Eighth Annual Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award Winner
Eleanor H. Yeh, a graduate of GIA’s Jewelry Design program in London, received the eighth annual Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design. The 14 finalists from eight of GIA’s worldwide campuses were announced, followed by the winner, at the GIA Alumni Collective’s “Night at the Museum” event held during the AGTA GemFair in Tucson. Yeh’s winning design, a Renaissance-inspired necklace featuring intricate goldwork, South Sea pearls, and vibrant gems, stood out to the panel of judges for its precision and realism of the floral element (see above).
Created in partnership with the Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation in 2018, the award recognizes outstanding talent in design among GIA students worldwide. Larry French, chief officer for North American strategies at the foundation, said, “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.”
As part of the award, Yeh will travel to Italy and meet with a representative from the foundation.
The 2025 Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design competition is underway and open to students in GIA’s Jewelry Design courses who meet the eligibility requirements. Visit www.gia.edu/buccellati-foundation-award-jewelry-design for more information.
