Mumbai: Paola De Luca, a globally recognised jewellery trend forecaster and Founder of The Futurist LLC, led an online masterclass on 23 January that drew over 200 participants, helping designers interpret Quantum Couture, the theme for The Artisan Jewellery Design Awards 2026.

Curated as a preparatory session ahead of submissions, the masterclass explained how the theme, Quantum Couture – Re-Engineering Beauty and Cultural Codes, positioned heritage as an active force in shaping contemporary jewellery. De Luca highlighted how tradition, technology, material innovation and storytelling could come together to create designs that felt both rooted and forward-looking.

She guided participants through the three sub-themes that formed the framework for entries this year.

Embroidery – Heritage Rewired Through Structure and Light encouraged designers to translate the language of couture embroidery, lace, beadwork and textile detailing into sculptural jewellery. Techniques such as filigree, brocade-like textures and fluid tassel forms were discussed as ways to merge craft traditions with modern construction and digital modelling.

Micro-Painting – The Intimacy of Detail in the Age of Acceleration focused on intricate, narrative-rich surfaces. Inspiration was drawn from meenakari, jadau and miniature painting, urging designers to explore fine detailing and storytelling within compact jewellery formats.

Poetic Layers – Nature, Memory and Form in Dimensional Dialogue invited participants to build layered, organic forms inspired by nature and memory. Methods such as marquetry, engraving and the interplay of contrasting metals were presented as tools to create depth, movement and emotion in design.

Organised by GJEPC, the session aimed to sharpen creative direction for participants preparing their entries for one of India’s most respected jewellery design platforms.