GIT’s 20th World Jewelry Design Awards 2026

Principles and Rationale

The Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand (Public Organization), or GIT, serves as the leading institution in promoting and advancing Thailand’s gem and jewelry industry toward sustainable growth and global competitiveness. Its core mission is to elevate standards in knowledge, technology, and design in order to enhance value creation and position Thailand as the “World’s Gem and Jewelry Hub.”

One of GIT’s key initiatives in driving the industry forward is the GIT World Jewelry Design Awards, which has been held continuously since 2006, spanning over two decades. This prestigious international platform provides opportunities for both Thai and international designers to showcase their creative potential, express artistic inspiration, and develop their craftsmanship to international standards.

Over the years, the GIT’s World Jewelry Design Awards has played a vital role in nurturing emerging Thai designers and introducing them to the global jewelry scene, while fostering pride in Thailand’s jewelry industry on the international stage. The competition also serves as a platform for collaboration among designers, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs, leading to commercial opportunities and international market expansion.

In 2026, as the competition marks its 20th anniversary, this milestone represents a significant moment to celebrate the program’s achievements and reaffirm GIT’s commitment to advancing Thailand’s jewelry industry globally, while inspiring the next generation of designers.

Competition Theme

This year’s competition invites designers to celebrate this milestone under the theme: Golden Twenty: A Journey of Brilliance and Artistry

This theme reflects two decades of excellence in jewelry design as a form of high creative expression. Participants are encouraged to interpret the concept of “Golden” through designs that embody their unique identity, artistic voice, and creative vision.

The concept may be expressed through the fundamental elements of jewelry design, including form, structure, and material selection. Designers may explore balance, proportion, light interaction, surface treatment, and detailing to create depth and distinction within their work.

Participants may interpret “Golden” in multiple dimensions — such as brilliance, achievement, value, transformation, or creative evolution — expressed through jewelry that demonstrates originality, artistic excellence, and contemporary design capability, with potential for real-world production.

Submitted works should represent excellence in jewelry design as an international creative discipline, integrating aesthetics, concept, and craftsmanship in a cohesive and compelling manner.

Objectives

1. To provide a platform for designers to present their work to the public and gain recognition and encouragement for continued creative development.
2. To promote the realization of design concepts into actual production within the gem and jewelry industry, and to support career opportunities for designers.
3. To stimulate awareness and innovation in jewelry design, and to showcase the capabilities and potential of emerging designers.

Participants in the GIT Jewelry Design Competition will also have the opportunity to be featured on the GIT Jewelry Design Gallery, a platform where designers and creatives can present and sell their jewelry designs to buyers, companies, and the general public.

GIT’s World Challenge Gems Faceting Master "2026 Facet Alchemy”

Background and Rationale

Thailand has long been internationally recognized for its excellence in gemstone faceting. In particular, Chanthaburi Province is regarded as one of the world’s most significant centers for gemstone trading and faceting. Meanwhile, Bangkok serves as a hub for governmental agencies, academic institutions, and private sector organizations that play a vital role in advancing the nation’s gem and jewelry industry—through expertise, materials, and professional training infrastructure.

The Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand (Public Organization) (GIT) is committed to strengthening the competitiveness of Thailand’s gem and jewelry sector on a global scale. The Institute has continuously delivered training and skill development programs in gemology, jewelry, and gemstone faceting, gaining recognition from both domestic and international industries. Notably, gemstone faceting remains a protected profession in Thailand, reflecting the importance of preserving and transmitting the nation’s artisanal knowledge.

However, in response to rapid technological advancement, increasing global competition, and growing demand for high-quality and distinctive gemstones, the development of Thai lapidary skills to meet international standards has become both essential and urgent.

To address this, GIT has initiated the “World Challenge Gems Faceting Master” competition as an international platform to showcase craftsmanship, technical excellence, and creative innovation in gemstone faceting.

In 2026, the competition will be organized for the second consecutive year, welcoming professional lapidaries, students, and enthusiasts worldwide to demonstrate their expertise, elevate their capabilities, and refine their skills to meet or exceed global standards. The competition also serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, technological advancement, and international collaboration—ultimately reinforcing Thailand’s position as a sustainable global hub for the gem and jewelry industry.

Objectives

1. To enhance the skills, knowledge, and capabilities of Thai gemstone faceters to meet international standards.
2. To establish an international platform for knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and innovation in gemstone faceting.
3. To inspire and provide opportunities for emerging talents, students, and the general public to pursue professional careers in gemstone faceting at a global level.
4. To promote Thailand’s image as a leading international hub for gem and jewelry craftsmanship, particularly in gemstone faceting.
5. To strengthen competitiveness and generate long-term economic value for Thailand’s gem and jewelry industry.