GJEPC Unveils ‘Quantum Couture’ Theme for The Artisan Awards 2026
The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has revealed “Quantum Couture – Re-Engineering Beauty and Cultural Codes” as the official theme for the Artisan Jewellery Design Awards 2026. The upcoming edition encourages designers to transcend traditional boundaries and reimagine jewellery as wearable art for a rapidly transforming world—where heritage, innovation and technology exist side by side.
With a strong emphasis on breaking conventional thought processes, the 2026 edition calls on participants to explore new creative territories. Rather than merely preserving traditional forms, Quantum Couture focuses on reinterpreting meaning through augmented imagination, merging legacy craftsmanship with contemporary design thinking.
Sharing insights on the theme, Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, stated that India’s artisanal heritage is a dynamic force shaping the future of global design. He emphasised that Quantum Couture challenges designers to view jewellery traditions as evolving systems, positioning India not only as a manufacturing powerhouse but also as a global source of creative inspiration that seamlessly blends age-old craft with modern techniques.
Ashish Borda, Convener – Promotions & Marketing, GJEPC, highlighted that the jewellery industry is undergoing a strategic shift to bridge generational sensibilities, from Baby Boomers to Gen Z. The Quantum Couture philosophy champions inclusivity, adaptability and technical innovation, enabling Indian jewellers to reinterpret traditional craftsmanship for digitally native consumers and maintain cultural relevance on the global stage.
The theme is articulated through three distinct sub-themes, each defining a new language of couture jewellery:
Quantum Couture – Embroidery: Heritage Reimagined Through Structure and Light
This category transforms classic embroidery elements such as lace, brocade, filigree and beadwork into sculptural jewellery forms. Designers are encouraged to translate textile aesthetics into layered, woven and suspended structures using precious metals, micro-pearl weaving, jewelled nets, tassels and fringes, anchored by yellow gold and white metal frameworks.
Quantum Couture – Micro-Painting: Intimate Detail in a Fast-Moving World
Here, jewellery becomes a miniature storytelling canvas where artisanal techniques are enhanced by technology. Inspired by traditions like jadau, meenakari, kundan enamelling, micro-mosaics and miniature paintings, this direction celebrates intricate surface detailing, engraving, carving and rare art forms such as Thewa, bringing narrative richness to life.
Quantum Couture – Poetic Layers: Nature, Memory and Form in Dialogue
Drawing from the lyrical beauty of nature, this theme explores flora and fauna through layered, dimensional and sculptural jewellery. With a focus on depth, contrast and gender-fluid expression, techniques such as marquetry, fine filigree, engraving and carving combine with coloured metals to create contemporary, visually striking designs.
Now in its ninth edition, the Artisan Awards 2026 invite designers to create jewellery that connects generations, underscoring that the future of jewellery is already unfolding. Since its inception, the awards have consistently pushed creative boundaries, elevating fine jewellery beyond intrinsic value into the realm of avant-garde, wearable art.
Entries are evaluated through a rigorous multi-stage jury process. In addition to cash prizes, winners receive internships with leading industry brands, while winning and shortlisted creations are showcased at major international trade fairs under the India Design Gallery, curated by GJEPC—offering exceptional global exposure.
Jewellery manufacturers, retailers, design houses and students are encouraged to submit their interpretations of Quantum Couture by 10 February 2026, contributing to a movement that reinforces Brand India as a global leader in innovative, sustainable and visionary jewellery design.
To support participants, Paola De Luca, futurist and curator of the Quantum Couture theme, will conduct an online Artisan Awards 2026 Master Class on 23 January at 2:30 PM IST, providing an in-depth exploration of the three design categories.