Armenia: The Armenian Jewellers Association (AJA) has invited jewellery designers of Armenian heritage from across the world to participate in the fourth edition of its annual Design Competition. The initiative aims to promote Armenian jewellery craftsmanship and creative talent internationally, offering selected designers an opportunity to showcase their work at GemGenève 2027 in Switzerland.
Open to both established professionals and emerging designers from Armenia and the global Armenian diaspora, the competition seeks to encourage original jewellery concepts while strengthening the international visibility of Armenian design. The initiative provides a platform for participants to present their creative perspectives to a wider jewellery industry audience.
Five grand prize winners will be selected to exhibit two finished jewellery pieces each at GemGenève, scheduled from 11 to 14 May 2027 in Geneva, Switzerland. The international gem and jewellery exhibition brings together designers, collectors, gemstone specialists and industry professionals, offering participants opportunities for international exposure and industry networking.
Selected designers will be required to transform their submitted concepts into finished jewellery pieces and attend the four-day exhibition in person. The showcase will allow them to present their craftsmanship and design capabilities directly to visitors and industry representatives.
In addition to the five grand prize winners, the judging panel will select one participant for a Special Recognition Award. The recipient will receive an official certificate from AJA and promotional coverage through the association's website and social media channels, providing additional visibility for their creative work.
Applicants must submit two original jewellery designs, with a separate application form required for each entry. The participation fee is US$100 per design, and the submission deadline is 7 December 2026.
Following the application deadline, entries will be evaluated by a judging panel between 14 and 20 December 2026. The winners are scheduled to be announced on 15 January 2027, allowing selected participants time to manufacture their jewellery pieces ahead of the Geneva exhibition.
Designers who participated in previous editions without securing an award are eligible to apply again, provided they submit entirely new and unpublished designs.
The competition reflects AJA's efforts to support creative development within the Armenian jewellery community while building connections between designers working in Armenia and those based internationally.
By linking the competition to GemGenève, the association is creating an opportunity for Armenian designers to present their work within an international trade environment, highlighting the country's jewellery-making heritage alongside contemporary approaches to design and craftsmanship.