International News
AGTA announces new award category – Innovative Design Award
The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has announced a significant addition to its prestigious Spectrum Awards: the new Innovative Design Award. This category debuts in the 2026 competition, with entries opening at the end of June 2026. The award targets jewelry designs that balance groundbreaking creativity with real-world market appeal, specifically focusing on pieces with a wholesale cost under $10,000.
By recognizing exceptional pieces with a wholesale value under $10,000, AGTA opening the door for more designers to showcase bold ideas, fresh perspectives, and commercial viability — without sacrificing the excellence the Spectrum Awards are known for.
The Innovative Design Award reflects commitment to celebrating forward-thinking artistry that’s not only beautiful and masterfully crafted, but also attainable for a broader segment of the market.
Entries are judged on criteria including overall beauty, wearability, innovative design, material use, gemstone quality, workmanship, consumer appeal, and publicity potential. Top entries earn first-, second-, or third-place trophies, with additional honors like Best of Show, Best Use of Color, Platinum Honors, and others.
International News
SIJE 2026 To Host 450+ Global Brands As Singapore Welcomes Back The World Diamond Congress After 38 Years
The Largest Edition In The Expo’s History Will Coincide With The Inaugural Singapore Diamond & Jewellery Week From 9–15 July 2026.
Singapore International Jewellery Expo (SIJE) 2026 is set to stage its largest-ever edition, bringing together more than 450 brands and exhibitors from 26 countries across 10,000 square metres at Marina Bay Sands from 9 to 12 July 2026.
The event will be officially inaugurated by Alvin Tan, Minister of State for the Ministry of Trade & Industry and the Ministry of National Development, Singapore, and is expected to attract around 18,000 trade buyers and consumers over four days.
A major highlight of this year’s edition is Singapore hosting the 41st World Diamond Congress for the first time since 1988, marking the prestigious event’s return to the city-state after 38 years. The Congress, scheduled from 12 to 15 July at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, will bring together global leaders from across the diamond value chain, including miners, manufacturers, traders, retailers and industry associations.
SIJE 2026 also forms one of the two pillars of the inaugural Singapore Diamond & Jewellery Week (SDJW), a week-long celebration running from 9 to 15 July 2026 that will feature retail experiences, industry events, promotions and international showcases across the island nation.
Despite ongoing global economic uncertainties, SIJE 2026 has recorded its strongest international participation to date, underlining confidence in Singapore’s position as a trusted hub for jewellery, luxury retail, gemstones and high-value trade.
The exhibition will feature prominent country pavilions and exhibitors from Italy, Hong Kong and Uzbekistan, alongside leading jewellers, gemstone dealers, luxury watchmakers, designers and manufacturers from around the world.

One of the unique attractions this year will be the display of a replica of the historic Crown of Carlo di Borbone at the Diamond Exchange of Singapore (DES) Pavilion. The crown, originally created in the 18th century for Charles III of Spain, has been reconstructed from historical records and is linked to the legendary “Perfect Colour of Violet” diamond
Organised by Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) Asia, SIJE continues to strengthen Singapore’s role as a gateway to the rapidly expanding markets of Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region.
Industry observers note that the scale of SIJE 2026, coupled with the return of the World Diamond Congress, reflects growing momentum in the regional luxury market and reinforces Singapore’s standing as one of the world’s most important centres for jewellery trade, craftsmanship, innovation and international business exchange.
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