Top tips to maximize your chances for big wins in JCK’s annual Jewelers’ Choice Awards
Don’t miss the opportunity to submit entries for the 2026 Jewelers’ Choice Awards (JCAs for those in the know). The deadline is Nov. 2.
These annual awards from JCK, voted on by retailers, are a fantastic way to showcase the pieces you’re most proud of. If you win, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that retailers around the country have given you their votes of confidence. And the Editors’ and Influencers’ Choice Awards offer additional recognition.
One of the winners in Best Earring–$5,000 & Under: Stuller’s 14k yellow gold Multi-Gemstone Dangle earrings with natural peridot and lab-grown emeralds in 14k yellow gold ($2,505)
Winners and finalists will be featured in the Best of the Best digital flip book, which lives on JCKonline year-round; it’s also promoted via email and our social media channels. (Plus, the grand-prize winner is on the Best of the Best cover.) They’ll also get JCA branding to promote their pieces and an elegant plaque to display at the JCK show or in-store. An ad spread in the print issue of JCK magazine celebrates the first-place winners, just in time for the big preshow push.
The Influencers’ Choice winner in the Best Wedding category: AG Gems’ Mauve Dream platinum and 18k yellow gold ring with 6.04 ct. cushion-cut Burmese mauve spinel, 0.28 ct. t.w. half-moon diamonds, 0.82 ct. t.w. pear-shape diamonds, and 0.44 ct. t.w. round brilliant-cut diamonds ($35,000)
So how can you make sure you have the best chance of winning? Here are top tips from JCA marketing experts.
Get an early start
Take advantage of the early bird period to get the best deal. If you start your entries by Sept. 28, you’ll save $25 per entry. After the early bird deadline passes, you’ll still have until Nov. 2 to finalize the entries. Choose your categories, pay, and submit images and refine details later. The best time to enter your pieces is now.
Choose your categories wisely
The JCAs comprise 19 categories, with subcategories for various price ranges. So if you have a piece you’re particularly proud of, make sure you select the category (or categories) where it’s most likely to stand out from the crowd.
The winner in Mixed Metals–Over $5,000 (also the Influencers’ Choice winner in Mixed Metals): Rahaminov’s Dual Radiance bracelet with mixed-shape white and yellow diamonds in white and yellow gold ($258,000)
As usual, categories are divided by metal, stone, and type of jewelry. But there are some less crowded categories to note as well: Gender-Neutral Jewelry, Fashion/Bridge, Mixed Metal, and Silver. These more niche categories could have fewer entries, skewing the odds in your favor.
Take care when taking pictures
A beautiful, high-quality image of your jewel on a white background is the best way to showcase it. Does the piece look small? Is the resolution fit for print? (By that, we mean at least 8 inches by 10 inches at 300 dpi.) Is it displayed at an angle that highlights its uniqueness? The image you provide is the one impression voters will get of your piece. Make the most of it.
The Influencers’ Choice winner in Platinum Jewelry: Yael Designs’ floral-inspired ring with 2.68 ct. pear-shape paraiba, 0.29 ct. t.w. round paraibas, 0.66 ct. t.w. tapered baguettes, and 0.48 ct. t.w. round diamonds in platinum and 18k yellow gold prongs ($44,955)
Activate your fan base
Think your job is done after you submit your entries? Think again! Upon entering, you’ll receive a marketing tool kit to help you get the word out during the voting period, Jan. 12 to Feb. 8, 2026. Be sure to send emails and post on social about your entries. Companies that are good at marketing themselves tend to receive more votes.
Ready to get started? As Wayne Gretzky once said: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” Go to jewelerschoiceawards.com for complete details and to submit your entries.
VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Begins 9/2/25; ends 11/2/25. Official rules at jckonline.com/about-us. Sponsor: Reed Exhibitions, a division of RELX Inc.
Top: The 2025 grand-prize winner—and also the Editors’ Choice winner in Best Necklace—was Norman Silverman’s Gold Teardrop choker with 72.41 cts. t.w. bezel-set pear-shape fancy yellow diamonds in 18k yellow gold ($800,000).
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