See the Winning Piece of GIA’s Jewelry Design Competition
Students and alumni celebrated Belle Sin Ting Wong’s winning brooch in a virtual event.

Usually unveiled early in the year during the Tucson gem shows, this year those involved gathered virtually during GIA’s “Knowledge Rocks Week: Spring Into Color” to celebrate the award given to Belle Sin Ting Wong.
More than 100 students competed in the fourth edition of the design competition, whose entries were presented in their original, hand-rendered format, accompanied by statements addressing the materials used and the inspiration behind each piece.
Nine finalists from seven GIA campuses were chosen, the works of which were then evaluated by peers, faculty, and a panel of judges.
Wong, who earned her Jewelry Design certificate at GIA Hong Kong, won with the brooch seen at the top of the article, inspired by Siamese fighting fish.
The piece features yellow and white gold, diamond, enamel, jadeite, pearl, and sapphire.
“I wanted to raise attention to environmental awareness with this piece… If we continue our toxic living habits and don’t use sustainable products, we might be very close to losing these beautiful creatures and quicken the pace of global warming,” she said.
Many of her pieces are about storytelling, GIA said, adding that she aims to make objects that represent connections with others. Her jewelry collection called “The Moment,” for example, uses children’s toys as a metaphor for building relationships through play.
The Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design was created in 2018 to recognize outstanding talent in design among GIA students.
A full interview with Wong can also be found on YouTube.
The 2021 competition is underway and open to students in GIA’s Jewelry Design courses who meet the eligibility requirements.
For more information, visit GIA.edu.
The Latest

The top lot of the auction house’s Hong Kong jewelry sale was an Art Deco Mauboussin necklace with ruby beads, which sold for $2 million.

Retailers and manufacturers headed to the Capitol this week to discuss tariff exemptions for diamonds and gemstones, among other issues.

Our Piece of the Week is a pair of drop earrings from the “Sway” collection featuring Nanis’ first use of mirror-polished gold.

Experience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.

SynthDetect 2 can scan a full tray in less than five minutes, De Beers said, making it six times faster than its predecessors.


Two metal detectorists discovered the ring, which may have belonged to English noblewoman Matilda of Lancaster, in Suffolk.

The bill has a provision that allows the president to raise tariffs on countries that import Russian oil and gas to as much as 100 percent.

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

The “Chrysalis” capsule centers butterfly motifs representing growth, transformation, and the unfolding of who you are.

Two special guests join the podcast to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the designer advocate, mentor, and author’s untimely passing.

McCormack brings sea-inspired motifs from her “Beaches” collection to L’Objet’s tableware, vanity pieces, and first-ever cutlery set.

Nine New Jersey jewelers have been victims of smash-and-grab robberies this year, prompting JSA to circulate a list of recommendations.

Marlin “Brian” Hood, who has been with the store for 20 years, will succeed Ricky Bromberg, who died earlier this month.

The new bridal catalog features the latest jewelry collections and designs from timeless classics to modern silhouettes.

Stars wore either a necklace or earrings at 78th Primetime Emmy Awards but rarely both, Natalie Francisco notes.

Jennifer Shaheen compares this new era of AI-powered SEO to a video game: your website must clear one level before advancing to the next.

The program highlights “Made in Italy” fine jewelry with digital merchandising, sales education, and local marketing support.

Hilson, Signet’s chief operating and financial officer, discussed Q2, resurgent natural diamond demand, and why Blue Nile is a standout.

The stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.

The 22.09-carat fancy yellow “Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond” is part of the fall jewelry sale at Heritage Auctions.

“Adornos: Jewelry, Memory & What We Pass Down” honors the jewelry’s importance to New York City’s Latine communities.

The company’s managing director of sales said the results demonstrate “continued strong demand for commercial-quality emeralds.”

The nonprofit awarded a grant to the Gift of Sight initiative spearheaded by South African musician Black Coffee.

The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

The jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.

The recipients were recognized at the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States’ annual banquet.

Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.

























