This open call invites Africans globally — and those of historical African heritage — to share their vision of a vibrant, inclusive and dynamic African jewellery industry, says Jewellery Afrika.

Presented in collaboration with exhibition hosts Africa Jewellery Week™ Limited, GemGenève, and Digital Jewelry Week, and supported by official media partners Jewellery Afrika (South Africa) and Jewellery Editor (United Kingdom), the competition focuses exclusively on fine jewellery design across three categories: Hand Rendered Design; Computer Assisted Design (CAD), and Celebrating the Art of Gouache, adds Jewellery Afrika.

"Jewellery Afrika is extremely proud and honoured to be part of the JGAA's 'Design Dynamic' competition initiative. This competition is a unique and extraordinary way of raising the profiles of both established and emerging African jewellery designers — their stories, their energy and their love for the continent," says Jason Aarons, Editor-in-Chief. 

"We are proud to be part of this global community that is passionate about growing the industry together. The competition is a unique and extraordinary way of raising the profiles of a heartland of existing and up-and-coming African jewellery designers, their stories, their energy and their love for the continent. As the official South African media partner, we are delighted to be part of telling this story."

At the heart of Design Dynamic is a celebration of gouache artistry — a timeless medium revered by leading jewellery maisons and celebrated as an art form in its own right. This category invites not only jewellers but also African visual artists — painters, illustrators — to explore jewellery design through the evocative power of gouache. All entries will be assessed on their creative use of gemstones mined in Africa and any demonstrated knowledge of their properties, adds Jewellery Afrika.

The Africa Birdlife Collection (ABC)

The official outcome of the inaugural Design Dynamic will be the Africa Birdlife Collection (ABC) — a capsule collection curated by JGAA, inspired by the flight, colour, and symbolism of African birds. Two winning entries per category will be selected for inclusion in the ABC. These designs will debut at GemGenève 2026, with the finished pieces unveiled at a dedicated exhibition in 2027 — inviting global audiences to experience the future of African jewellery, adds Jewellery Afrika.

Prize Package: Materials, Mentorship and Business Support

According to Jewellery Afrika, winners will receive:

  • a supply of materials for selected designs
  • support sessions on the manufacturing process
  • business awareness training led by the Sponsorship Team
  • promotion of the ABC Collection and its winners, and
  • spotlight on the ABC Collective (as individuals and as a group for one year from exhibition date).

Winners will also collaborate with JGAA's manufacturing partners to oversee the translation of their designs into finished pieces, concludes Jewellery Afrika.

For more information, visit www.jewelleryafrika.com. You can also follow Jewellery Afrika on Facebook, LinkedIn, or on Instagram. 

*Image courtesy of contributor