35th German Young Talent Competition for Gemstone and Jewellery Design Idar-Oberstein 2025

THEME:

„journey around the world"

Both the gemstone design and the design of a jewellery piece with precious stones were permitted. Thus, unmounted gemstones, the gemstone in finished jewellery, the gemstone object and the gemstone sculpture were allowed. The use of synthetic gems was permitted. Pearls were only allowed in combination with gemstones.

   1st PRICE: NELLE BRACKEVA

ASSEBROEK/BRÜGGE, BELGIUM, CERTIFICATE AND 1500 EURO

Gemstone object “Chewing Gum” made of silver, pavé-set synthetic diamonds with rhodium plating, PVC and digitally printed paper packaging.

This witty and highly original interpretation of the theme convinced the jury unanimously. The artist describes chewing gum as her indispensable travel companion—especially on flights to ease ear pressure.

Pierre Koukjian saw in the work great potential as avant-garde wearable art, praising its humour, craftsmanship and level of detail.

 

   2nd PRICE: FRANZISKA KLEINBAUER
SCHIFFWEILER, CERTIFICATE AND 1000 EURO

Gemstone object made of goldstone, blue-white layered stone, diamonds, sapphires, rock crystal, white agate, silicon, platinum, silver

Titled “Among the Stars.”
An astronaut looks out of a spaceship window, seeing the vastness of space and Earth below—a “journey around the world” from a unique perspective.

Jury member Maja DuBrul praised the imaginative concept, harmony of materials and exquisite engraving.

 

   3rd PRICE:  FRANZISKA SCHLAG
IDAR-OBERSTEIN,CERTIFICATE AND 500 EURO 

Gemstone ring made of agate, rock crystal, lapis lazuli, silver and wood. 

The artist describes the piece as embodying the “wanderlust feeling”—the desire to explore the world. The central lapis lazuli sphere engraved with continents symbolises the Earth.

Jury member Luis Alberto Quispe Aparicio highlighted the conceptual depth and technical precision.

 

 

   HONOURABLE MENTION: KATHRIN CZOTSCHER

DIEHLHEIM, CERTIFICATE AND 250 EURO

Gemstone object made of silver, amber, citrines and cork.

Titled “The Message in a Bottle of Lost Love.”
A silver bottle sealed with cork sits atop polished amber, containing a melancholic story of two lovers separated by fate.

Jury member Maja DuBrul was moved by the poetic narrative and nostalgic character.

 

   HONOURABLE MENTION: ALINE STANEK

NOHFELDEN, CERTIFICATE AND 250 EURO

Pendant made of three-layer black-white layered agate, diamonds and gold.

The artist created a compass carved entirely from layered agate, set like a pocket watch symbolising travel and time.

The jury praised the craftsmanship and wearability.

 

   HONOURABLE MENTION: LENA ZWINGENBERGER

IDAR-OBERSTEIN, CERTIFICATE AND 250 EURO

Gemstone object made of petrified wood, silver, rock crystal, larimar and glass.

Titled “Odyssey in the Crystal Sea.”
A ship carried by a glass bottle travels the world’s waters, eventually washing ashore somewhere far away.

Jury member Viola Bergmann—with her own deep connection to the sea—felt the theme was beautifully captured.