French luxury powerhouse Kering has broadened its Generation Award, first launched in 2018 for the fashion industry, to now include the jewelry sector. The newly introduced “Generation Award X Jewelry” aims to spotlight innovation and sustainability, inviting participation from both students and startup professionals.
A Collaboration with CIBJO
In partnership with the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO), Kering’s inaugural jewelry competition adopts the theme, “Second Chance, First Choice.” Participants are challenged to rethink waste by transforming discarded materials into jewelry creations, which can range from a single piece to an entire collection.
The competition is open to startups actively engaged in the jewelry sector, as well as students from 10 globally renowned universities and academies offering programs in jewelry and sustainability.
Industry and Academic Partnerships
To facilitate the initiative, Kering will collaborate with its luxury jewelry brands—Boucheron, Pomellato, and Qeelin—alongside Politecnico di Milano, Italy’s largest technical university. These partnerships aim to bridge the gap between craftsmanship and innovation within the jewelry industry.
Competition Details
The contest will culminate at the 2025 JCK show in Las Vegas next June, where a jury will evaluate four finalists: two from the student category and two from the startup division.
Students will receive mentorship from professors to develop their projects, with each participating institution required to submit a minimum of three entries. Startups, on the other hand, will present their proprietary innovations directly to the jury.
Kering’s Commitment to Sustainability
Marie-Claire Daveu, Kering’s chief sustainability and institutional affairs officer, emphasized the importance of this expansion in a statement:
“Extending our Kering Generation Awards to jewelry is a pivotal moment in our commitment to advancing sustainability and innovation in this industry. This new edition, which brings together universities, startups, and future leaders, is designed to recognize and support those pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable jewelry.”
Daveu further underscored Kering’s dedication to nurturing groundbreaking ideas that blend craftsmanship, technology, and environmental consciousness, stating that such initiatives are critical to driving transformative change in the jewelry sector.
This latest venture reflects Kering’s ongoing pursuit of innovation and sustainability, reinforcing its leadership role in shaping the future of luxury.