Two international design competitions have just been announced from Idar-Oberstein, Germany. Gustav Caesar, president of the German Precious Stones and Diamond Association, extends an open invitation for all to participate: the 55th German Award Competition for Jewelry and Precious Stones, and the 36th German Young Talent Competition for Gemstone and Jewelry Design. Applications for these two contests are now available online. (you will find the link below)
Online you can browse the archives, admire previous winning pieces, and learn about the German Precious Stones and Diamond Association, the international and newcomer competitions’ organisers, and Idar-Oberstein.
55th German Award for Jewelry and Precious Stones Idar-Oberstein 2025
Theme of this year’s competition is: “The power of the elements”
Both the gemstone design and the design of a jewelry piece made of precious metals and precious stones are allowed. Thus, unmounted gemstones, the gemstone in the jewelry (here, only precious metals may be used), the gemstone object and the gemstone sculpture are allowed.
Two notable rules include:
▻ The use of synthetic stones is not permitted.
and
▻ Pearls are only allowed in combination with gemstones.
Participants – Who Can Enter?
The competition is open to all jewelry and gemstone designers as well as gold- and silversmiths both domestic and from abroad. Only finished items – no drawings – may be submitted. Each entrant may submit a maximum of four entries; however, no entrant may be awarded more than two prizes.
Only finished items – no drawings – may be submitted. Each entrant may submit a maximum of four entries; however, no entrant may be awarded more than two prizes.
Prizes
Three prizes of a total amount of 8,000 euros will be awarded:
1st prize of 4,000 euros
2nd prize of 2,500 euros
3rd prize of 1,500 euros
Criteria
The jury will judge the submitted items particularly by the idea, realization of the theme, design and quality of craftsmanship
36th German Young Talent Competition for Gemstone and Jewelry Design Idar-Oberstein 2025
Theme of this year’s competition is: “Journey around the world”
In the Young Talent Competition, both the gemstone design and the design of a jewelry piece with precious stones are permitted. Thus, unmounted gemstones, the gemstone in finished jewelry, the gemstone object and the gemstone sculpture are allowed. The use of synthetic gems is permitted. Pearls are only allowed in combination with gemstones.
Participants
The competition is open to young jewelry and gemstone designers as well as gold- and silversmiths both domestic and from abroad who were born after December 31, 1997.
Only finished items – no drawings – may be submitted. Persons wishing to take part in this Young Talent Competition must declare in writing that their entries are intended for this particular competition only
Each participant may submit a maximum of four entries; however, no entrant may be awarded more than two prizes.
Prizes
The following prizes will be awarded:
1st prize of 1,500 euros
2nd prize of 1,000 euros
3rd prize of 500 euros
Criteria
The jury will judge the submitted items particularly by the idea, realization of the theme, design and quality of craftsmanship.
Tap here for more details, including registration and entries deadlines.
Förderverein Deutscher Schmuck- und Edelsteinpreis Idar–Oberstein e.V.
(Support Association of the German Award for Jewelry and Precious Stones)
Paul-Otto Caesar / Chairman
