Public Voting Officially Opens: 1 August – 31 August 2026
The wait is finally over. Public voting for the 9th Grand Prix Akoya Pearl Jewellery Competition Ise-Shima 2026 is now officially open, inviting pearl lovers, jewellery enthusiasts, designers, collectors, and supporters from around the world to participate in one of Japan’s most meaningful celebrations of pearl artistry.
Why We Started This Competition
Today, the Grand Prix Akoya Pearl Jewellery Competition has grown beyond a design contest.
It has become an international cultural initiative that connects emerging jewellery designers with the heritage of Japanese Akoya pearls through design, education, and cultural exchange.
Each year, the selected works are exhibited at the Pearl FALCO Gallery in Ise-Shima, Japan—the birthplace of cultured pearls and later in Singapore—where visitors from Japan and around the world can experience the designs in person. At the same time, public online voting invites people across the globe to participate, creating a bridge between Japan’s pearl heritage and an international audience.
Today, with the generous support of Singapore’s art and jewellery schools and many partners in Aia and Japan, we are proud to celebrate the 9th consecutive edition of this competition. Seeing young designers grow alongside this project over the years has become one of our greatest rewards, and we remain committed to continuing this journey.
More Than a Jewellery Competition
Held in Ise-Shima, Mie Prefecture, the birthplace of cultured Akoya pearls, the Grand Prix is far more than a design competition.
It is a platform that celebrates exceptional craftsmanship, honours Japan’s rich pearl heritage, and encourages new generations of designers to express their creativity while respecting traditions that have been passed down through generations.
This year’s inspiring theme is:
“Prayer – Inori (祈り)”
The theme reflects our shared hopes for peace, gratitude, healing, compassion, and human connection in a world facing many challenges. Each participating designer has transformed these emotions into jewellery that speaks not only through beauty but also through meaning.
The Meaning Behind “Prayer – Inori”
A pearl begins its life hidden inside an oyster beneath the calm waters of the sea. Through years of patience, care, and nature’s extraordinary process, it gradually becomes one of the world’s most treasured gems.
Its journey mirrors our own.
Hope grows through perseverance. Beauty emerges through time.
This year’s theme reminds us that pearls are far more than precious jewellery. They become symbols of our prayers—for peace, for family, for health, for new beginnings, and for future generations.
As the Grand Prix expresses:
“Deep within the quiet sea, a single pearl is nurtured through time and human devotion. It is, in essence, a prayer for the future.”
Every design is an artistic interpretation of hope, inviting us to reflect on the values that connect humanity beyond borders, languages, and cultures.
Celebrating the Excellence of Japanese Akoya Pearls
The Grand Prix showcases the extraordinary talent of jewellery designers working with one of Japan’s greatest natural treasures—the Akoya pearl.
Renowned for its exceptional lustre, elegant round shape, delicate overtones, and mirror-like brilliance, the Japanese Akoya pearl has long been recognised as the benchmark of cultured pearls.
Producing these pearls requires years of dedication, careful cultivation, and exceptional craftsmanship.
The finest jewellery does not overpower the pearl—it allows its natural beauty to shine.
Each competing design demonstrates not only artistic creativity but also deep respect for the pearl itself.
A Mission Beyond Jewellery
The mission of the Grand Prix has never been simply to recognise beautiful jewellery.
It is about preserving the heritage of Japanese Akoya pearls, inspiring future generations of designers, and sharing the cultural stories of Ise-Shima with the world.
Through this annual competition, we hope to:
- Preserve the tradition and artistry of Japanese Akoya pearls.
- Inspire the next generation of jewellery designers.
- Promote a deeper appreciation of authentic cultured pearls.
- Share the stories, people, and craftsmanship behind every pearl.
- Connect people across cultures through beauty, hope, and shared values.
Every participating design becomes an ambassador for Japanese craftsmanship, carrying the spirit of Ise-Shima to audiences around the world.
Your Vote Matters
Public Voting Period
1 August – 31 August 2026
Every vote is more than selecting your favourite design.
It encourages talented designers, recognises countless hours of creativity and craftsmanship, and helps preserve the continuing story of Japanese Akoya pearls.
Whether you are passionate about pearls, fascinated by jewellery design, or simply appreciate meaningful artistry, your participation supports not only the designers but also the cultural heritage of Ise-Shima and the future of Japanese pearl craftsmanship.
Join Us in Celebrating the Future of Akoya Pearls
At Pearl FALCO, we believe pearls should be understood—not simply purchased.
Behind every pearl lies years of nature’s work, human dedication, and stories waiting to be discovered.
We warmly invite you to explore every remarkable design in this year’s competition and vote for the creation that speaks most deeply to your heart.
Your participation helps celebrate exceptional young designers while ensuring that the beauty, heritage, and legacy of Japanese Akoya pearls continue to inspire future generations.
🗳️ Public Voting is now open from 1 August to 31 August 2026.
Cast your vote here:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=pearlfalco&set=a.1488860809928722
Thank you for being part of this journey.
Together, let us celebrate the artistry of Japanese Akoya pearls and preserve their legacy for generations to come.
One Pearl. One Prayer. One World.
