Kering Debuts New Jewelry Award With Sustainability Focus

Paris—Kering has announced a new jewelry award dedicated to promoting innovation and sustainability.

The Kering Generation Award X Jewelry is an extension of its Generation Award, which launched in 2018 for the fashion sector. This new award is for the jewelry sector, with a focus on young designers and start-ups.

“Extending our Kering Generation Awards to jewelry is a pivotal moment in our commitment to advancing sustainability and innovation in the jewelry industry,” said Marie-Claire Daveu, Kering’s chief sustainability and institutional affairs officer. 

“This new edition, which brings together universities, start-ups, and future leaders, is designed to recognize and support those pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable jewelry. At Kering, we believe that fostering new ideas at the intersection of craftsmanship, technology, and environmental consciousness is essential to driving the transformative change the industry needs.”

The award was created in partnership with the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) and Poli.design at Politecnico di Milano, a technical university based in Milan.

Kering and its jewelry brands—Boucheron, Pomellato, and Qeelin—and the university will launch an international contest among 10 universities with courses on jewelry and sustainability. Start-ups active in the jewelry space will also be eligible for the contest.

The theme is “Second Chance, First Choice,” which asks the contestants to use discarded materials to create the jewelry.

“This initiative challenges the traditional concept of waste by exploring the potential of creative reuse,” said Kering.

“Participants are encouraged to design a jewel—whether a single piece or a collection—that transforms waste into something valuable, highlighting the intangible power of creativity.”

Each school will present at least three projects to be presented to the judges. Students will be mentored by local professors.

The start-ups will present their own projects. 

There will be four finalists, including two students and two start-ups, that will present to the judges at the JCK Las Vegas trade show in June 2025.

“’Kering Generation Award X Jewelry’ embodies the values of innovation and sustainability that are essential for shaping a future where beauty aligns with ethics,” said Professor Alba Cappellieri, head of jewelry at Politecnico di Milano and scientific coordinator of the awards. 

“By bringing together young talents from leading academic institutions worldwide and start-ups, we are creating a collaborative platform that celebrates creativity and sustainability. We invite students and start-uppers to join us on this journey, to inspire, to innovate, and to lead together the future of sustainable jewelry.”