Bright New Gems 2026 Now Open for Applications

The UK-wide industry-supported initiative Bright New Gems is now open for applications to 2026 BA and MA jewellery graduates from UK colleges and universities.

The programme, now in its 21 year, offers a unique platform for emerging designers to access professional mentoring, industry exposure, and commercial opportunities.

Since its launch, Bright New Gems has supported 98 graduates—among them leading names such as Fernando Jorge, Ruth Tomlinson, Tomasz Donocik and Pippa Small—helping them make the transition from education to industry.

Entries will be judged by our panel of influential industry and consumer editors and experts in the sector – all of whom bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the panel and include

Ruby Beales, jewellery buyer at Liberty London
Tomasz Donocik, award winning designer and 2006 Bright New Gem.
Maria Doulton, Editor-in-chief/Co-founder of The Jewellery Editor
Liz Olver MA RCA, Independent Jewellery Consultant
Susi Smither FGA, GIA JDT, jewellery designer and responsible and sustainable industry expert . Founder of both The Rock Hound, East London’s Gemmologist Jeweller and Fair Luxury collective.

Applications are now open at www.brightnewgems.com

Why apply?

Award winning designer, judge and mentor, Tomasz Donocik was a Bright New Gem winner in 2006. He succinctly sums up his own experience, “Being selected as a Bright Young Gem was a pivotal moment in the early stages of my career. It gave me invaluable exposure to the jewellery industry, helped build confidence in my work, and connected me with a network of people who supported and encouraged my journey. Looking back, it played an important role in helping me take the leap from emerging designer to establishing my own brand”.

Also the six selected 2026 winners will benefit from an enhanced support package, including:

A complimentary one-year Designer Membership from the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ), January to December 2027.
A guaranteed place on the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s ‘Getting Started’ Spring 2027 online programme.
Mentoring sessions with members of the judging panel and supporting organisations.
The opportunity to showcase their collections at the Retail Jeweller Festival in February 2027.
Online promotion through Jewel Ads, including a dedicated Bright New Gems listing.

Full competition details and application guidelines can be found at www.brightnewgems.com

Application entry close 21 July 2026