#Japan #Tokyo #Exelco Diamond #World Jewelry Design Award #NEW ART HOLDINGS

Shaping the Future of Jewelry Design: Insights from the World Jewelry Design Award 2026

The World Jewelry Design Award 2026, spearheaded by NEW ART HOLDINGS and housed by EXELCO DIAMOND, took initiatives to promote awareness and participation among aspiring jewelry designers at the Bunka Fashion College and Bunka Gakuen University. The latest event, held in May 2026, not only heralded the upcoming award but also served as a unique opportunity for students to engage with active professionals in the jewelry design industry.

A Meeting of Creativity and Talent

The award encourages participation from students and professionals alike, irrespective of nationality or experience. As part of its commitment to nurturing the next generation of designers, EXELCO DIAMOND organized informative sessions aimed at exposing students to real competitive environments. At the Bunka Fashion College, on May 22, 2026, students expressed excitement about the chance to work with professional-grade materials and receive direct feedback from industry judges. The venue for the award ceremony—the esteemed Belgium Embassy—only heightened their enthusiasm, leading to a chorus of applause and excitement throughout the room.

Concerns regarding the entry requirements and their confidence in presenting design sketches were common topics raised by students. However, representatives from EXELCO emphasized that the award focuses more on the underlying ideas and concepts of the designs rather than merely on their visual finish, reassuring students of their potential contributions.

Insights from Bunka Gakuen University

A week later, on May 27, 2026, a second informative session was held at Bunka Gakuen University, targeting approximately 35 students from the Jewelry and Metal Design Course. The students were particularly drawn to the chance to experiment with high-quality materials such as diamonds and platinum, which they regard as integral to their education and future careers as jewelers. This engagement with authentic materials was a significant attraction, emphasizing the award's role in providing a meaningful learning environment.

Additionally, students appreciated the prospect of being evaluated by a diverse jury composed of renowned professionals from the art and design fields, which they saw as a valuable opportunity for real-world engagement. During the Q&A session, numerous questions emerged concerning entry specifics, drawing techniques, and production budgets. Each earned attentiveness from the current jewelry designers at EXELCO who provided detailed responses, thereby alleviating concerns and encouraging thoughtful participation.

EXELCO DIAMOND's Vision

EXELCO DIAMOND is steadfast in its support for students, amplifying the importance of nurturing both education and ambitious endeavors. The firm welcomes educational institutions that wish to conduct similar sessions regarding the award to make contact via their official website.

Overview of the World Jewelry Design Award 2026

The theme for this year is “New Stars,” reflecting the notion that somewhere in the cosmos, a new light may be emerging at this very moment. Drawing parallels between the formation of diamonds and the cosmic occurrence of new stars, the award seeks to cultivate potential talents who can transform raw concepts into stunning jewelry pieces.

Award Prizes

• - Grand Prize: 3,000,000 JPY
• - Special Prize: 1,000,000 JPY
• - Excellence Award: 500,000 JPY

Eligibility Conditions

• - Open to anyone aspiring to work in jewelry design or craftsmanship, including students and professionals from various fields.
• - The competition is not restricted by nationality but requires proficiency in Japanese.
• - Entries can be submitted individually or as groups.

Submission Details

• - Online or postal submissions will be accepted from April 1, 2026, to August 11, 2026.
• - Results will be announced on October 1, 2026, with the award ceremony planned for December 8, 2026.

The Esteemed Jury

Prominent figures from the design industry, including leading academics and artists, will constitute the jury, ensuring a thorough evaluation process supported by esteemed credentials.

Company Background

EXELCO DIAMOND operates under NEW ART HOLDINGS located in Tokyo's Ginza district, providing luxury diamond jewelry renowned for its brilliance, showcased in over 60 stores across Japan. Their dedication to unmatched quality is reflected in their innovative diamond evaluation system, achieving a remarkable 99% of their diamonds receiving the highest rating. Their commitment to ethical sourcing through the Diamond Journey program also ensures transparency and integrity within the diamond industry.

For more details, visit the official website of the World Jewelry Design Award or catch updates on Instagram.