Design is the soul of jewellery; rather it’s at the core of creativity. An artistically designed jewellery piece can charm even the toughest and the most critical minds. So, in order get one-of-a-kind, great designs evaluated by the best critical minds in the country, Indian Jeweller magazine recently conducted grand jury meet for the 9th edition of JJS-IJ Jewellers Choice Design Awards.

Over 600 designs from 27 different locations have participated in the IJ Awards this year. From these, over 100 designs were evaluated by the eminent jury who travelled from all corners of Mumbai during the rush hours. This year, the jury panel included Nirupa Bhatt, MD, GIA India & Middle East, Rajiv Jain, CMD, Sambhav Gems and Secretary – Jaipur Jewellery Show, Dr.Usha Balakrishnan, Cultural Capital Consultant and Jewellery Historian, Shaheen Abbas, Founder – Shaheen Abbas Fine Jewellery, Latika Khanna, Founder & Creative Director Latique, Ahalya, CEO, Kanakavalli, Siddharth Sirohi, Co-Founder & Designer – BARO and actress Tanishaa Mukerji.

Entries had to be evaluated on the basis of innovation, wearability, uniqueness, finishing, design and craftsmanship. “I have been a part of this initiative since it’s inception. This time I found it very challenging to judge the pieces because all were exceptional. The way the pieces were crafted, the use of gemstones and metal - was simply great. I loved the new Pantone colour of the year category - the jewellery also in this category was beautiful,” said Nirupa Bhatt, MD, GIA India & Middle East.

“I loved this whole experience and I think it’s a fantastic platform. You get to see so many techniques and so many designs from the jewellers’ perspective,” said Shaheen Abbas, Founder, Shaheen Abbas Fine Jewellery.

“It’s great to be part of IJ awards initiative. There were so many different pieces, especially the transformative jewellery were so mind blowing and they are complement the female form so well. I think art and design is part of our culture, we are born with creativity and initiatives like this is extremely encouraging,” shared actress Tanishaa Mukherji.

All the finalists will be awarded in a gala ceremony to be held in Jaipur on 20th December 2019.