Tiffany & Co. and CFDA Champion Diversity in Jewelry Design
Kicking off 2025 with purpose and innovation, Tiffany & Co. and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) launched the *Tiffany & Co. X CFDA Jewelry Designer Awards—a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering underrepresented voices in the jewelry industry. Held at Tiffany’s iconic Fifth Avenue Landmark store, this inaugural event marked the beginning of a transformative movement in luxury design, one grounded in diversity, inclusion, and mentorship.
The partnership, a fusion of Tiffany’s Atrium social impact platform and CFDA’s Impact Program, seeks to do more than recognize talent—it aspires to create sustainable change. By offering mentorship, funding, and a structured pathway to success in an often-exclusive industry, the initiative addresses systemic challenges faced by emerging designers from diverse backgrounds.
“This isn’t just about jewelry; it’s about opening doors that have historically been shut,” said Steven Kolb, CEO of the CFDA. He hinted at the prospect of broader updates within the industry, including the potential addition of a dedicated jewelry category in the prestigious CFDA Awards—a milestone event for a field often overshadowed by fashion’s other creative disciplines.
Spotlight on Jameel Mohammed: The Inaugural Winner
Photo Credit: press.tiffany.com
The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the first-ever recipient of the award: Jameel Mohammed, founder of the luxury jewelry brand Khiry. Known for his innovative and bold approach, Mohammed was awarded $50,000 and a 12-month fellowship with Tiffany & Co.
“I’ve long believed in the power of Tiffany as an American luxury brand. I’m an American luxury designer, so I am really excited to be where I belong,” Mohammed expressed during his acceptance speech.
As part of his recognition, Mohammed unveiled a collection that seamlessly blended Tiffany’s storied legacy with his own audacious artistic voice. His designs featured striking criss-crossing curves and floral elements sculpted from playful ball-chain spheres—a masterful union of tradition and cutting-edge creativity.
Celebrating Craftsmanship and Collaboration
The awards ceremony wasn’t just a competition; it was a celebration of artistry and camaraderie. Tiffany’s Chief Marketing Officer, Andrea Davey, set the tone for the evening, calling attention to the shared mission of “crafting beauty and advancing diversity.” This spirit of inclusion resonated throughout the event, where collaboration took precedence over rivalry.
Notable attendees included Bethann Hardison, legendary advocate for diversity and CFDA board member; Nathalie Verdeille, Tiffany’s Chief Artistic Officer for Jewelry; and Frank Everett of Sotheby’s. Judging responsibilities fell to an impressive panel, including model Joan Smalls and celebrity stylist Jahleel Weaver, best known for his work with Fenty.
credits: press.tiffany.com
Other finalists—Angie Marei, Maggi Simpkins, and Malyia McNaughton—were also lauded for their visionary designs, ensuring the evening celebrated an entire community of talent rather than a singular victory.
While the night was filled with glitz and glamour, its deeper significance lay in its intent to redress longstanding inequities in the jewelry industry. Unlike high fashion or apparel, jewelry design has struggled to gain the same level of visibility, financial support, and institutional recognition. Events like these aspire to bridge this gap, paving the way for more inclusive growth and representation.
The night also served as a platform for compassion and solidarity, with Steven Kolb highlighting efforts to support CFDA members affected by ongoing California wildfires. “Fashion and design should unite us not just in creativity, but in compassion,” he reminded attendees, reinforcing the interconnected nature of art, industry, and humanity.
Will the Tiffany & Co. X CFDA Jewelry Designer Awards serve as a catalyst for lasting change? While it remains uncertain whether jewelry will soon have its own category in the CFDA Awards, the event itself showcased the industry’s readiness for a more inclusive future.
For Jameel Mohammed and the other finalists, this was more than just an awards ceremony—it was an opportunity to amplify their voices, gain critical resources, and secure their place in an evolving industry. As Mohammed’s striking designs demonstrated, the future of luxury jewelry is brimming with creativity, innovation, and diversity.
This initiative is more than an award; it’s a movement. By unlocking doors for underrepresented talent, Tiffany & Co. and CFDA are ensuring that the brilliance of luxury design is accessible to all—one jewel at a time.