Gemports Award 2026

Gemports Award 2026

Theme: “The Vivid Legacy”

Gemports

Convened in 2019, Gemports is an international gemstones platform offering value-added services that make gemstone transactions more transparent, easier, and safer across B2B, B2C, and C2C markets. Gemports activities include Gemports Information Services providing Gemports Report for gemstones, as well as research, analysis, and news; GemportsEdu, the world's first-class gemstone trade education and membership services, and Gemports Trading and Auction Services.

In accordance with Gemports’s ambition to elevate both the cultural and economic value of gemstones, the Gemports created in 2025 the ‘Gemports Award’, an annual international award which celebrates excellence shaped by genuine market understanding and forward-looking creativity.

Artists, designers, and creators who leave their individual imprint on gemstones touch time itself and claim the chance to renew their journey from the earth into human hands, carrying the stories that endure.

Gemports believes that the artistic vision describes the gemstones that will make a better future.

Rules of Entry

Gemports Award 2026

The Gemports Award 2026 is an initiative of the World Gems Trade Association (WGT), an international organization headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand (Registered ID No.: 0109568000134) Co-Organized by the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association (TGJTA) and the The Gems, Jewelry and Precious Metal Association Confederation of Thailand (GJPCT).

The Yunnan Province Association for Southeast Asian Studies and the Guangdong Fashion Jewelry and Accessories Association provide additional strategic support as Strategic Partners. This document constitutes an open call for submissions to the inaugural Gemports Award 2026, hereafter referred to as "the Award".

Aim

The aim of this Award is to disseminate and raise awareness of the work of talented gemstone designers, artist, and creators, sharing their greatest achievements.  The Gemports aims to recognize outstanding works that demonstrate artistic vision, a nuanced understanding of gemstones and their market realities, and innovation that reflects the personal language and creative integrity of their creators. The Gemports seeks to support artistic excellence and acknowledge leading designers, creators, and artisans from around the world who stand at the forefront of contemporary gemstone practice. The winning work should reinterpret tradition in a way that speaks to the present, and demonstrate the enduring cultural and creative value that gemstones contribute to our time.

Award

The awards granted in each of the 3 disciplines of the Gemports Award 2026 are detailed below. Each participant must submit their Work to one of the 7 divisions. The winning entry can be made up of either a single piece of work or one series of works.

Awards will be subject to the withholding of the corresponding Thailand personal income tax in accordance with current legislation in Thailand.

The works created by the Winners and Finalists will be included in the exhibition ‘Gemports Award 2026’ (herein after ‘the Exhibition’) and its accompanying catalogue, on view in Beijing in the autumn of 2026 or any other location that WGT may deem appropriate.

Conditions of Entry

For Disciplines: 2D Hand Drawing and 2D Digital Drawing

All participants shall meet the eligibility requirements of their respective divisions as defined in Submission of Entries. All nationalities are welcome.

Each participant must present either one single piece of work or one series of works, understood as drawings that together form a single artistic creation (hereafter, ‘the Work’). The Work must be presented as a hand-drawn design on paper or as a digital drawing created through computer software or tablet, according to the category entered. It must fall within the field of wearable objects—such as jewelry, watches, belts, or glasses—and shall incorporate Ruby and/or Blue Sapphire according to division requirements: Kids and Teen divisions shall use specified stone, while Talent and Professional divisions shall use ruby and/or blue sapphire and calculate its value through Gemports Information Services within the designated budget. Further details are provided in the Submission Guidelines.

All Works should follow the annual theme, “The Vivid Legacy”, interpreted as an international and contemporary style that enhances the prominence of gemstones. “The Vivid Legacy”: Nature’s greatest gift is the vibrant, colorful gemstone. The theme represents the intersection of rarity and beauty—enduring qualities that hold deep value in both our economy and our culture. This legacy is reimagined for the modern era, translating timeless natural wonders into sleek, elegant, and contemporary designs.

Materials outside the examples listed above are not excluded and may be accepted by the Experts Panel if they comply with the aim and requirements of the Award.

*Dangerous, prohibited, or alive materials are excluded.

For Discipline: 3D CAD

All participants shall meet the eligibility requirements of their respective categories as defined in Submission of Entries. All nationalities are welcome.

Each participant must present either one single piece of work or one series of works, understood as three-dimensional computer-aided design (3D CAD) that together form a single artistic creation (hereafter, the ‘Work’). The Work must be created using 3D CAD software. It must fall within the field of wearable objects—such as jewelry, watches, belts, or glasses—and shall feature Ruby and/or Blue Sapphire as the central element, crafted in either standard gemstone cuts or custom, imaginative shapes, with gemstone dimensions that are appropriate and consistent with the standard sizes provided. Further details are provided in the Submission Guidelines.

All Works should follow the annual theme, “The Vivid Legacy”, represents colored gemstones as nature’s most precious gifts—where the inherent value of Earth’s timeless creations meets exceptional rarity. This collection artfully blends the brilliance of gems with the delicate grace and vibrant colors of Spring Blossoms from the "City of Eternal Spring"——Kunming city, China, and the lush, year-round tropical blooms of Thailand. More than just exquisite wearable creations , these pieces serve as a "Living Legacy," bridging the profound cultural roots and the enduring bond between these two regions.

Materials outside the examples listed above are not excluded and may be accepted by the Experts Panel if they comply with the Aim and requirements of the Award.

*Dangerous, prohibited or alive materials are excluded.

All Works must:

—    Be owned by the participant, at all times, since its creation until the end of the License period,

—    Be an original, one-off creation, produced by the participant entirely in the medium corresponding to their chosen discipline: either 2D Hand Drawing or 2D Digital Drawing, or 3D CAD,

—    Not include any elements created by artificial intelligence (AI), whether partially or fully,

—    Have been recently created in the last five years and not published, exhibited publicly, or submitted to any other competition prior to this Award,

—    Reflect an understanding of gemstones and their value,

—    Demonstrate artistic intent and creative integrity,

—    Be able to be posted on internet and exhibited public by WGT.

These conditions are essential for the Works to be admitted as finalists.

Each artist, designer, or creator may participate with only one Work or one series as an individual in each call. Works previously selected as finalists in any past Gemports Award will not be admitted.

—    If a participant submits the Work to another competition and wins a prize, or

—    if the Work ceases to be in the possession of the participant or

—    if, for any reason whatsoever, ownership of the Work is transferred to a third party, or

—    if the file of the Work is damaged once it has been submitted, the participant shall urgently notify the WGT of such occurrence by email so that the work may be removed from the Award.

Once a Work has been submitted to the Award, it may not be altered in any sense.

Participants under the age of 18 shall provide written consent from a parent or legal guardian, submitted together with their application.

In case of detection of any irregularity in the conditions of entry, the participant may be disqualified, and his/her application may not be considered.

Submission of Entries

Entries must be submitted by email to tgjta.designcontest@gmail.com from May 1, 2026 to June 30, 2026 inclusive, on which date the period for entry will be deemed closed at 23.59 (UTC+7, Bangkok Time). Email Subject Line: "Discipline - Division: Gemports Award 2026” (e.g., “2D Hand Drawing - Kids: Gemports Award 2026”).

All documents must be submitted in English, and incomplete submissions may not be considered.

Each participant must submit their Work to one of the seven divisions—2D Hand Drawing - Kids, 2D Hand Drawing - Teen, 2D Hand Drawing - Talent, 2D Hand Drawing - Professional, 2D Digital Drawing - Professional, 3D CAD - Talent, or 3D CAD – Professional —determined by age or professional experience as of the final submission date verified by an official ID.

Works in the 2D Hand Drawing discipline must be created entirely by hand on paper; Works in the 2D Digital Drawing discipline  must be created using digital drawing software or a tablet, and participant must specify the software or application use for the submitted works. Works in 3D CAD, participants must specify the software or application used for the submitted works. AI-generated content is strictly prohibited in all categories.

Participant information required:

—    Full name, country/region of entry, date and place of birth, contact telephone number, email and postal address,

—    A short biographical note,

—    A copy of a valid passport or official ID document,

—    Parental/guardian consent for participants under 18,

—    For participants in the 2D Digital Drawing - Professional and 3D CAD - Professional Divisions are required to submit a portfolio of up to five highlighted works from their career.

For further details, please refer to the Submission Guidelines.

Work information required:

For Disciplines: 2D Hand Drawing and 2D Digital Drawing

—        The title of the Work, the division in which it is entered, story or inspiration behind, and material (e.g. platinum, gold, silver, name of gemstones used in the works),

—    High-quality images of the Work, understood as the participant’s original hand-drawn or digital-drawn wearable object design, submitted in JPG or PNG format. Minimum image size is 1024x768, showing a clear front view,

—    For Talent and Professional Divisions, the approximate value of the ruby and/or blue sapphire used in the Work (in USD) shall be calculated according to Gemports Information Services.

For Discipline: 3D CAD

—    The title of the Work, the division in which it is entered, story or inspiration behind, and material (e.g. platinum, gold, silver, name of gemstones used in the works).

—    A written description specifying the dimensions (mm) and carat weight of the Ruby and/or Blue Sapphire used in the design.

—    High-quality images of the Work, understood as the participant’s original 3D CAD rendering of the wearable object design, submitted in JPG or PNG format, minimum 1024x768 pixels, showing a clear front view.

—    Design files (.STL, .JCD or .3DM format)

For further details, please refer to the Submission Guidelines.

All participants must take care of the accuracy of the information provided because it will be used in the Exhibition and the Print Media.

All entries presented through the email  tgjta.designcontest@gmail.com will be confidential. Only WGT, the Experts Panel, and the Jury will have access to them.

Judging Criteria

The Jury will evaluate all eligible Works based on the criteria below.

Each Work is assessed holistically, considering creativity, gemstone understanding, and alignment with the Award theme “The Vivid Legacy”.

For Divisions: 2D Hand Drawing – Kids, and 2D Hand Drawing - Teen

—    Creativity and uniqueness                                       30%

—    Application use of gemstones in the design           15%

—    Drawing skill                                                           15%

—    Overall beauty of the design                                   15%

—    Interpretation of the theme “The Vivid Legacy”    10%

—    Contemporary appeal                                              10%

—    Feasibility for production                                       5%

Public Appreciation Award shall be calculated from the total number of likes and shares on the official WGT and TGJTA Facebook Page for entries advancing to the Semi-Final Stage.*Each social media account will be counted only once.

For Divisions: 2D Hand Drawing - Talent, 2D Hand Drawing – Professional, and 2D Digital Drawing – Professional

—    Valuation of gemstones used in the design            20%

—    Creativity and uniqueness                                       20%

—    Feasibility for production                                       15%

—    Interpretation of the theme “The Vivid Legacy”    15%

—    Drawing skill                                                          10%

—    Overall beauty of the design                                   10%

—    Contemporary appeal                                              10%

Public Appreciation Award shall be calculated from the total number of likes and shares on the official WGT and TGJTA Facebook Page for all entries submitted to the competition.*Each social media account will be counted only once.

For Divisions: 3D CAD - Talent, and 3D CAD - Professional

—    Feasibility for production                                       30%

—    Creativity and uniqueness                                       20%

—    Overall beauty of the design                                   20%

—    Interpretation of the theme “The Vivid Legacy”    15%

—    Contemporary appeal                                              15%

Public Appreciation Award shall be calculated from the total number of likes and shares on the official WGT and TGJTA Facebook Page for entries advancing to the Semi-Final Stage .*Each social media account will be counted only once.

Competition Process 

The Gemports Award 2026 consists of three stages. All eligible submissions received within the application period will be reviewed by the Experts Panel, the Jury, and the organizing institutions.

Shortlisting Stage

All entries across the 7 divisions will be evaluated in the Shortlisting Stage. Shortlisted participants will be notified and designated as Semi-finalists, and invited to advance to the Semi-Final Stage.

Semi-Final Stage

For divisions 2D Hand Drawing – Kids and 2D Hand Drawing – Teen, semi-finalists may join or may not join an on-site and/or online public group feedback session designed to provide shared learning and guidance.

For divisions 2D Hand Drawing - Talent, 2D Hand Drawing – Professional, and 2D Digital Drawing – Professional, semi-finalists shall create, post to public, and submit a video presentation of their Work, up to one minute in length. This video may be used on social media by WGT and TGJTA as part of the Award process.

For divisions 3D CAD – talent and 3D CAD – professional, semi-finalists may join or may not join  the Public Group Feedback Session, held both on-site and online , to receive guidance and foster collaborative learning.

Semi-finalists have the option to either revise and resubmit their work within the specified timeframe (see Schedule) or continue the Competition Process with their original submission.

All revised and resubmitted work will be evaluated in the Semi-Final Stage. Finalists will be notified and invited to advance to the Final Stage.

Final Stage

The Final Stage will be held in Bangkok, Thailand. Finalists in each division will complete a live sketch within a 3-hour time limit and may reinterpret their original submission or create a new design. The divisions 3D CAD - Talent and 3D CAD - Professional will not participate in this part.

Finalists in each division will then present their work and design concept within a maximum of 3 minutes before the Jury and the audience. This public session, including presentations and Jury feedback, aims to encourage learning, transparency, and community engagement.

Award

The Award Ceremony will be held in Bangkok, Thailand. The winner of each division will be announced at the Award Ceremony. The Works of all Winners and Finalists will be included in the Exhibition, to be shown in Beijing in the autumn of 2026 or any other location that WGT may deem appropriate.

Schedule 

Dates and times may be adjusted as appropriate. Any changes will be communicated in advance by the organizers.

For Divisions: 2D Hand Drawing – Kids and 2D Hand Drawing – Teen

For Divisions: 2D Hand Drawing - Talent, 2D Hand Drawing – Professional, and 2D Digital Drawing – Professional 

For Divisions: 3D CAD  - Talent and  3D CAD - Professional

Expert Panel

An Expert Panel appointed by WGT, will conduct the review of all submitted Works. The Expert Panel is composed of specialists from mine to market. Their responsibilities include verifying eligibility, evaluating the submitted drawings, confirming the accuracy of gemstone valuation, and ensuring compliance with the Aim and requirements of the Award.

The Expert Panel will select the semi-finalists for each division and prepare finalists for presentation to the Jury.

Jury

The Jury, appointed jointly by WGT, will preside over all stages of the Award. It will consist of international figures from the fields of design, production, art, culture, commerce, etc.

The Jury will evaluate all Works, presentations, and division winners based on the established Judging Criteria. All Jury deliberations are confidential, and the decisions of the Jury are final and not subject to appeal.

Winning Work

The Winning Work of each division shall be the drawing selected by the Jury as demonstrating the highest artistic vision, creativity, understanding of gemstones, and alignment with the annual theme “The Vivid Legacy.”

The Winning Work may consist of a single design or a series of drawings or models forming a unified artistic concept.

All Winning and Finalist Works will be included in the Exhibition ‘Gemports Award 2026’ and its accompanying catalogue, and may be displayed in other locations or platforms deemed appropriate by WGT.

Legal Considerations

Participants are solely responsible for ensuring that their submissions do not infringe upon any third-party rights. Any breach of intellectual property, privacy, or other legal obligations shall result in immediate disqualification.

The Award organizers reserve the right to amend dates, locations, or procedures should circumstances require, including but not limited to force majeure, regulatory changes, or operational considerations.

Participation in the Award implies full acceptance of these Rules of Entry and all decisions made by WGT, the Expert Panel, and the Jury.

Intellectual Property Rights

Copyright of all submitted drawings remains with the participant.

By participating, all entrants grant WGT a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to reproduce, publish, exhibit, and distribute the submitted Works—whether selected or not—for purposes related to the communication, promotion, documentation, and educational mission of the Gemports Award.

This includes, without limitation, use in printed or digital materials, exhibitions, catalogues, social media, press releases, educational activities, and official online platforms.

Participants warrant that their Work is original, created solely by themselves, and does not contain any third-party content, including AI-generated elements.

Protection of Personal Data

Personal data collected during the application process will be processed exclusively for the purposes of administering the Award, evaluating submissions, coordinating the Exhibition, and communicating with participants. Data will be accessible only to WGT, the Expert Panel, and the Jury.

Personal data will not be shared with external parties except where required by law or where consent is expressly provided. Participants may request access, correction, or deletion of their data in accordance with applicable regulations.

Submission of an entry constitutes consent to the processing of personal data for the above purposes.

Communication

WGT may communicate information relating to the Award through any media channel deemed appropriate, including digital platforms, social networks, press, and partner institutions.

Only the Works selected as shortlisted, semi-finalist, finalist, or Winning entries will be made public. All other submissions will remain confidential.

Participants in the Talent and Professional divisions acknowledge that their presentation videos (submitted at the semi-final stage) may be posted on social media channels operated by the Award organizers as part of the Award process.

Material Ownership Over the Winner and Finalists’ Works

As the Award concerns drawings submitted digitally, all participants retain ownership of their physical drawings or digital files.

For the purposes of the Exhibition, catalogue, and related communications, participants grant the organizers the right to reproduce and display digital copies of the Works. Physical drawings will not be collected unless expressly requested for special display, in which case the organizers will cover transport, handling, and return arrangements, unless otherwise agreed.

The organizers do not assume responsibility for any damage to original physical drawings outside agreed transport and handling conditions.

General

The organizers reserve the right to interpret, modify, or update these Rules of Entry if necessary to ensure the proper conduct of the Award.

Participation in the Gemports Award 2026 implies full acceptance of all rules, procedures, schedules, and decisions outlined herein.

Any situation not covered by these Rules of Entry will be resolved exclusively by WGT, whose decision shall be final.

These rules are available in English, Thai, and Simplified Chinese. The English version shall prevail.

These rules and all rights and obligations herein shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the Laws of Thailand. Any proceeding and/or legal action arising out of, or in connection with these rules and in a general manner with the Award, shall be submitted to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of Bangkok, Thailand.

(Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association Office hours Monday-Friday 9-17 hours (UTC+7, Bangkok Time), 919/119, 919/615-621 Jewelry Trade Center, 52nd Fl., Silom Rd., Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500, Email: tgjta.designcontest@gmail.com, Website: www.thaigemjewelry.or.th, Phone: +662-630-1390 to 7)

        Gemports Award 2026

Submission Guidelines

Work Requirements

For Division: 2D Hand Drawing - Kids

—    Design either one single piece of work or one series of works;

—    The Work must fall within the field of wearable objects—such as jewelry, watches, belts, or glasses—and shall feature Ruby and/or Blue Sapphire as the primary gemstones. Participants may use standard gemstone cuts (see Reference Guide) or imaginative shapes;

—    The design must align with the theme “The Vivid Legacy”.

For Division: 2D Hand Drawing – Teen

—    Design either one single piece of work or one series of works;

—    The Work must fall within the field of wearable objects—such as jewelry, watches, belts, or glasses—and shall feature Ruby and/or Blue Sapphire as the primary gemstones. Standard gemstone cuts or imaginative shapes may be used, with due consideration given to gemstone sizes appropriate to standard proportions (see Reference Guide);

—    The design must align with the theme “The Vivid Legacy”.

For Divisions: 2D Hand Drawing – Talent and 2D Hand Drawing – Professional

—    Design either one single piece of work or one series of works;

—    The Work must fall within the field of wearable objects—such as jewelry, watches, belts, or glasses—and shall incorporate Ruby and/or Blue Sapphire, with their value calculated using the Gemports Reports data system and within the specified budget;

—    The estimated total value of the Ruby and/or Blue Sapphire used in the design must be no less than USD 2,000,000 and not exceed USD 3,000,000, calculated based on Gemports Report Quarter 1/2026 from www.gemports.com;

—    Participants may use standard gemstone cuts or imaginative shapes, with appropriate consideration given to gemstone sizes in accordance with standard proportions (see Reference Guide);

—    The design must align with the theme “The Vivid Legacy”.

* For the Gemports Award 2026, the valuation of Rubies and/or Blue Sapphires in gemstone cuts other than oval is permitted to be referenced from the Gemports Report Quarter 1/2026.

For Division: 2D Digital Drawing - Professional

—    Design either one single piece of work or one series of works;

—    The Work must fall within the field of wearable objects—such as jewelry, watches, belts, or glasses—and shall incorporate Ruby and/or Blue Sapphire, with their value calculated using the Gemports Reports data system and within the specified budget;

—    The estimated total value of the Ruby and/or Blue Sapphire used in the design must be no less than USD 2,000,000 and not exceed USD 3,000,000, calculated based on Gemports Report Quarter 1/2026 from www.gemports.com;

—    Participants may use standard gemstone cuts or imaginative shapes, with appropriate consideration given to gemstone sizes in accordance with standard proportions (see Reference Guide);

—    The design must align with the theme “The Vivid Legacy”.

* For the Gemports Award 2026, the valuation of Rubies and/or Sapphires in gemstone cuts other than oval is permitted to be referenced from the Gemports Report Quarter 1/2026.

For Division: 3D CAD – Talent and 3D CAD – Professional

—    Design either one single piece of work or one series of works;

—    The Work must fall within the field of wearable objects—such as jewelry, watches, belts, or glasses—and shall feature Ruby and/or Blue Sapphire as the primary gemstones. Standard gemstone cuts or imaginative/custom cuts may be used. Designers should consider gemstone proportions that are appropriate and in accordance with the standard size guidelines specified in the Award’s supporting documents (see Reference Guide).

—        The design must align with the theme “The Vivid Legacy”.

—    A written description must be provided, clearly specifying the size and weight of the Ruby and/or Blue Sapphire used in the design.

Required Documents & Submission

For Divisions: 2D Hand Drawing – Kids and 2D Hand Drawing – Teen

** Download Application form:

—    Completed Application Form 

—    Copy of Passport or Official ID of the Participant;

—    Participants under the age of 18 shall provide written consent from a parent or legal guardian;

—    A short biographical note;

—    Work information (The title of the Work, inspiration, and material; Platinum, Gold, Silver, name of gemstones);

—    High-quality image of the Work (JPG or PNG format, Minimum image size is 1024x768 pixels).

* Please ensure that all required documents are submitted in full.

For Divisions: 2D Hand Drawing – Talent, 2D Hand Drawing – Professional, and 2D Digital Drawing – Professional

**Download Application form:

—    Completed Application Form 

—    Copy of Passport or Official ID of the Participant;

—    Participants under the age of 18 shall provide written consent from a parent or legal guardian;

—    A short biographical note;

—    Work information (The title of the Work, inspiration, and material; Platinum, Gold, Silver, name of gemstones);

—    Gemstone Information (Types of Gemstones: Ruby and Blue Sapphire, and the Valuation Used in the Design);

—    High-quality image of the Work (JPG or PNG format, Minimum image size is 1024x768 pixels);

—        Portfolio Samples: A maximum of 5 works (Applicable only to applicants in the 2D Hand Drawing -Professional and 2D Digital Drawing - Professional divisions).

* Please ensure that all required documents are submitted in full.

For Divisions: 3D CAD - Talent and 3D CAD – Professional

**Download Application form :

—    Completed Application Form;

—    Copy of Passport or Official ID;

—    Participants under the age of 18 shall provide written consent from a parent or legal guardian;

—    Short Biographical Note;

—    Work Information (Title, concept, materials, gemstones used);

—    3D CAD Source File (one of the following formats only): ☐.STL ☐.3DM  ☐.JCD;

—    Rendered Images (.JPG or .PNG, minimum 1024 x 768 pixels).

* Please ensure that all required documents are submitted in full.