Kering has launched an award which focuses on highlighting sustainability and innovation in the jewellery industry.
In partnership with the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) and the scientific coordination of Poli.Design at Politenico di Milano, the “Kering Generation Award X Jewelry” marks an expansion of the company’s awards program into recognising sustainable actions.
The award will champion jewellery-makers who demonstrate excellence in sustainable design and practice, through creating an international community of young students and start-uppers willing to innovate the industry.
Kering will also be supported by its jewellery brands – Boucheron, Pomellato and Qeelin – in this endeavour.
The award involves an international contest among 10 world-renowned universities and academies with courses on jewellery and sustainability, as well as start-ups that are already active in the industry.
Each school must present at least three projects, and the students assisted by local professions will develop the projects ahead of jury presentation.
Start-ups will present their own innovations as part of the consideration process.
Among the projects submitted, four finalists – two for the student’s category and 2 for the start-up category – will be presented to the jury next June 2025 at JCK, one of the largest jewellery industry trade events.
The theme for the award is “Second Chance, First Choice” and invites entrants to reimagine waste as a resource and turn discarded materials into valuable pieces.
Participants will design a jewel, be it a single piece or a collection, which demonstrates transforming waste into something valuable.
Marie-Claire Daveu, Kering’s chief sustainability and institutional affairs officer, said: “Extending our Kering Generation Awards to jewellery is a pivotal moment in our commitment to advancing sustainability and innovation in the jewellery industry.
“This new edition, which brings together universities, start-ups, and future leaders, is designed to recognize and support those pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable jewellery.
“At Kering, we believe that fostering new ideas at the intersection of craftsmanship, technology, and environmental consciousness is essential to driving the transformative change the industry needs.”
