55th German Award for Jewellery and Precious Stones Idar-Oberstein 2025

 

 

THEME:

„The power of the elements“ 

Both the gemstone design and the design of a jewellery piece made of precious metal and precious stones were allowed. Thus, unmounted gemstones, the gemstone in the jewellery (here, only precious metals may be used), the gemstone object and the gemstone sculpture were allowed. The use of synthetic gems was not admitted. Pearls were only allowed in combination with gemstones.

 

 

   1st PRICE: LLYN L. STRELAU 

CALGARY/CANADA, CERTIFICATE AND 4000 EURO

Collier made of gold in four colours, diamonds (mainly brilliant-cut), tanzanite, spessartine, green tourmaline, pink spinel, opal, blue, pink and orange sapphires, and tsavorites.

According to the unanimous jury verdict, this elaborate and magnificent collier represents the finest work of this year’s main competition on the theme “The Power of the Elements.”
The pendant, wearable either closed or opened, is centred around four impressive coloured gemstones, symbolising the four elements through their remarkable play of light and colour:

• Blue tanzanite – water

• Spessartine – fire

• Green tourmaline – earth

• Pink spinel – air

Each stone is set in 18-karat gold in its corresponding colour, and each setting bears the alchemical symbol of the respective element.

The artist titled the piece “Elementalis.” When opened, the hinged settings reveal a round opal displaying all colours of the four elements. Eight fan-shaped diamonds further enhance the symbolic power of the four, accompanied by small round brilliant-cut diamonds and additional coloured gemstones.

Jury member Pierre Koukjian praised the impeccable “mechanical quality”—the technically flawless execution and harmonious combination of materials. Maja DuBrul highlighted the 19th-century tradition of creating jewellery that can transform into various forms, noting that this piece embodies that spirit magnificently.

 

   2nd PRICE: DENYS SHVETS

GRÖBENZELL, CERTIFICATE AND 2500 EURO 

Ring made of silver, palladium white gold, yellow gold, onyx, sapphires, topazes, diamonds, with enamel miniature.

The artist explains that the work reflects “the eternal human pursuit of harmony between nature, reason and one’s own being.”

• Onyx represents cracked earth.

• Sapphires and topazes symbolise water from sky and sea.

• Diamonds stand for air.

• Rosé gold embodies fire.
  The botanical elements (branches with blossoms) signify new life emerging from this interplay. Alchemical planetary symbols—Saturn, Moon, Mercury and Mars—emphasise the philosophical dimension.

Jury member Maja DuBrul praised the multi-layered nature and form of this detailed ring and its abstract floating chain around the central stone that highlights it beautifully.

 

 

   3rd PRICE: MANFRED WILD
 KIRSCHWEILER, CERTIFICATE AND 1500 EURO

Gemstone box made of rock crystal with rutile inclusions and yellow gold.

Titled “Idarbach Box,” this work skilfully uses the stone’s natural properties. The rock crystal evokes a rocky, fast-flowing stream. From behind, two trout are engraved and delicately painted, appearing to swim in their natural element.

Jury member Luis Alberto Quispe Aparicio emphasised the highly complex gemstone-working techniques involved and the masterful use of natural inclusions to convey motion.

   HONOURABLE MENTION: MARIE-THERESE SOPHIE HAHN

SENSWEILER, CERTIFICATE AND 500 EURO

Gemstone objects made of rock crystal, citrine and smoky quartz, partially with inclusions, presented on a round black glass plate.

Each cube represents one of the four elements—fire (dragon), water (octopus), earth (bull), air (eagle)—engraved as powerful animals. A polished corner on each cube allows the engraving to reflect within the stone.

Jury member Katharina Sturzeis praised the clarity and playful combinability of the cubes.

     

 

 

 

   HONOURABLE MENTION: FRANZISKA SCHLAG

IDAR-OBERSTEIN, CERTIFICATE AND 500 EURO

Pendant made of agate, topaz, silver, cord, and magnet

Titled “Ode to Water,” the work represents water’s patience and transformative power. A spiral stone gently grips another stone—glittering like the sea—solely through the interplay of pressure and flexibility.

Jury member Viola Bergmann praised the bold minimalism and technical finesse.

 

   HONOURABLE MENTION: MARTIN ALT

IDAR-OBERSTEIN, CERTIFICATE AND 500 EURO

Gemstone object made of agate and rock crystal.

Titled “Constant Dripping Wears Away the Stone.”
At the centre lies an agate geode containing a rock crystal “pool,” shaped as though a droplet had just struck, creating ripples and a rising water column. A second droplet forms above, ready to fall.

Jury member Pierre Koukjian admired the minimalist and highly effective interpretation of the theme.