Emerging Artist Design Competition
Celebrating innovative jewelry design by emerging artists.
This annual competition hosted by the Canadian Gemmological Association is open to up-and-coming designers across Canada. The competition encourages creativity, craftsmanship, and a deep appreciation for gemmology. Participants have the opportunity to gain industry recognition, connect with professionals, and have their work featured on our website. This prestigious competition highlights the next generation of jewellery designers who push the boundaries of artistry and technical excellence in gem-set jewellery.
WINNERS
Seventh Annual Emerging Artist Design Competition Winners
Farah Kathrada
FIRST PLACE
A recent graduate of George Brown College, Toronto, ON, placed first in our Seventh Jewellery Design Contest. Her winning design was a ring entitled “Glitch Ring”.
Photo Credit – Digital By Design
Xiaoduo (Jessica) Li
SECOND PLACE
A current student from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, Halifax, NS, took home the second prize for her necklace called “Boundless.”
Michael Starnino
THIRD PLACE
A recent graduate from George Brown College in Toronto, ON. Michael took third place with his ring titled “San Carlo”.
Kai Shen
HONOURABLE MENTION
This year’s honourable mention goes to Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, Halifax, NS, student Kai Shen, for his pair of glasses “xxixx”.
ENTER
CGA’s 8th Annual Emerging Artist Design Competition is now open!
The competition is open to all students currently enrolled in a Canadian post-secondary jewellery design or metalsmithing program, and new grads who have graduated from these programs in 2025 or will graduate in 2026.
The Entry Deadline is July 15, 2026 at 11:59pm EST.
Prizes
The CGA Emerging Artist Design Competition winners will receive:
- First place – $1000
- Second place – $500
- Third place – $250
Design Requirements
Entrants can submit one finished piece of work only, and each submission MUST:
- Include at least one natural or synthetic gemstone (rough or faceted).
- NOT contain any material from animals or plants that are listed in Schedule 1 of Canada’s Wild Animal and Plant Trade Regulations which upholds CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). This includes but is not limited to ivory.
- NOT have been made prior to July 15, 2025.
- NOT have won any awards in any other competitions prior to July 15, 2025.
Judging Criteria
Entries will be judged on:
- Successful incorporation of materials.
- Innovation and originality.
- Wearability (except for hollow ware entries).
- Quality of workmanship, and finishing.
To Apply, Complete and Submit the Entry Form Below.
The Entry Deadline is July 15, 2026 at 11:59pm EST. Finalists will be notified within 90 days after the submission deadline. Finalists will be asked to ship the finished pieces to CGA for the final in-person judging. You may also email your submission to: info@canadiangemmological.com. Click HERE for the printable entry criteria.
PAST WINNERS
Sixth Annual Emerging Artist Design Competition Winners
Jared Yue
FIRST PLACE
A recent graduate of George Brown College, Toronto, ON. Jared’s winning design was a ring entitled “Bound” based on his graduating thesis, “Shackled by Expectations”.
Photo Credit – Digital By Design
Tomoe Akiba
SECOND PLACE
A recent graduate from George Brown College, Toronto, ON entered her Statement Bracelet “Kimono: Obi” which helped place her second in this competition.
Photo Credit – Digital By Design
Yoojeong (Bella) Jang
THIRD PLACE
Bella, a recent graduate from George Brown College in Toronto, ON took third place with her ring titled “Steady Hops: Journey to the Carrot”.
Jose David Gomez Romero
HONOURABLE MENTION
This years honourable mention goes to New Brunswick College of Craft & Design, NB student Jose David Gomez Romero for his necklace “After The Eclipse”.