Jablonec nad Nisou to Host the National Championship for Young Goldsmiths

From March 18–20, 2026, the Secondary School of Crafts and Services in Jablonec nad Nisou will host the 2nd annual National Championship for students in the Goldsmithing and Jewelry Design program—the St. Eligius Hammer Award. The competition follows on from the first edition, which took place last year in Prague. Once again, it will welcome competitors from all Czech schools that teach this traditional craft. The aim of the competition is to promote the quality of vocational education and develop the talent of young craftspeople.

Twelve contestants—two students from each school—will arrive in Jablonec nad Nisou. During a seven-hour time limit, the young goldsmiths must create an original piece of jewelry: a brooch set with a gemstone. In their work, they must demonstrate not only technical skill but also artistic creativity and precise craftsmanship.

“We are delighted to host the second edition of this competition right here in Jablonec nad Nisou, a city with a long tradition of jewelry making. We have very fond memories of last year’s competition. Students from the Jablonec school won first and second place in Prague at that time. I believe this is a unique opportunity for our students to compare their skills with peers from across the country and, at the same time, demonstrate that traditional crafts still have their place in today’s world,“ says school director Jana Ramešová.

“Last year’s success of the Jablonec students from the Secondary School of Crafts and Services certainly motivates other students to do their best work and have the same opportunities. I look forward to the results. I am glad that the region supported the construction of a vocational training center at this school in recent years. The results are paying off,” adds Květa Vinklátová, Deputy for Culture and Tourism of the Liberec Region.

The competition entries will be evaluated by a panel of judges composed of independent experts from the field as well as artists working in the jewelry sector. The judges will assess, for example, the precision of execution, the goldsmithing techniques used, the artistic concept, and the overall appearance of the finished piece of jewelry.

Although the competition is not open to the public, this year’s finished entries will be on display for those interested. The Secondary School of Crafts and Services will present them at the traditional Jablonec exhibition "Fragile Beauty."

The National Championship is held under the auspices of the Liberec Regional Authority and with the support of Soliter, Advantage, and Granát Turnov, which are among the leading companies shaping the Czech jewelry and costume jewelry industry.