Tiffany & Co. and CFDA Launch Second Jewelry Designer Award Cycle and New Scholarship Program

Tiffany & Co. and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) are once again joining forces to cultivate emerging talent within the jewelry design community. The two prestigious organizations have officially opened submissions for the second round of their celebrated jewelry designer award and fellowship. In a significant enhancement to the program, a new $25,000 scholarship and a summer internship at Tiffany have been introduced, specifically designed for a promising jewelry design student. This expanded initiative reflects the immense success of its inaugural year and aims to provide even broader opportunities for up-and-coming designers.

The collaborative effort between Tiffany and the CFDA, initially launched with great acclaim, has proven instrumental in identifying and supporting the next generation of jewelry artisans. The first cycle's positive outcomes spurred the expansion of the program, now offering a scholarship and a practical internship experience within Tiffany's design department. This addition underscores a shared commitment to fostering creativity and skill development from the foundational stages of a designer's career.

The recipient of the Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award will be granted a substantial $50,000 to further their craft, alongside a year-long paid fellowship within Tiffany's esteemed design department. Furthermore, finalists in the competition will receive financial assistance to conceptualize and produce a collection comprising three to five distinct pieces for evaluation by the selection committee. These finalists will also benefit from invaluable mentorship and a comprehensive multi-week educational experience focused on refining their artisanal skills and exploring various materials.

Steven Kolb, CEO and president of the CFDA, emphasized the award's significance, stating that it represents a profound evolution of the program's objectives. He highlighted its importance not only for burgeoning designers but also for students embarking on their creative journeys. Kolb reiterated the CFDA's core belief in creativity as the driving force behind American fashion, viewing the award as a testament to this shared principle.

Applications for the Tiffany x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award are being accepted until June 1. The announcement of finalists is slated for the fall, with the ultimate winner to be unveiled in February 2027. Aspiring students can look forward to submitting their applications for the newly established scholarship, which will open on May 14 through the CFDA's official website. Notably, Jameel Mohammed, the previous year's Tiffany x CFDA winner and founder of the jewelry brand Khiry, will contribute his expertise as a member of the 2026-2027 selection committee. Other distinguished committee members include Nathalie Verdeille, Tiffany's senior vice president and chief artistic officer; Bethann Hardison, CFDA board member; Andrew Bolton, curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art; Frank Everett, vice chairman for jewelry at Sotheby’s; Rajni Jacques, creative director and global brand strategist; Karla Martinez de Salas, Vogue head of editorial content for Mexico and Latin America; actress Gabrielle Union; and esteemed writer Lynn Yaeger.

This initiative expands on a highly successful first year, reinforcing the dedication of both Tiffany & Co. and the CFDA to investing in the future of jewelry design. By combining financial support, mentorship, and practical experience, the program continues to offer a vital platform for talented individuals to advance their skills and make their mark in the global fashion and jewelry industries.