2026 Design Competition

Professional Division:
Open to all jewelry designers, artisans, and CAD specialists currently working in the industry, including self-employed designers and employees of jewelry brands. Must be a current member of the Texas Jewelry Association to enter.  Pieces submitted must be originally designed and produced by the entrant (or store) and not mass-produced or commercially distributed.

Student Division:Open to Texas Resident students currently enrolled in jewelry or metalsmithing courses, or who are an apprentice at a TJA store for less than 3 years. Proof of enrollment (e.g., valid student ID or class schedule) must be submitted with entry. Designs must be original and created by the student without professional assistance.

Professional Division: Finished JewelryAll entries must be handmade and finished. Fabrication, wax carving, CAD design, and casting are all acceptable processes to achieve finished pieces. Pieces must be made of precious metals (gold, silver, or platinum). All gemstones must be natural, genuine, or cultured; any enhancements or treatments must be fully disclosed.

Category 1: $1,000 and Under – Material cost of finished piece must be $1,000 or less.
Category 2: $1,000 – $3,000 – Material cost between $1,001 and $3,000.
Category 3: $3,000 and Up – Material cost over $3,000.

Professional Division: CAD DesignEntries must be fully designed using CAD software (e.g., Jewel Beetle, Rhino, ZBrush, Fusion 360, Matrix, etc.).

Category 4: CAD renders must be printed on 8×11” white paper, with front, side, back, and through finger perspectives. Files must be exported and prepared for 3D printing, properly scaled, closed, and free from major mesh errors. 3D-printed models are required with submission. All files should be submitted on a thumb drive.

Student Division: Finished JewelryCategory 5: All entries must be finished and handmade. Fabrication, wax carving, CAD design, and casting are all acceptable processes to achieve finished pieces. Metal must be used as the primary material. Alternative materials, and/ or natural or lab grown gemstones may also be used.

Student Division: CAD DesignEntries must be fully designed using CAD software (e.g., Jewel Beetle, Rhino, ZBrush, Fusion 360, Matrix, etc.).

Category 6: CAD renders must be printed on 8×11” white paper, with front, side, back, and through-finger perspectives. Files must be sent in on a thumb drive.  CAD entries that include a fully ready-to-print file (e.g., STL, 3DM, or compatible format) will receive 10 bonus points toward their total score. Files must be exported and prepared for 3D printing, properly scaled, closed (watertight), and free from major mesh errors. *Bonus points apply only if files are judged to be production-ready by the committee.*TJA reserves the right to disqualify any piece which does not meet all criteria.

*Designs and submissions remain the property of the maker
*TJA assumes no liability for damage to any piece submitted to the competition.
*If there is only one submission entered for a category, no winners will be awarded and TJA will refund the entry fee.

For more information visit our website: www.texasjewelers.com