Open Call for Preziosa Young Design Competition 2026

Since its inception in 2008, Preziosa Young has served as a vital global platform, championing new artists, goldsmiths, and designers. It has significantly driven the evolution of research jewellery and unveiled groundbreaking creative work. Throughout its various editions, the contest has been a powerful springboard for selected artists, enabling them to build successful careers, secure gallery representation, and gain further recognition, thus solidifying PY’s long-standing reputation for excellence.

An international jury, comprising experienced curators, renowned artists, and insightful critics, undertakes the rigorous selection process. They choose a limited number of outstanding young artists from all submitted applications. The names of past jurors and winners can be viewed here.

Preziosa Young is fully supported and expertly organized by LAO - Le Arti Orafe, the prestigious Jewellery School based in Florence since 1985. LAO is committed to leveraging its resources to support new generations of craftspeople, designers, and artists who explore innovative approaches and anticipate future trends within the jewellery landscape.


Key dates:

• 30 November 2025: Application deadline
• By 31 December 2025: Candidate selection
• Mid - 10 January 2026: Results communication

The selection will be based on:

• The quality of design and manufacture of the pieces.
• The contemporary use of the materials.
• The conceptual and technical innovation.

Participants:

• We invite artists, goldsmiths, silversmiths, and designers worldwide to submit projects that showcase their current artistic practice.
• This competition targets professionals under 35 years old; therefore, only candidates born after December 31, 1990, are eligible.
• Participants are expected to be young professionals with established activity and a demonstrable curriculum.
• Current students or recent graduates are not eligible to participate in PY.

Costs:
Participation in the contest is free of charge. Applicants are responsible for the shipment and related insurance costs of their objects to and from Florence if selected for exhibition. Insurance during the exhibition(s) will be covered by the organizer.


Awards:

• PREZIOSA YOUNG prize: The main prize for selected participants is the organization of an itinerant exhibition of their work and the publication of an accompanying catalogue;
• LAO special prize: One artist shortlisted by the jury will be awarded a one-week residency in Florence, by invitation of LAO. This prize includes free access to
  the school’s workshops and facilities. The selected artist will also be required to hold a meeting with a group of students to present their own work and professional journey, and to share their educational and professional background, etc. To be considered for this residency prize, shortlisted artists interested in this opportunity must submit a separate application to the contest’s secretary.
• Inhorgenta prize: One selected artist will be awarded a free exhibition space for participation in the following edition of the Inhorgenta fair.
• Other Special Prizes: Additional special prizes are awarded annually by project partners and will be announced during the year.

> Read here all the conditions and details to submit your application