Tiffany & Co. and the CFDA Just Unveiled a New Award for American Jewelry Designers

Tiffany & Co. wants to help gems of the industry shine even brighter.

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The storied American jeweler, which LVMH acquired in 2021, has created a first-of-its-kind prize in partnership with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) to highlight outstanding talent stateside. The simply named Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award will recognize the American jewelry designers committed to fostering inclusivity and elevating the category.

Those vying for the inaugural award will embark on a design challenge starting in October 2024. Led by Tiffany’s design team, the immersive learning experience is designed to sharpen each participant’s skills, challenge their creativity, and prepare them for success at the highest level. Each designer will also receive mentorship from industry experts along the way.

The design challenge will be evaluated by a committee that includes Tiffany execs Alexandre Arnault and Nathalie Verdeille plus jewelry heavyweights such as Gabrielle Union, Frank Everette, and Jason Wu. The winner will be given a yearlong fellowship within the house’s design department and $50,000 in cash. All participants will also be honored during an exclusive showcase at the Landmark , a.k.a. Tiffany’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York.

The award is part of larger social-impact initiatives at the respective companies: Tiffany Atrium and CFDA Impact. The Tiffany Atrium platform was created to advance opportunities for historically underrepresented communities, while the CFDA Impact initiative was developed to identify, connect, support, and nurture Black and Brown creatives in fashion.

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“The inaugural Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award uplifts Tiffany Atrium’s commitment to fostering lasting change across the jewelry and design industries,” Alexandre Arnault, executive vice president of product, communications, and industrial at Tiffany & Co, said in a statement . “With a rich history of supporting inclusivity and creative excellence, Tiffany & Co. continues to be a champion for creative expression and social impact.”

The prize is likely to give Tiffany an edge over competitors, too. Identifying and cultivating the next generation of American jewelry designers means Arnault and his team can recruit the finest gems.

Applications for the 2024 program open today, July 29, and close on August 16. Participants will be announced in the fall and the award winner will be announced in early 2025.

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