) shared her admiration for the talent: “I have always been fascinated by India’s extraordinary heritage. I was particularly struck by the way this heritage is being reinterpreted through a contemporary lens—a beautiful balance between tradition and innovation.”
Global Exposure for Indian Designers
The impact of the Artisan Awards extends beyond the ceremony. The 27 winning pieces will be showcased at major international trade platforms, including:
- JCK Las Vegas (USA)
- Vicenzaoro (Italy)
- IJS Bharat (Mumbai)
- SAJEX (Saudi Arabia)
The Distinguished Jury
The 2026 entries were adjudicated by a world-class panel:
- Lucia Silvestri (Creative Director & Gems Buying Director, Bvlgari)
- Amedeo Scognamiglio (Founder, RFMAS Jewellery Group)
- Dr. Annapurna Garimella (Art Historian & Designer)
- Siddharth Kasliwal (Founder, Gem Palace)
- Milan Chokshi (Founder, Moksh)
- Paola De Luca (Creative Director & Trend Forecaster, The Futurist)
About GJEPC
Established in 1966 by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) is the apex body representing over 10,900 members. Headquartered in Mumbai, GJEPC works to boost India’s jewelry exports and establish the nation as a premier global jewelry hub.
FAQ’s
1. What are the Artisan Jewellery Design Awards 2026?
The Artisan Jewellery Design Awards 2026 is a prestigious design competition organized by GJEPC that recognizes excellence in jewellery design. It promotes innovation by blending traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern global trends.
2. What was the theme for the 2026 awards?
The theme for 2026 was “Quantum Couture: Re-engineering Beauty and Cultural Codes,” which encouraged designers to reinterpret traditional Indian art forms into contemporary jewellery designs.
3. How many participants and finalists were involved in the competition?
The competition received over 550 entries from across India, out of which 27 finalists were selected. Their designs were brought to life by leading jewellery manufacturers.
4. Who were the key personalities present at the event?
The event featured global jewellery leaders such as Lucia Silvestri from Bvlgari and Amedeo Scognamiglio of RFMAS Jewellery Group, along with a distinguished international jury panel.
5. How does this event benefit Indian jewellery designers?
The awards provide international exposure, with winning designs showcased at global platforms like JCK Las Vegas and Vicenzaoro. It helps position India as not just a manufacturing hub but also a global jewellery design destination.
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