ABOUT WADA AWARDS
The World Academy of Design brings to you the 2nd edition of World Jewellery Design Competition
‘The WADA Awards’.
WADA – is a dynamic and Innovative Brand that includes multiple aspects of Jewellery Industry . Various platforms will be developed in near future under WADA for Jewellery Design, Jewellery Manufacturing, Jewellery Innovation, Jewellery Technology, Jewellery education and Recognition. WADA Magazine being the second in line after the launch of WADA Awards in 2022.
WADA – in Hindi & Urdu Language means a Promise. The brand WADA is a promise to the Jewellery Industry that the WADA platforms will unite, organize and develop the world Jewellery Industry to become stronger and successful over the time. Developing a platform for younger generation and providing them enough opportunities to grow and succeed in business is the final destination of WADA.
Jewellery Expert Judges
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Award Categories
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Designers from 41 Countries
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Nominees
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Award Winners
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Panel of Judges 2025
WADA Awards Season - 2
Head of Judges Panel
Dr. Gaetano Cavalieri
President - CIBJO Italy
One of the most prominent leaders of the World Jewellery industry with over 50 years of expertise in Gemstones, Diamonds, precious metals and an expert of Ethical Trade practices. He is President of CIBJO, since 2001, and also the founder of Vicenzaoro.
Tamjid Abdullah
Deputy CEO, Jawhara Jewellery
He was born to a family of jewellers surrounded by artisans & goldsmiths in his growing years. He was trained by his father since the age of 5. He has sparked his keen interest & focus in design & manufacturing.
Mr. Mahiar Borhanjoo
CCO - De Beers Group of companies
Mr. Mahiar Borhanjoo is a global leader with experience across luxury, technology, financial services, and consumer sectors. As Chief Commercial Officer of De Beers Group, he leads new initiatives, having previously managed the rough diamond sales organisation.
Sabyasachi Ray
Executive Director, GJEPC
A professional business manager & marketer representing Indian Jewellery Industry. Key person to launch IIJS & IIGJ and positioned India in Global market. Executive director at GJEPC India since 1999.
Noora Jamsheer
Chief Executive officer DANAT
She ventured into the field in 2002 accomplished several significant achievements simultaneously developing her expertise in the diamond & natural resources industries from mines to market.
Rachel Sahar
Founder R.Sahar Diamond
RACHEL SAHAR, founder of R Sahar Diamonds, has an illustrious career spanning over two decades, Rachel brings unparalleled gemstone expertise. Rachel's global industry perspective , gained through collaborations with the world's most prestigious jewellery houses and designers.
Tracey Ellison
The Diamonds Girl - Jewellery Influencer
World Famous on Social media as "TheDiamondsGirl" ambassador for Multiple Luxury brands' with over 1.1 million IG followers. Tracy formerly a Consultant to fortune 100 companies & Brand developer has in depth knowledge of the Jewellery Design Industry.
Oriol Collelldemont
GemVision Product Director
Oriol is a Team leader, Product developer, Planner with unusual analytical skills, deep knowledge of marketing & innovative ideas. With MBA in marketing from UCJC (Spain) Oriol is a Certified Diamond Grader with Special skills in jewellery, stone setting & 3D CAD Designing experience of 23 years.
Sonia Esther Soltani
Former Editor in Chief Rapaport
Sonia Esther Soltani is the editor in chief of Rapaport, managing its bimonthly print publication and the online magazine Jewelry Connoisseur by Rapaport. She also oversees news on Rapaport.com and hosts the Jewelry Connoisseur podcast on jewelry history.
Astrid Bosshard
MA, FGA, DGA, Zurich
A Multi faceted skilled professional Ms. Astrid Bosshard is a gemology trainer, a Jeweller, & an auction house Jewellery Expert. She is a Master in Arts & Archaeology from SOAS London with decades of experience.
Tarun Jain
Founder & MD World Academy Of Design
Innovator in business and technology, Tarun is a Gemologist from Gubelin, SSEF & GIA. With 35 years of hands on experience in Jewellery design and Manufacturing & 15 International Design awards, Tarun has established 3 Design Institute in India & UAE. Former head of Dubai Design Academy - DMCC.
Mahima Verma
Founder & CEO World Academy Of Design
Gemologist from SSEF & GIA, Mahima has 13 years of hands on experience in Jewellery design and Manufacturing with 10 International Jewellery Design awards. Mahima also established 3 Design Institute in India & UAE. She is a Gemvision certified Design trainer with over 2000 students worldwide.
Douglas Hucker
CEO International Colored Gemstone Association
A leading figure in the international industry, particularly in the colored stone sector. Mr. Hucker, has served on the board of Director of numerous trade organizations, including the American Gem Society, the Jewelers Education Foundation, the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, the United States jewellery Council, the Diamond Council of America Advisory Board, the jewellery Industry Leadership Forum, the CIBJO Presidents Council and the JCK Advisory Board.
Chirag Vora
Managing Director Bafleh Jewellery
Bafleh Jewellery is a well-known wholesale and retail name in the jewellery trade in the UAE. Chirag Vora, its director, explains, “Bafleh Jewellery was set up in 1992 by my father Ramesh Vora. We started with a small shop, just 200 square feet in size, which to date, still stands as a retail outlet. Now, we do wholesale for 18-carat, 21-carat and 22-carat gold jewellery. We source our jewellery from 10 to 15 different countries and sell it to the rest of the world.
Masatsugu Hara
Founder & First Designer - Karati Jewellery
Born in Numazu, Shizuoka Prefecture in 1956. Studied Japanese and Western painting from an early age. Using a painterly approach to jewelry making, her designs begin with drawing the human skeleton. This is the "integral beauty of jewelry and the human body." Inspired by the universe and the natural world, she continues to create highly artistic pieces , from minimalist to decorative designs .
Ann Ong
Jewellery Designer
An Ong is an internationally acclaimed multi awarded high fashion jewellery designer, visionary and creator . She pursued the path to design way back 2012. She knew her pieces would always be rooted for two qualities, Sustainability and Artistry. “The pieces I’ve made have been crafted on two things – sustainability and artistry. I pursue my creative process with the help of a dear old friend, NATURE”.
SCHEDULE DETAILS
2024-25
Program Schedule for Wada Season - 2
PHASE 1 - Season 2
PHASE 2 - Season 2
PHASE 3 - Season 2
JUDGES FOCUS
What judges are Looking For?
Our esteemed Judges will be focused to judge the designs on the basis of usability, manufacturing, ease of use, practicality, effective wearability, uniqueness of design, and presentation of the over all design. As per the theme rules of the awards, the primary Gemstone to be used is Blue Sapphire. The shape and cut of the Primary stone should be in the limit of possible shape and size of a precious stone like Blue Sapphire. Use of diamonds, pearls, onyx or enamel is permitted as secondary elements of design.
All designers whose designs are shortlisted in top 10 of each category, will be requested to get their designs made in 3D CAD before 10th of August for the purpose of final Judgement.
WADA AWARDS
Supported by:
MANUFACTURING SPONSORS 2023
Disclaimer:
World Academy of Design will only recommend manufacturers to interested participants and not to be responsible for the manufacturing processes, therefore participants are to take full responsibility, monitoring and processes of their manufacturing piece directly with the manufacturer. In case WAOD is not able to source a manufacturer, or for any reason a manufacturer is not able to produce the piece and returns the design at the last moment, WAOD will inform the participant and will not be responsible for such a situation.
Kindly be aware that World Academy of Design cannot guarantee the success or perfect outcome of the jewellery manufacturing process of any referred manufacturer and will not be held responsible for any potential risks that may lead to defects, damages, failures, delays, imperfections or issues that may arise during the manufacturing process or prior to the grand finale.
