Key takeaways
• Jewelers of America has announced the winners of the 36th annual CASE Awards, recognizing excellence in jewelry design across eight categories and two Best in Show honors.
• The competition featured over 120 entries judged on design, marketability, originality, and quality, with winning pieces ranging in price from under $1,000 to $68,000.
• Notable top winners include Kennedy’s Jewelers for Retailer Best in Show and Renisis for Supplier Best in Show.
(NEW YORK, NY) – Jewelers of America (JA), the national trade association for businesses serving the fine jewelry marketplace, has announced the winners of its 36th annual CASE Awards jewelry design competition. The CASE Awards, which stand for Creativity, Artistry, Style, and Excellence, are JA’s national design competition that recognizes JA Members who exemplify exceptional skill and vision in jewelry design.
First-place winners were selected from over 120 entries across eight categories. These categories were divided by retail price points and by JA retail and supplier membership: Jewelry up to $5,000; $5,001 to $10,000; $10,001 to $20,000; and $20,001 to $75,000. Two pieces were named Best in Show – one in the retail category, and one for suppliers.
“The CASE Awards continue to showcase the incredible talent and creativity within the Jewelers of America community,” says Amanda Gizzi, SVP of Corporate Affairs for Jewelers of America. “Each year, our members demonstrate a remarkable balance of craftsmanship, innovation, and artistry, reflecting both the enduring traditions and evolving direction of the jewelry industry. We are proud to recognize these designers whose work not only inspires but helps shape the future of fine jewelry.”
A panel of design experts determined the winners in each category by evaluating the entries on overall design, marketability, originality, and quality of manufacture. This year’s judges included Brecken Branstrator of GemGuide; writer Tanya Dukes; Deirdre Featherstone of Featherstone Design; Amanda Gizzi of Jewelers of America; Natalie Francisco of National Jeweler; Adrianne Sanogo, GIA Graduate Gemologist; and Amina Sorel of Amina Sorel Fine Jewelry.
All winners will receive a customized CASE Award trophy and benefit from national and local media exposure to showcase their achievements.
Synchrony sponsors the 2026 CASE Awards. The competition is open exclusively to employees of Jewelers of America Member companies. For more information and to view the Winner’s Photo Gallery, visit https://www.jewelers.org/news/ja-in-the-news/jewelers-of-america-2026-case-award-winners or contact Jewelers of America’s Member Services at (800) 223-0673.
