The Awards of Excellence 2027 open for entries on November 16, 2026 at aoe.canadianjeweller.com. Canada’s oldest and longest running jewellery competition is open to everyone in the trade, with no membership or affiliation required. Finalists will be judged by hand in Toronto on April 11, 2027.
In 2013, Karin Bunzeit of Stittgen Fine Jewelry won Canadian Diamond Design with a ring called Fleur de Lys. Indeed, at its centre sat a 2.13 carat radiant cut Canadian diamond. Then, three years later, Lucy Necrasova of Myerson’s took Best Coloured Gemstone Design with her Sunflower ring, built around a 12.54 carat amethyst in 18 karat yellow and white gold.
Today, pieces like these fill the archive of the oldest and longest running jewellery competition in Canada, run by a magazine that has published since 1879. However, for 2027 the competition adds the one thing the archive never had. Above all, the jury will hold every finalist piece in person, in front of the trade.
What makes the Awards of Excellence 2027 different?
Until now, a photograph alone carried an entry from start to finish. By contrast, in 2027 photographs only open the door. First, each judge scores every entry alone in the second half of March. After that, the top three in each category become finalists on March 31.
Afterwards, finalists bring the piece itself to the Time & Shine Jewellery Trade Show in Toronto. It walks the runway in a fashion show on the show floor, and then the jury examines it by hand. Next, an independent scrutineer checks every total and seals the results. Finally, the envelopes open at the gala that evening.
Business entries follow their own track. For example, retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers and entrepreneurs answer six set questions. Next, the shortlist meets the jury by video for fifteen minutes. Equally, no public vote decides any of the twelve categories, and sponsors may enter but never judge.
Who can enter the Awards of Excellence 2027?
In short, anyone working in the Canadian jewellery trade can enter. That includes retailers, designers, bench jewellers, manufacturers, wholesalers and watch specialists. Moreover, no membership is required, and no association or buying group affiliation is needed. In fact, only the judges and Canadian Jeweller staff and their families are excluded.
Clearly, that openness is deliberate. The independent on a main street competes on the same terms as the largest house in the country. As a result, the jury judges only the work.
Who sits on the 2027 jury?
First of all, Claire Vessot chairs the jury. The Montreal designer has won more than 20 international design awards. In addition, five judges join her, each from a different corner of the trade, and each one declares any conflict in writing before judging begins.
| Judge | House | Expertise |
|---|---|---|
| Claire Vessot, chair | Vessot Design, Montreal | Design |
| Karen Howard | FCGmA, RMV | Appraisal and gemmology |
| Gino DeVuono | EDOX and The DeVuono Group | Watches, 35 years |
| Leonardo Cameron | STG Diamonds | Design and bench |
| Christina Yazejian | Dioro Jewellery | Manufacturing and wholesale |
| Victor Commisso | Sabatini Jewellery | Retail |
Notably, three of the 2026 winners now sit on this jury. Leonardo Cameron won Best Jewellery Designer, Victor Commisso won Best Young Jeweller, and Dioro won Wholesaler of the Year. Consequently, the panel knows from experience what it takes to win.
How do you enter the Awards of Excellence 2027?
To begin, every entry starts at aoe.canadianjeweller.com. Also, one form covers all categories, and you pay in the same step. For instance, jewellery entries need clear, high resolution photographs and the full details of the piece. Similarly, business entries need a written account with supporting documents.
| The essentials | Details |
|---|---|
| Entries open | November 16, 2026 |
| Entries close | March 15, 2027, 11:59 pm Eastern, with no extensions |
| Finalists announced | March 31, 2027 |
| Live judging, runway and gala | April 11, 2027, Toronto |
| Entry fee | $150 per category, $500 for Grand Master, taxes included |
| Young Jeweller | No entry fee |
| Gala | One ticket included with every paid entry; guest tickets $120 |
Additionally, guest tickets are available from the Canadian Jeweller store.
What is the Grand Master?
Above all others, Grand Master is the highest individual honour in Canadian jewellery. Specifically, it recognises a career that has shaped the trade, and the jury awards it only once in a lifetime. Therefore, entrants submit a career record and an account of their contribution to the industry. Our earlier feature explains why the title carries such weight.
Beside the jury’s twelve categories stands Jewellers’ Choice. Verified jewellers with a show badge cast one vote each at the finalist gallery on April 11. Still, exhibitors and entrants cannot vote, and the result never decides a jury category.
Why does a title from this jury carry weight?
After all, a title works hardest at the counter. For example, picture a client hearing that six named experts held a ring, scored it and sealed the result. Because of that, the story sells itself, and it holds up under any challenge.
The 2026 winners already carry that story. Together, they include Myerson’s, Bogart’s Jewellers, Bandiera and Danny Sapir of Westrock Diamonds. No Canadian study yet measures how an award changes a store’s sales, and we found no international one either. Even so, the names in the archive show how long these titles stay in the trade’s memory.
The 2027 roll of honour begins on November 16. Enter the Awards of Excellence 2027.
FAQ
When do entries for the Awards of Excellence 2027 open and close?
Entries open November 16, 2026, and then close March 15, 2027 at 11:59 pm Eastern.
How much does it cost to enter?
Each category costs $150 and Grand Master costs $500, taxes included. Young Jeweller has no entry fee.
Do entrants receive a gala ticket?
Yes. Every paid entry includes one gala ticket. Guest tickets cost $120, taxes included.
Do I need to send my jewellery to enter?
No. Instead, you enter with photographs. Only finalists bring their piece to Toronto on April 11, 2027.
Do I need a membership or affiliation to enter?
No. The Awards of Excellence are open to every jewellery industry participant, with no membership or affiliation required.
Who judges the Awards of Excellence?
A named jury of six, chaired by Montreal designer Claire Vessot, with judges from appraisal, watches, design, manufacturing and retail.
Sources: Canadian Jeweller Awards of Excellence 2027 rules, calendar and archive; Awards of Excellence 2026 winners.
Author: Olivier Fel.
Olivier Felicio is the founder and publisher of Canadian Jeweller Magazine, Canada's jewellery business publication since 1879. He writes on retail strategy, market data, trade policy and the commercial side of the Canadian jewellery and watch trade, and hosts Time and Shine, Canada's jewellery buying event. Contact: olivier@canadianjeweller.com.
