Canada’s Jewellery Industry.
Its Highest Standard of Recognition.
SPONSORS:
The Award of Excellence 2026 Rules and regulation
Final Submission Deadline: April 4th 2026 .
Deadline Extended: April 8th 2026 .
Entry Fee: $150 plus HST
Canadian Jeweller Magazine is thrilled to present the prestigious annual Award of Excellence 2026, recognizing and celebrating outstanding achievements in Canadian jewellery design, retailing, product development, and watch brand innovation.
Categories for 2026 Competition:
1. Manufacturer of the Year
2. Best Jewellery Designer
3. Best Gemstone Jewellery
4. Wholesaler of the Year
5. Best Watch Retailer
6. Retailer of the Year
7. Best Diamond Jewellery
8. Entrepreneur of the Year
9. NEW - Men’s Jewellery
10. NEW - Young Jeweller (for entrants aged 30 and under)
11. NEW - HIP HOP Jewellery
12. Grand Master 2025
Rules, Eligibility and Criteria:
The Award of Excellence recognizes outstanding designs that demonstrate excellence in specific categories. Each category has its own requirements and minimum value:
1. Best Canadian Diamond Design of the Year Award:
- Design must showcase Canadian diamonds.
- Each diamond must have certification proving its Canadian origin.
- Smaller accent stones may be non-Canadian.
- MINIMUM VALUE: $5,000
2. Best Platinum Design of the Year Award:
- Design must contain at least 75% platinum.
- It can include a combination of gemstones and gold.
- MINIMUM VALUE: $5,000
3. Best Coloured Gemstone Design of the Year Award:
- Design must prominently feature colored gemstones.
- Creativity will be a crucial judging criterion.
- MINIMUM VALUE: $2,000
The submission is online only, with all the information requested.
Only the selected ones for judging will be requested to send the pieces part of the submission.
If you are not selected for the competition, you won't proceed, and you don't need to send your jewellery pieces for judging.
Manufacturer of the Year
Include criteria such as:
- product quality and consistency
- craftsmanship and production standards
- strength of collections
- retailer support
- innovation
- brand presence in Canada
Design Awards
Include criteria such as:
- originality
- craftsmanship
- materials
- wearability
- visual impact
Retailer Awards
Include criteria such as:
- customer experience
- merchandising
- service
- brand positioning
- community engagement
Regulation:
- Jewellery must be designed and made in Canada.
- All gemstones must be natural; synthetic gemstones are not permitted (students may use CZ instead of diamonds).
- Designers can submit one piece per category.
- Contestants are liable for their designs and jewellery submitted. While we take reasonable precautions, Canadian Jeweller Magazine cannot insure the jewellery.
- We recommend contestants extend their own insurance policy to cover loss, theft, or damage during the competition.
- In each category, three finalists will be selected, and judges will determine an overall winner.
- Entries will be returned via courier at the designer's expense.
- Winning entries and information provided may be used for promotional purposes.
- Entries will be judged based on originality, creativity, beauty, wearability, quality of workmanship, and marketability.
- Contestants agree to hold Canadian Jeweller Magazine, Time & Shine expo, The RGM Group Holdings Inc, Rive Gauche Media, and its employees and representatives harmless from any claims or legal proceedings.
Judging:
A distinguished panel of judges comprising Canadian jewellery retailers, designers, and members of Canadian Jeweller Magazine's Editorial Board will conduct the confidential judging process. The judges' decisions are final.
Checklist:
Please ensure you provide the following information:
1. Complete the online submission form for each piece and attach a hard copy to the nominated piece.
2. Submit the finished piece of jewellery for nomination.
3. Include any additional materials that may assist in the selection process.
4. Pay the entry fee of $150 plus HST per submission.
Make cheques payable to The RGM Group Holdings Inc. or via credit card Click Here
Mail your jewellery design, submission form, and cheque to:
Awards of Excellence
Canadian Jeweller Magazine
920 Yonge Street, Suite 608
Toronto, ON M4W 3C7
Presented by:
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