Free to all participants, the IGI Expressions™ international jewelry design competition is accepting submissions through November 30.
Submitted 100% online, hand-sketched, CAD or iPad submissions will be evaluated by our esteemed panel of jurists. IGI extends sincere thanks to this celebrated group of world-class experts for their support and advocacy of new, creative talent through our IGI Expressions™ initiative.
Sarah Francois-Poncet
Sarah François-Poncet is a US national who has lived half her life outside of the United States. She holds a BA in French Literature from Brown University, a JD from Fordham University and a Masters in French business and tax law from the University of Paris II, as well as a Masters in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania in 2020, and a Coaching Certificate from the French business school INSEAD, conferred this year.
From 2009 to 2020, Sarah was the Global General Counsel for Chanel, after having been Secretary General of Chanel’s companies in France. She was responsible for dealing with legal, creative and business concerns globally for Chanel’s Fashion, Fragrance & Beauty, and Watches & Fine Jewelry division. Sarah was a member of Chanel’s senior Leadership Team and served on the Boards of several Chanel companies.
While at Chanel, Sarah was instrumental in creating and overseeing its corporate foundation, Fondation Chanel, and served on its Board. She is a member of Wharton’s Alumni Executive Board and was a member of Brown’s Women’s Leadership Council for a decade. She works closely with Ariadne Labs – a joint venture between The Brigham & Women’s Hospital and the Harvard School of Public Health – on initiatives focused on physician well-being. Sarah was awarded France’s highest distinction, the Legion of Honor, in 2011, and was decorated by the town of La Roquette sur Siagne in 2016 for her work saving the last jasmine flower fields in the Grasse region.
Submit Your Design to IGI Expressions™
This year’s theme, “Renewal,” was selected to reflect progress and growth in the cyclical rhythm of life and nature, and mirrors our need to foster circular rejuvenation, stewardship, and inclusivity as a species. Renewal is a synonym for Regeneration & Rejuvenation. Many times, obliteration is needed for renewal; it is the contrast of darkness which makes light so eternally beautiful.
Competition Categories and Segments
There are three design categories, Lightweight Jewelry, Statement Piece or Accessory. Each category features separate segments to accommodate different submission preferences; by hand-drawn Sketch, Computer Assisted Design (CAD) file or iPad file. Approximately 40-50 designs will become competition finalists, from which nine champions will be selected, one in each submission segment, for each of the three categories.
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 grading diamonds and gemstones for over 45 years. We also certify finished jewelry and recognize the vital role creativity plays in using gemstones to move and inspire others. We are pleased to offer the IGI Expressions™ Awards again, inviting jewelry enthusiasts around the world to participate and be recognized as IGI continues to encourage and support creative talent.
The Institute is accepting IGI Expressions™ submissions until Oct. 22, 2021.
Awards and Rewards
All competition participants will receive an official IGI Expressions™ Certificate. Finalists will receive Finalist Certificates, coverage on the IGI GemBlog and exposure on IGI’s social channels. The nine winners will see their designs fabricated by a contest partner, receive a $500 check (sanctioned regions excluded) an IGI Expressions™ Trophy, Certificate, and 3D prints of the design, as well as recognition via press coverage, IGI GemBlog and social channels. The winners will be announced on December 13, 2022.
Submit your design between October 31 and November 30
Learn more and enter your submission at IGI Expressions.
