ShowBuzz
2026 Couture Design Awards: A Celebration Of Creativity, Ingenuity
A Premier Gathering Dedicated To Independent Jewelry Designers
The 2026 Couture Design Awards, held Saturday evening at the Encore Theater, Las Vegas once again highlighted the industry’s creative achievements. The Awards was a gala celebration of creativity, ingenuity, and the distinct points of view that define the COUTURE community. Winners were met with enthusiastic applause from attendees, who celebrated both the accomplishments of the recipients and the work of their peers.
The Couture Show has accomplished something that no other trade event achieved: creating a premier gathering dedicated to independent jewelry designers. For more than 25 years, the show has attracted designers and artists from across the United States and around the world while expanding to include internationally recognized jewelry brands, both independent and corporate-owned.
With awards presented across 12 categories and determined by a distinguished panel of judges, the Editors’ Choice Award selected by attending media, and the People’s Choice finalists chosen by attending retailers, the work of a diverse roster of talent was celebrated before an enthusiastic crowd at the Encore Theater. The evening also paid tribute to two women whose contributions helped shape Couture’s culture and its mission: Cindy Edelstein, a longtime advocate for jewelry designers, and Jan Mohr, a driving force behind the show since its inception.
ShowBuzz
Sydney Jewellery Fair Puts Education, Technology and Business Growth In The Spotlight
12 Expert-Led Sessions To Equip Jewellery Retailers With Insights On AI, Diamonds, Gemstones, Security, Insurance and Next-Generation Consumers
With the International Jewellery Fair in Sydney set to take place from 22–24 August 2026, organisers Expertise Events have announced an extensive education programme aimed at helping jewellery retailers strengthen their businesses and stay ahead of industry developments.
The three-day fair will feature 12 expert presentations, covering everything from AI and digital tools to gemstone education, diamond detection, business security, insurance and consumer trends.
The programme will open on Saturday, 22 August, with Vikas Sodhani of Unbridaled exploring how AI tools can boost sales and streamline daily operations. The day will also feature sessions on Australian opals, Colombian emeralds, jewellery business security and insurance.
Gemstone specialists Alyssa Cameron and Mateo Patino of GemstoneX will offer practical insights into Colombian emerald quality, treatments, origin and certification. Meanwhile, John Papadimitriou of Safeguard Locksmiths will focus on improving operational discipline and business controls, while Lachlan Renshaw of Centrestone Jewellery Insurance will address protecting jewellery businesses beyond the point of sale.
Technology will remain a key theme, with Ryan Abdullah and Isaac Schaider of CaratIQ demonstrating how AI and technology can help jewellers increase sales and simplify operations. Stephen Moignard of Australian Jade will also take attendees through the origins and characteristics of Australian jade.
Focus on Trust, Technology and Changing Consumers
The education programme continues on Sunday, 23 August, with Christina Loccisano of Searay presenting a live demonstration of diamond detection technology and examining how retailers can use trust as a competitive advantage.
The Gemmological Association of Australia (GAA) will address one of the industry’s most relevant areas—the distinction between natural, treated and synthetic materials, including natural and lab-created diamonds.
Other sessions will explore how outsourced manufacturing and integrated software are reshaping bespoke jewellery, while generational consultant Scott Millar will examine the trends influencing the next generation of jewellery consumers.
The final day, Monday, 24 August, will open with Mustafa Ali of Fog Bandit ANZ, who will focus on proactive approaches to jewellery business security and loss prevention.
By bringing together industry expertise, practical education and emerging technology, the Sydney Fair aims to provide retailers with actionable knowledge that can be applied directly to their businesses.
The International Jewellery Fair will be held at the International Convention and Exhibition Centre (ICC Sydney) from 22–24 August 2026.
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JewelBuzz is Asia’s First Digital Jewellery Media & India’s No.1 B2B Jewellery Magazine, published by AM Media House. Since 2016, we’ve been the trusted source for jewellery news, market trends, trade insights, exhibitions, podcasts, and brand stories, connecting jewellers, retailers, and industry professionals worldwide.