The AWARD categories 2027

The INHORGENTA AWARD honors the very best in the jewelry, watch, and gemstone industry across 10 categories. Winners benefit from maximum visibility and industry-wide recognition – providing a real boost to your reach and reputation.

Categories:

Application period: November 11, 2026, to January 25, 2027.

NEW: Accessible Luxury Jewelry of the Year

Accessible Luxury Jewelry of the Year – An award for stylish, trend-driven jewelry offering excellent price-performance value.


The Accessible Luxury category is aimed at brands that shape the spirit of the times with trend-setting jewelry collections in the semi-fine jewelry and silver jewelry segments, combining international appeal with stylistic excellence.
Entries may consist of individual pieces of jewelry, accompanied by details on materials, design concept, and the company.
Criteria and Conditions of Participation:


  • Jewelry pieces with a retail price between €200 and €3,000
  • A distinctive creative signature
  • Quality in craftsmanship and material selection
  • Strong brand recognition and identity
  • Metals such as silver, gold, stainless steel, and other alloys, as well as natural and synthetic diamonds and gemstones

The jury will evaluate stylistic relevance in particular. The quality of the design and the originality of the collection are also decisive factors.


To provide the jury with a comprehensive impression of the brand and its overall creative presentation, it is recommended to submit supplementary materials such as lookbooks, campaign visuals, editorials, press kits, and information about social media channels and the website.

Gemstone Design of the Year

Gemstones - multi-faceted, sparkling & unique

Convince with a special gemstone, an outstanding cut and/or an extraordinary design

All unmounted, cut coloured gemstones (single stones, pairs & sets), diamonds, gemstone objects and gemstone sculptures can be submitted under the aspect of "Something Special“. The use of syntheses is not permitted.

Criteria:

  • Processing / Cut
  • Special feature
  • Overall impression

Important details:

A brief description of the submission and the gemstones used with special manufacturing details indicating certifications/gemstone report incl. weight/size, special features (if available: origin and value).

In addition to the craftsmanship (processing/cutting), the jury also assesses the special features and the overall impression of the submission. The respective special features of the different gemstone types and sizes are taken into account.

High Jewelry of the Year

High-end, luxury, high jewelry – extravagant design with lasting value

High Jewelry represents the ultimate form of art and craftsmanship. Only the finest metals and gemstones are used. The exclusive High Jewelry collections are convincing because of the rarity and specialness of the gemstones or pearls used.

Entries are open to jewelry with a retail price of 30,000 euros or more, with details of material, price and special features.

Criteria and entry conditions:

  • Retail price starting at 30,000 euros
  • Precious materials (e.g. gold, platinum, natural colored gemstones, pearls or diamonds)
  • Extravagant design
  • High-quality workmanship

Fine Jewelry of the Year

Jewelry for eternity—timeless, elegant, and with lasting value

Pieces of jewelry with a retail price starting at 2,000 euros can be entered along with details of the materials, price, and special features.

Criteria and entry conditions:

  • Retail price starting at 2,000 euros
  • Precious materials (e.g. gold, platinum, natural colored gemstones, and diamonds)
  • Elegant, timeless design
  • High-quality workmanship
  • A significant amount of work done by hand

It is recommended that corresponding documents, such as a look book, press folder, or Information about social media channels and the Website are also submitted so that the jury can gain a detailed insight into the overall concept.

Designer of the Year

Master of styling—for jewelry featuring a unique design

Any piece of jewelry can be entered along with details of the materials, design concept, and company. The jewel of the designer of the year will be arwaded.

Criteria and entry conditions:

  • Independent design concept
  • quality craftsmanship
  • high recognition value

The jury will evaluate the coherence of the concept based on design, creativity, and original use of materials. It is recommended that corresponding documents, such as a look book, press folder, or Information about social media channels and the Website are also submitted so that the jury can gain a detailed insight into the overall concept.

Design Newcomer of the Year

The next generation—today’s talent is tomorrow’s master

Any self-made piece of jewelry or watch can be entered along with details of the materials, price, and special features.

Criteria and entry conditions:

  • Proof of ongoing training or education in an industry-related profession or subject or
  • Proof of completed training or education in an industry-related profession or subject (no longer than two years ago)

The jury will evaluate the quality and creativity as well as the workmanship involved. The winner will be given the opportunity to exhibit at INHORGENTA MUNICH 2028 as part of the “Brand-new” concept.

The entry fee does not apply to applicants in the "Design Newcomer of the Year" category.

One entry per participant is possible for the category.

Watch Design of the Year

A watch like no other—surprising contemporary designs

The award honors wristwatches whose design has the potential to become iconic: a distinctive, instantly recognizable form that will endure beyond any season or trend. The primary criterion for evaluation is a distinctive and iconic design in harmony with the movement and functionality. Price range plays a secondary role in the decision. A quartz watch is just as likely to win as a mechanical model.
Any wristwatch may be submitted, provided it includes details on materials, price, movement, and the design’s unique features.

Any wristwatch may be submitted, along with details regarding materials, price, movement, and unique design features.

Criteria and Conditions of Participation:

  • Distinctive and original watch design with high recognition value
  • An iconic appearance with the potential for long-term relevance and timeless appeal
  • A harmonious interplay of design, functionality, and movement
  • High wearing comfort and ergonomic quality in everyday use


To provide the jury with a comprehensive understanding of the overall concept, it is recommended that relevant materials, such as a lookbook or press kit, be submitted along with the entry.

Extended application period for Jeweler and Goldsmith of the Year

Following their successful debut, the Goldsmith Studio of the Year and Jeweler of the Year categories, in cooperation with GZ Goldschmiede Zeitung, return for a second edition. These awards once again recognize outstanding achievements, creativity, and innovation in craftsmanship and retail.

Extended application period: Apply now until January 10, 2027.

Goldsmith Studio of the Year

Creative mastery defines the face of craftsmanship

This category honors brick-and-mortar studios with an in-house workshop that distinguish themselves through exceptional craftsmanship, creative originality, and an unmistakable artistic signature. Whether rooted in classical goldsmithing or contemporary design, what matters is the combination of skill, concept, and character. The identity of the owner and the brand ethos should be immediately tangible in the spatial design and atmosphere of the store.

It recognizes the people and places that advance the goldsmithing craft with passion and reinterpret its values in a contemporary way.

Criteria and entry conditions:

  • Professional practice as a goldsmith or jeweler with an in-house workshop
  • A workshop equipped with high-quality technology, contemporary standards, and an inviting atmosphere
  • Independently designed and crafted jewelry pieces or collections with a clear, recognizable DNA
  • Exceptional craftsmanship and an individual design style
  • A strong commitment to outstanding customer service—from the very first moment, reflected in both the store design and the overall customer experience

As the final step of the application process, feel free to upload a short video in which you personally introduce yourself, your vision, your concept, and your store etc. to give the jury a personal insight. A short video taken with your cell phone is perfectly sufficient for this.

Jeweler of the Year

Expertise and communication, style and service create a unique shopping experience

The Jeweler of the Year award represents retail excellence, outstanding consultation, and a compelling, fully realized business concept. It honors stores that delight customers, bring brands or their own creations to life, and advance the retail landscape with innovative ideas—supported by a strong marketing strategy across both online and offline channels.

This award honors jewelers who set standards with passion, vision, and personality and shape the future of the retail industry.

Criteria and entry conditions:

  • Brick-and-mortar jewelry retailer (with no more than 8 locations)
  • Outstanding consultation, service quality, and customer experience
  • A contemporary store concept with a clear portfolio and assortment strategy, seamlessly linked to additional sales or marketing channels
  • High service standards, for example through in-house workshops
  • Innovative marketing, PR, and communication concepts, as well as a vibrant event culture that creates a consistent brand experience at every touchpoint and strengthens the jeweler’s own brand identity

As the final step of the application process, feel free to upload a short video in which you personally introduce yourself, your vision, your concept, and your store etc. to give the jury a personal insight. A short video taken with your cell phone is perfectly sufficient for this.

Submit you application for the INHORGENTA AWARD 2027

Lena Hähnlein
  • DEPUTY EXHIBITION DIRECTOR
Hall A1—Timepieces & AWARD
+49 89 949-20148
+49 89 949-20148
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