The Preziosa Young 2024 competition, a key event of the PREZIOSA – Florence Jewellery Week, continues its mission to support emerging designers, and artists belonging to the avant-garde world of jewelry design. Launched in 2008 by LAO Le Arti Orafe, Italy’s leading institution dedicated to contemporary jewelry education since 1985, this yearly competition is open to young professionals under 35 from around the world. Entries are evaluated by a distinguished panel of jurors including jewelry artists, gallery owners, curators, educators, and journalists. The winners of this year, Margo Csipő from the USA, Yasmin Zehavi from Israel, and YeJin Choi from South Korea, are an example of the diverse and intercultural dialogue in contemporary jewelry design. Their unique perspectives enrich the global vision on body adornment and design innovation.
Margo Csipő, Reliquary for What? Necklace, Sterling silver, baltic amber, mother of pearl, antique bone, fine silver, pigmented ink, beeswax
Yasmin Zehavi, No title, brooch, fine silver, stainless steel pin
YeJin Choi, Wave brooch, Shrinkles, Pastel, Sterling Silver
In addition to the main awards, six special mentions were awarded to artists who received special recognition from the jury: Alice Biolo (Italy), Amanda Stumpf (USA), Benedict Haener (Switzerland), Xi Li (China), Mark Newman (Ireland), and Militsa Milenkova (Scotland).
Alice Biolo, brooch n.9, Sterling silver, 24k gold plating pins, 18k gold plating
Amanda Stumpf, Ashlar Masonry necklace, copper mesh, sterling silver, leather, yarn, string
The jewelry artist Mark Newman received the Journal des Bijoux Prize, offered by journalist Laura Astrologo Porché. This award highlights Newman’s deep ideas and innovative approach, distinguishing him in the contemporary jewelry landscape.
Mark Newman, Matrix ring 1, 18ct Yellow Gold, Amethyst
The success of Preziosa Young speaks volumes about Gio Carbone’s visionary approach as the founder and director of LAO – Le Arti Orafe. Since its establishment in 1985, Carbone has played an essential role in creating an educational environment that values both technical expertise and artistic innovation. His commitment to cultivating new talents has established LAO’s reputation as a cornerstone in contemporary jewelry education.
The selected artists’ works will be showcased at several venues:
- MIDA (Mostra Internazionale dell’Artigianato): held at the historic Fortezza da Basso in Florence from April 25 to May 1, 2025.
- Galerie Door: Located in Nijmegen, Netherlands, hosting the exhibition from June 28 to July 20, 2025.
- Roma Jewelry Week 2025: A selection of pieces will be featured in October, 2025
The Interview
I interviewed Giò Carbone, and during our meeting, it was natural to ask him about the inspiration behind creating o the Preziosa Young Award in 2008.
“I had already organized three editions of PREZIOSA, the exhibition on contemporary jewelry, for LAO in 2005. In each exhibition, we showcased the most important artists in contemporary research, and at that point, I realized it was necessary to give space to new talents, to show what new things were being prepared, and to give young people the same visibility as established artists. The most suitable formula seemed to be a selection through an international competition, with a simple and transparent format, no participation costs, and a high-level jury.”
What opportunities does the award offer to winners in terms of visibility and professional development?
“The artists selected by the jury are featured in a catalog with all the works, which are exhibited first in Florence and then in project partner galleries, varying from year to year. This way, winners gain good visibility and have the opportunity to expand their network. For this edition, after Florence (at MIDA, the International Craft Fair, from April 25 to May 1), the exhibition will head to the Netherlands, hosted from June 28 to July 20 at Galerie Door di Doreen Timmers in Nijmegen. A selection of pieces will also be present at Roma Jewelry Week 2025.In addition to the exhibition and catalog, some special prizes are awarded, the first of which is offered by LAO, hosting one of the selected artists for a period of residence in Florence in LAO’s workshops. Other important awards are given by the competition partners. This year, there were three prizes: a special Journal des Bijoux prize awarded by Laura Astrologo Porché; a prize from the INHORGENTA fair, and another awarded by Laura Helena Aureli, founder and creative director of Lost In Jewellery Magazine. We also do excellent promotion work, both on social media channels and through industry publications. In fact, many of the artists selected in various editions of the award have achieved significant professional success.”
What are the main challenges in organizing an international competition dedicated to contemporary jewelry? How does Le Arti Orafe contribute to the promotion and support of young talents in the field of contemporary jewelry?
“The first thing to consider is the visibility of the project: you have to emerge and make yourself known among the now widespread offering of all kinds of competitions. PY now enjoys a certain prestige, but of course, this is not enough: resources and time must be invested in promotion and communication. Then, utmost attention must be paid to the transparency of the proposal, not promising things that will not be kept, clarifying objectives, and providing every kind of reassurance. LAO has always been committed to spreading the culture of jewelry, primarily through training that is always one step ahead in identifying the needs and expectations of people who decide to study with us. Alongside study programs, we have always had an intense program of exhibitions, meetings, and conferences on jewelry in general and contemporary research in particular. It is true that at LAO we prefer study programs focused on contemporary concepts and techniques, but we have always been fully aware that the knowledge and practice of traditional knowledge are fundamental for any kind of personal development and research. For years, to support young talents, LAO has pursued a policy of awarding scholarships to less affluent students with good potential and a strong desire to learn.”
See you at the next appointment in Florence at MIDA, Fortezza da Basso, from April 25 to May 1, 2025.
Enjoy even more @ www.preziosa.org/preziosa-young-2024
Article edited by Laura Astrologo Porché
Instagram @journaldesbijoux
