With this award, Kering and its jewelry Maisons — Boucheron, Pomellato, Dodo and Qeelin — are promoting a tangible transition towards fostering sustainability in the industry and highlighting the Group’s commitment to driving responsible innovation.
The theme of the award is “Second Chance, First Choice”, with the goal being to reduce the environmental impact of the jewelry industry in terms of products, processes, services and technology, through innovative solutions in the following fields:
New Innovative Materials: Through solutions related to jewelry product design innovations to the introduction of new materials, be they derived from other industries, waste streams or novel production methods.
AI: Applications tailored for jewelry are welcomed, including tools that support design, sampling, production and other forms of optimization.
Packaging: Advancements in packaging through alternative materials, reusable formats, or low-impact systems.
Retail-Focused Technologies: Including technologies able to improve efficiencies, enable circular practices and enhance both physical and digital customer experiences in the jewelry field.
The Award involves 10 world-renowned universities and academies that offer courses on jewelry and sustainability, and it supports visionary start-ups driving impact reduction across the industry by rethinking products, processes, and services.
Mentored by the professors, the students will have to design a jewel that transforms discarded materials into valuable pieces, demonstrating the intangible value of creativity. This approach aims to elevate the concept of sustainability, transcending the value of materials. Meanwhile the start-ups will be called on to participate with an existing product, technology, or service in the jewelry sector that aligns with the contest theme.
The shortlisted finalists will then present their projects to the jury in July 2026, during the Haute Couture Week, in Paris. The winner in the startups category will be awarded mentorship from POLI.design — Politecnico di Milano, while the winner in the student category will be offered an internship opportunity with one of Kering’s Jewelry Maisons.
“The success of the inaugural Kering Generation Award X Jewelry showed us just how many emerging leaders are eager to drive change and redefine sustainable jewelry. Building on the momentum of our Ceremony at JCK Las Vegas 2025, we are launching the next chapter, bringing together once more universities and startups to celebrate and empower those shaping the future of the industry. At Kering, we believe that fostering ideas at the intersection of craftsmanship, technology, and environmental responsibility is not just important — it is essential.” said Marie-Claire Daveu, Kering’s Chief Sustainability and Institutional Affairs Officer.
“Jewelry has played a fundamental role in the human experience since the dawn of history, precisely because it embodies what is precious aesthetically, culturally and materially, at any point in time. In today’s world, the jewelry we produce must reflect society’s concern for environmental and social awareness, enhanced through the innovative use of new technologies and knowledge in a circular economy. The Kering Generation X Jewelry awards celebrates this movement, and CIBJO is once again delighted to be part of them.” said Gaetano Cavalieri, President of the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO).
“With its second edition, the “Kering Generation Award X Jewelry” renews its commitment to identifying a vital point of convergence between innovation, sustainability, transmission and design excellence. By engaging young creatives from leading international academic institutions and emerging entrepreneurial ventures, the initiative positions itself as a space for collaboration and experimentation, dedicated to fostering new ideas and responsible approaches for the future. We invite students and startups to take part in this inspiring journey, to shape together a new, conscious generation within the global jewelry landscape.”, said Alba Cappellieri, Head of Jewelry at Politecnico di Milano and scientific coordinator of the Award.

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