Free to all participants, the IGI Expressions™ jewelry design competition is accepting submissions through Friday, October 22.
Submitted 100% online, hand-sketched or CAD submissions will be evaluated by our esteemed panel of jurists. IGI extends sincere thanks to this celebrated group of all-star experts for their support and advocacy of new, creative talent through IGI Expressions™
Katerina Perez
Katerina Perez is a globetrotting jewelry aficionado whose passion has blossomed into a thriving career as an authoritative voice in the industry. With more than 300,000 followers on Instagram, you could call her an influencer, but as a jewelry insider with more than 12 years of experience in the business, her expertise goes much deeper than that. From training as a gemologist with Gem-A while working for Tiffany & Co. to becoming a freelance journalist and editor, Katerina’s words have appeared in VO+, the Robb Report and Kommersant, among others. She has been featured in both the Financial Times and New York Times and was selected to judge the Couture Design Awards in Las Vegas.
Visit Katerina’s Website
In an average month Katerina writes about, and photographs, the precious masterpieces she discovers for her website, works as a brand consultant and collection curator, and educates in the industry. All that alongside posting inspiring images of the very best jewelry in the world to Instagram on a daily basis. It’s a passion that consumes virtually every waking hour – why does she do it? To make as many women as possible fall in love with jewelry, just like she did, and to show her readers and followers that jewelry is an art form, not merely a form of self-adornment.
Submit Your Design to IGI Expressions™
This year’s theme, “The Freedom to Dream” was selected to inspire interpretations of the word “dream” through an original piece or set of jewelry. The competition is open to aspiring students, established designers, seasoned professionals and jewelry enthusiasts alike. Participation is free.
Competition Segments
Entrants can submit in one of three categories, Millennial Light Weight Jewelry, Cocktail Wear Jewelry or Bridal Wear Jewelry. Those categories are divided into submit hand-drawn sketch submissions versus Computer Assisted Design (CAD) file submissions. The judges will advance a number of preliminary entries to a final round, after which six champions will be determined; the winning hand-drawn sketch and the winning CAD submission in each category.
Supporting Creative Talent
IGI CEO Roland Lorie commented on the importance of supporting jewelry industry artists and bringing the winning visions to life:
IGI has been certifying diamonds and colored stones for over 45 years. We also certify finished jewelry and recognize the vital role human creativity plays in using gemstones to move and inspire others. This competition provides an open channel for all jewelry enthusiasts, and the opportunity for winners to have their designs brought to life, as IGI continues to encourage and support creative talent.
The Institute is accepting IGI Expressions™ submissions until Oct. 22, 2021.
Awards and Rewards
All participants will receive an official IGI Expressions™ Certificate. Finalists will receive Finalist Certificates and exposure on social channels. The six winners will see their designs fabricated by a competition partner, receive Champion Certificates and Champion Awards, a cash honorarium, exposure on social channels and recognition via press coverage, the Premium IGI D-Show and IGI Origin International Magazine. The winners will be announced on Oct. 28, 2021.
Learn more at IGI Expressions.
