HRD Antwerp has launched the 17th edition of the HRD Design Awards for “creative and innovative diamond and gemstone jewellery”.

The process which began yesterday, May 11, 2020, with the opening of registrations, will reach its zenith on June 14, 2020 when the winners will be declared.

The Awards are being held “via an online module” HRD Antwerp said. The organisation stressed that the theme this year, HAPPINESS - A New Beginning, “will be an inspiration for others in the current global crisis”.

“Designers are invited to delve into their thoughts of happiness, in order to produce brilliant diamond and gemstone jewels,” the organisation said. “Designers will need to work out the challenge of incorporating the theme into a jewellery design, a design with a meaningful thought.”

The participation in the competition is free of charge and open to all. What is more, participation in the competition “offers a promotional platform vis-à-vis exhibitions, international jewellery shows, events, galleries as well as being promoted by HRD Antwerp on their website and social media pages”, the organisation said. 

The judging will be done by “an expert panel of renowned international jury members” hailing from the gem and jewellery industry.

“The grand finale and award ceremony while maintaining the protocols of social distancing will be conducted via a live video telecast with the captains and experts of the industry, international media houses, trade press and the finalists,” HRD Antwerp announced. 

In all there will be 11 awards distributed at the HRD Design Awards 2020: The Best Designer 2020; 1st Runner Up, 2nd Runner Up and eight individual category awards.

The winners will be entitled to gain scholarship for HRD Antwerp’s extensive educational courses worldwide as well as online.  

Those interested in participating can contact HRD Antwerp on hrddesignawards@hrdantwerp.com for registration details before 20th May 2020.