The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation have awarded the eighth annual Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design to Eleanor H. Yeh, a 2024 graduate of GIA’s London campus.
Yeh was recognized for her hand-rendered jewelry design, which was selected from 14 finalists representing GIA schools worldwide.
The announcement took place on February 7 during the GIA Alumni Collective celebration in Tucson, Arizona. GIA President and CEO Susan Jacques, along with Larry French, Chief Officer for North American Strategies of the Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation, presented the award.
Award-Winning Design and Selection Process
An independent panel of judges, comprising industry designers and educators, evaluated the finalists’ designs in person at the Alfie Norville Museum in Tucson. Yeh’s winning piece, which features intricate goldwork, pearls, and vibrant gemstones, was selected for its craftsmanship and artistic expression.
“My design process is deeply rooted in craftsmanship and storytelling,” Yeh said. “The design draws from a striking floral motif found in the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence, Italy, that captures the grandeur and artistry of the Renaissance era.” She continued, “Winning the 2024 Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design is an incredible honor. I am deeply thankful to GIA and the Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation for their recognition and continued support of design and craftsmanship in our industry.”
Encouraging the Next Generation of Jewelry Designers
The Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation and GIA established the award in 2018 to recognize outstanding jewelry design talent and inspire emerging designers. Larry French stated, “On behalf of the Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation, I want to congratulate Ms. Eleanor H. Yeh, this year’s winner, plus all the other finalists whose work so enriched this competition. I also want to recognize the talented GIA design instructors who helped guide the students on their way to the final judging in Tucson. Our founder, Gianmaria Buccellati, believed that designing jewelry was an art and like all art needed to be studied and practiced in order to grow into a master designer. The Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation is proud to partner with the Gemological Institute of America to encourage the growth of these young designers and we hope that they will continue on this exciting career path.”
GIA President and CEO Susan Jacques added, “These beautiful hand renderings are a reminder of the tangible, personal, and physical connection that gems and jewelry spark in each of us. That is what makes this very special design competition such a delight!”
The judging panel included Alishan Halebian, Charles Lewton-Brain, Nanz Aalund, Remy Rotenier, and Victoria Gomelsky, all recognized figures in the jewelry industry.
The 2025 competition is now open to eligible GIA Jewelry Design students. More information can be found at GIA.edu.
