#Japan #Tokyo #Jewelry Design #Exelco Diamond #NEW ART

Exelco Diamond Launches the World Jewelry Design Award 2026

Exelco Diamond and NEW ART HOLDINGS, both headquartered in Tokyo, have officially announced the commencement of the entry period for the World Jewelry Design Award 2026. This initiative seeks to refine the craftsmanship of jewelry by focusing on the inherent brilliance of diamonds and elevating it to a cultural art form.



The allure of diamonds transcends their rarity; they embody the toughest natural mineral with unparalleled transparency and refractive properties. Diamonds capture invisible lights and human emotions, revealing a mesmerizing beauty akin to magic. This award aims to uncover aesthetic sensibilities by challenging contestants to demonstrate deep understanding of materials and to create timeless pieces that endure through the ages.

Judging Panel

The judging lineup includes prominent figures such as:

• - Kenya Hara, renowned for his art direction at Muji and general producer at JAPAN HOUSE.
• - Hiromi Iwata, a professor and board member at Tokyo University of the Arts.
• - Daniel Ost, a celebrated floral artist who has received the Order of the Rising Sun for his art.
• - Yoshihiko Ueda, an esteemed photographer.
• - Kaname Murakami, the editor-in-chief of WWD Japan.
• - Yukio Shiraishi, the chairman of NEW ART HOLDINGS.

Award Prizes

Winners will be awarded the following prizes:

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

Three award-winning designs will be transformed into retail products by NEW ART and launched in Exelco Diamond stores nationwide. The award ceremony is scheduled for December 2026.

Theme and Entry Criteria

Theme: “New Star”

The cosmic phenomenon of a new star—where accumulated energy erupts into light—serves as the theme for this year's contest. Similar to diamonds that crystallize deep within the Earth over billions of years under immense heat and pressure, aspiring designers are encouraged to reflect the transformative journey from rough stones to exquisite jewelry.

Eligibility

• - Open to all jewelry designers, artisans, and individuals pursuing careers in jewelry, both professional and amateur.
• - Participants can include current designers, students, and those from other fields.
• - No nationality restrictions, but Japanese language proficiency is required.
• - Group applications are allowed with one representative.

Application Process

• - Applications can be submitted online or via mail.

For detailed information, please visit the official site: WORLD JEWELRY DESIGN AWARD or check out their official Instagram: @jewelry_award.

Selection Process

The evaluation begins with a feasibility study conducted by NEW ART and preliminary judges, followed by a comprehensive multi-faceted assessment from experts in art and design. The final selections will be made in a meeting with all judges.

Schedule

• - Entry Period: April 1, 2026 - August 11, 2026
• - Winner Announcement: Scheduled for October 1, 2026
• - Award Ceremony: Scheduled for December 8, 2026

About Exelco Diamond

Exelco Diamond, rooted in the renowned diamond market of Antwerp, Belgium, boasts top-tier diamonds evaluated across four criteria: brilliance, sparkle, fire, and light symmetry. With 60 locations in Japan as of April 2026, Exelco Diamond integrates European aesthetic sensibilities into its design, combining meticulous Japanese craftsmanship with historic cultural influences. Their commitment to exemplifying the finest quality is unwavering, presenting customers with authentic diamond jewelry that reflects a journey of remarkable beauty.

For more information on Exelco Diamond and its services, visit Exelco.com.