Thailand International Jewelry Awards, a new jewelry design competition organized as part of Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair, has gotten off to a good start following the official announcement of its launch at the 42nd edition of the trade fair (held Sept. 11-15), trade fair organizers said.

At the end of September, the competition attracted some 400 applications and the organizers said they expect the numbers to increase significantly by the Nov. 5 deadline.

The competition provides a chance for local and international designers to gain international recognition at the show and provides an opportunity for talents to transform their dream designs on sketch into tangible finished products, courtesy of Thailand’s manufacturers.

“World of Creativity” was chosen as the theme of the first TIJA competition which falls into two categories—”daytime” (for daytime wearing) and “executive” (for evening wearing).

A total of 60 pieces, split equally between the two categories, will be chosen. Winners will be formally announced at the Award Party held in conjunction with 43rd BGJF (Feb 25-March 1, 2009). All finalists will have their work displayed during the fair, which is being held Feb. 25-March 1, 2009.

JCK