Tiffany & Co. and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) have announced the five nominees for their second Jewelry Designer Award for an emerging talent.
One finalist will receive a $50,000 grant and the opportunity to spend a year working alongside Tiffany’s design team, the CFDA said last week. Through its Tiffany Atrium initiative, the jeweler provides emerging designers with opportunities to develop their skills and gain experience in the industry.
The five candidates will take part in a design challenge that takes inspiration from Tiffany’s iconic pieces, incorporating their own creative styles into the brand’s artistic heritage. The program will also provide mentorship and hands-on experience with the company’s creative department, helping participants develop their skills and further their careers.
The finalists are:
Christine Olowonira is the founder of Cocoerow and a first-generation Nigerian-American designer who combines her cultural roots with modern fine-jewelry design.
Barbadian-born designer K. Angelo Jones is the founder of KRSN Studio, with experience in jewelry design and product development.
Ivi Kyratzi, the founder and director of IVI Los Angeles, is known for her modern take on heirloom jewelry. Her collections have sold at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Moda Operandi.
Aaron Mak, a Parsons-trained designer, explores identity and craftsmanship through jewelry, drawing on experience with fashion brands. He has worked with Gabriela Hearst, Khaite and Thom Browne.
Haley Kim combines traditional jewelry-making techniques with CAD technology to create unconventional designs. Previously at Holden, she is currently a CAD designer at EFFY jewelry.
Tiffany and the CFDA will announce the winner at the program’s final awards ceremony in spring 2027.
Images left to right: Haley Kim, K. Angelo Jones, Ivi Kyratzi, Aaron Mak and Christine Olowonira. (Council of Fashion Designers of America)
