Inhorgenta Award 2026: The Finalists
For the ninth time, the Inhorgenta Award recognizes outstanding achievements in the jewelry, watch, and gemstone industries. As one of the central highlights of Inhorgenta, the award highlights exceptional design, the highest level of vertical integration, and a clear commitment to craftsmanship.
„With a total of 148 submissions, we have set a new record this year. This underlines the international relevance of the Inhorgenta Award as a firmly established institution in the industry and sets standards in craftsmanship excellence,“ says Stefanie Mändlein, Exhibition Director of Inhorgenta.
The international panel of experts selected the finalists in each category. The spectrum ranges from exceptional gemstones and high jewelry to mechanical timepieces, as well as design, retail, and emerging talent categories. The Design Newcomer category received the most entries.
Stephen Webster, jewelry designer and jury member, emphasizes: „This was by far the strongest year for the Design Newcomer category – not only in terms of the high number of submissions, but also due to the remarkable density of potential winners in this field. We are seeing genuine innovation, a bold yet clever use of materials, and a refreshing dose of originality. It is precisely this diversity that makes the award so relevant for the industry.“
Glamorous award ceremony at the Bavaria Film Studios
The winners of the Inhorgenta Award 2026 will be announced at a glamorous gala at the Bavaria Film Studios on Saturday, February 21, 2026. TV presenter Nazan Eckes will host the evening, with musical accompaniment by LOI.
The finalists of the Inhorgenta Award 2026
Gemstone Design of the Year
In this category, the focus is on the gemstone itself: cut, proportion, light direction and material quality.
- Arnoldi International
- Ekkehard F. Schneider
- Nomad's
Fine Jewelry of the Year
The award recognizes jewelry pieces that combine elegant, timeless design with high-quality materials and superior workmanship.
- Capolavoro
- H. Krieger
- Kinraden
High Jewelry of the Year
Starting at a sales price of €30,000, this category recognizes exceptional creations with the highest standards of craftsmanship.
- Catherine Sauvage by Hahn
- Fabio Collection Milano
- Krisonia Alta Gioielleria
Designer of the Year
This category honors individuals and brands whose design signature shapes the industry. The focus is on distinctive design languages, a masterful handling of materials and proportions, and the ability to combine contemporary impulses with artisanal substance.
- Art'G Design
- Johannes Hundt
- Sian Design
Design Newcomer of the Year
The award recognizes up-and-coming talents who impress with fresh ideas, craftsmanship, and a clear vision.
- Gazelle Abedi
- Georg Schiller
- Niklas Vaitl
Mechanical Watch of the Year
The focus is on mechanical timepieces that impress with masterful construction, sophisticated finishing and technical refinement.
- Mill-Glassworks
- Sinn Special Watches
- Tutima Glassworks
Watch Design of the Year
The award is given to watches where design, function and technology form a harmonious whole.
- Accutron by Bulova
- The Citizen
- Sinn Special Watches
Luxury Watch of the Year | Public Choice
In cooperation with WirtschaftsWoche, readers chose their favorite from a selection of luxury watches priced between €5,000 and €75,000. A separate panel of experts had previously selected 14 models that impressed with their high horological quality and design.
The top 3 in the reader vote come from:
- Cartier
- Glashütte Original
- Rolex
Goldsmith of the Year
In cooperation with the trade magazine GZ Goldschmiede Zeitung, this award recognizes companies that combine individual craftsmanship, design quality and personal consultation at the highest level.
- Atelier Schon (Hamburg)
- Kinzel & Rall (Kempten)
- Ruth Sellack (Stuttgart)
- Tyrolean goldsmith (Village Tirol)
Jeweler of the Year
Also in cooperation with the GZ Goldschmiede Zeitung, this category recognizes jewelers who set standards with outstanding advice and a convincing overall concept.
- Eppli (Stuttgart)
- Laufer Jewelers (Minden)
- Jeweler Mühlbacher (Regensburg)
- Jeweler Müller (Kempten)
Jury with international expertise
The finalists were selected by an international jury of experts from the jewelry, watch, retail, and gemstone industries. This year's jury members include:
Gisbert L. Brunner (watch expert & author), Leo Eberlin (jewelry designer, Leo Mathild), Anja Heiden (member of the management board, Wempe), Joern F. Kengelbach (Editor at Large, swisswatches & Editorial Adviser, WirtschaftsWoche), Patrik Muff (jewelry designer), Daniel Nyfeler (Managing Director, Gübelin Gem Lab), Katerina Perez (Founder & Editor-in-Chief), Christoph Stelzer (retail specialist, Dfrost), Stephen Webster (jewelry designer)
Jury Luxury Watch of the Year | Public Choice: Gisbert L. Brunner (uhrenkosmos.com), Robert-Jan Broer (Fratellowatches.com), Frank Geelen (Monochrome-Watches.com), Kristian Haagen (Kristianhaagen.com), Joern F. Kengelbach (WirtschaftsWoche), Pierre-André Schmitt (Bilanz) and Zurab Zazashvili (Swisswatches-Magazine.com).
