INHORGENTA announces 2026 Award finalists after record 148 entries from 19 countries

INHORGENTA reported a record 148 submissions from 19 countries for the ninth INHORGENTA AWARD, producing an international shortlist of three finalists in each category and setting the stage for a gala at Bavaria Film Studios on 21 February 2026. Stefanie Mändlein, Exhibition Director of INHORGENTA, said, “With a total of 148 submissions, we are setting a new record this year. This underlines the international relevance of the INHORGENTA AWARD as an established benchmark within the industry and reaffirms its role in defining standards of craftsmanship.”

The trade fair itself ran from 20 to 23 February 2026 and, according to Messe München, presented around 900 exhibitors representing 1,200 brands from 35 countries, with 55 percent of exhibitors classed as international. Messe München reported more than 25,000 trade visitors from 94 countries attended the show, underlining the event’s reach as Europe’s leading trade fair for jewellery, watches and gemstones.

Organisers and jury members expanded the awards’ remit in 2026 to reflect the show’s growth, adding Mechanical Watch of the Year, Goldsmith of the Year, Jeweller of the Year and a Luxury Watch of the Year - Public Choice category to a programme that already included gemstones, high jewellery, fine jewellery, design and retail categories. The Design Newcomer category drew the highest number of submissions; jury member Stephen Webster told Professional Jeweller, “This has by far been the strongest year for the Design Newcomer category, not only in terms of the sheer number of submissions, but also due to the remarkable depth of potential winners. We are seeing genuine innovation, bold yet intelligent use of materials and a refreshing sense of individuality. This diversity is precisely what makes the award so relevant to the future of the industry.”

Several finalists were named by INHORGENTA and trade press. In Gemstone Design of the Year, Arnoldi International was shortlisted for a bi-color Imperial Topaz, Ekkehard F. Schneider for a Heliodor and Nomad’s for a pink spinel. Fine Jewelry of the Year finalists included Capolavoro with the ring “Grace 1991,” H. Krieger with “Altura” and Kinraden with the “Electra Necklace.” High Jewelry of the Year finalists listed by INHORGENTA and Insight Luxury were Catherine Sauvage by Hahn, Fabio Collection Milano and Krisonia Alta Gioielleria. One outlet spelled Capolavoro as “Capolavouro”; the majority of listings and the work title “Grace 1991” appear under Capolavoro.

Messe München placed the INHORGENTA AWARD night at the emotional centre of the fair, stating, “The emotional highlight was the glamorous INHORGENTA AWARD ceremony held before more than 500 guests at the Bavaria Film Studios.” Messe München also cited industry figures from the German Retail Association of Jewellers showing specialist retail turnover rose 2.1 percent in 2025, watch exports increased 5.9 percent and jewellery exports grew 13.3 percent, a fourth consecutive year of export growth, while brick-and-mortar specialist retailers retain a 73 percent market share.

The record entry total, new award categories and the jury’s emphasis on innovation position the INHORGENTA AWARD as a barometer for craftsmanship and design as the jewellery and watch sectors register sales and export gains. Reporting draws on INHORGENTA press materials, Professional Jeweller, Retail Jeweller, Insight Luxury and Messe München.