The 3rd MIC Masters in Creativity International Jewellery Design Contest
Officially Launched in Hong Kong

On 17 September 2026, the global launch of the 3rd MIC Masters in Creativity International Jewellery Design Contest (MIC 2027) was held at the Hong Kong Arts Centre. Organised by the MIC International Association of Culture and Creativity and co-organised by the Royal European Society for the Promotion of Art (KoMASK), this edition takes “Future Jewellery | Precious to Me” as its theme. It invites creators worldwide to explore what jewellery might become through materials, craftsmanship, culture and emotional expression.

Through keynote presentations, a media Q&A, a panel discussion and a display of photographs of entries from previous editions, the launch introduced the creative direction and judging approach of the third edition. Participants also discussed how technological change, evolving values and changing ways of life are shaping jewellery creation.

Bart’d Eyckermans, Chairman of the MIC Contest Organising Committee, spoke about the purpose and responsibility behind the contest’s return.

He said that as technology and artificial intelligence rapidly change the ways people create, a creator’s ability to think independently, exercise judgement and give meaning to a work becomes increasingly important. Through professional judging and international exchange, MIC hopes to help young creators gain visibility, have their work understood seriously and encounter different cultures, so that the contest contributes to their long-term development. He stressed the need to pass knowledge, craftsmanship and professional standards to the next generation while leaving room for them to develop independent ideas and their own forms of expression.

Laurent-Max De Cock, Chairman of the MIC Contest Jury, introduced this edition’s creative direction in a presentation entitled “Future Jewellery: Rethinking What Makes Something Precious”.

He noted that jewellery can carry identity, memory, culture, relationships and a sense of belonging, so preciousness can be understood in many ways. The contest invites creators to draw on their own experiences and turn an independent creative intention into a compelling piece of jewellery. It welcomes artificial intelligence, digital tools and new manufacturing technologies, while placing importance on the creator’s own choices, judgement and substantive creative contribution. The international jury will conduct its professional assessment independently; commercial partnerships will have no bearing on shortlisting or award decisions.

Jennie Baeten, Chief Planner of the MIC Contest, explored “Jewellery in Transition: Materials, the Body and Emotion”.

She observed that materials and methods of making, the relationship between jewellery and the body, and the reasons people buy, wear and treasure jewellery are all changing at once. “Future Jewellery” offers an open field for exploration, while “Precious to Me” invites each creator to respond from personal experience, cultural background and their own understanding of value. Through works from different countries, cultures and individuals, the contest hopes to observe new expressions and possibilities emerging in jewellery.

The media Q&A following the three presentations focused on human creativity, professional judging within an open theme, the assessment of originality when artificial intelligence is used, and how the contest can support young creators over time. The discussion brought this edition’s creative vision and judging principles into sharper focus.

The launch also featured a panel discussion entitled “Rethinking Preciousness: What Makes a Piece of Jewellery Precious in a Time of Rapid Change?”

The speakers were Sun Jie, Dean and Professor at the College of Fashion and Design, Donghua University; Du Ban, President of the Shenzhen Jewellery Designers Association; Wu Yingna, founder of the She Power Greater Bay Area women’s entrepreneurship platform; and Lala, fashion show director, social media creator and founder of LALAS Aesthetics. They approached the subject from the perspectives of creation and education, industry and professional standards, the wearer’s experience, and public communication.

Centred on two questions — “Who defines preciousness?” and “What makes a piece of jewellery precious?” — the panel explored how materials and craftsmanship, culture and art, personal emotion and communication shape the value of jewellery. The conversation also considered how young creators understand and express the value of their own work.

Photographs of entries from previous editions were displayed at the venue, and a reception area offered guests space to learn about the contest’s history, view works and exchange ideas with fellow professionals.

At the Organising Committee’s invitation, representatives from art and design institutions, the jewellery industry, fashion and the news media attended the event. Guests continued their conversations at a reception, sharing views on the central theme, “Future Jewellery | Precious to Me”, the values at the heart of contemporary jewellery and future directions for creation. The gathering brought people from different backgrounds together to explore further possibilities for jewellery art in a lively and collegial atmosphere.

Since its first launch in 2017, MIC has completed two editions, including international open calls, professional judging, university exchanges, exhibitions and award ceremonies. Building on this experience, the third edition has two award tracks: the Masters in Creativity Award, which considers originality, concept and expression, cultural and emotional depth, artistic breakthroughs and the potential to explore the future; and the Category Awards, which also assess the completeness of the design, craftsmanship and production feasibility, wearing or user experience, and potential for market application alongside cultural, artistic and emotional expression.

Entries fall into three specialist categories: Gold, Jewellery and Fashion Jewellery. Each work must be entered in one category, and all valid entries are also considered for the Masters in Creativity Award. Three works will receive a Masters in Creativity Award of €5,000 each. Each of the three categories will award one Gold Prize of €2,000 and three Excellence Prizes of €500 each. All amounts are before tax. A work may win both a Masters in Creativity Award and one Category Award, with the prize money combined. The contest also offers Shortlist Awards and Outstanding Organisation Awards for educational institutions and industry associations.

The global call for entries opens on 15 October 2026 and closes on 18 March 2027. Both dates follow Beijing time (UTC+8). The MIC contest website, www.miccontest.com, is the sole channel for registration and submission. Entrants must use the “Submit Online” section of the website to register and submit their works.

Enquiries: masters@miccontest.com