Jose Hess

Jewelry designer, artist and craftsman, possesses a talent for creating original, contemporary jewelry that dazzles with diamonds.  Master goldsmith, designer and gemologist, Hess' roots and career path portray an artist and entrepreneur whose vision, sense of style and quality standards continue to keep him in the forefront of American jewelry design.

A leader and active proponent of American jewelry design, Hess concentrates in creating popular branded collections.

Industry Leader
Highly respected and actively involved, Hess was the first American president of CIBJO, an international trade association whose mission is to establish uniform standards for the jewelry industry worldwide. He is a past president of the 24 Karat Club of New York City, the Manufacturing Jewelers and Silversmiths of America, and the Plumb Club.

Mentor and educator, Hess has taught model making at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and often addresses student groups on goldsmithing and jewelry design.

Award Winner
A winner of numerous jewelry design award competitions including the prestigious DeBeers Diamonds International award, Hess has been frequently recognized for his talent. His jewelry has been prominently featured in W, In Style, Mirabella, Town & Country, Vogue, and a variety of other magazines. Often seen on the glamorous Hollywood circuit, celebrities such as Demi Moore, Cindy Crawford, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Candy Spelling have been spotted wearing pieces from Hess's collection.

Accomplishments & Awards:
1963 DeBeers Diamonds International
1958-1964 Certificate of Commendation - Diamonds International Awards
1978 Certificate of Distinction, Art Direction Magazine
1978 Art Director's Club Merit Award
1978 DeBeers Diamonds Today
1981 Chicago Jewelry Show - Best in Show
1981 DeBeers Diamonds Today
1981 International Gold Corp. Certificate of Merit
1982 International Gold Corp., Certificate of Merit
1986 American Gem Trade Association Spectrum
1987 Japan Pearl Promotion Society
1988 Japan Jewelry Designers Association
1989 DeBeers Diamonds Today
1990 Pacific Jewelry Show - Best Large Exhibit
1991 DeBeers Diamonds Today
1993 Manufacturing Jewelers and Silversmiths of America - Hall of Fame
1993 DeBeers Diamonds Today
1995 DeBeers Diamonds Today
1996 DeBeers Diamonds Today
1997 Hall of Fame Award - Contemporary Design Group
1999 DeBeers Diamonds Today

Association Memberships
CIBJO  past President,  first American President of Cibjo
24 Karat Club of New York City,  past President
DeBeers Carat Club
Plumb Club past President
American Gem Society
Jewelry Information Center
Jewelers Security Alliance
Jewelers Vigilance Committee
American Jewelry Design Council
Manufacturing Jewelers and Silversmiths 
International Jewelry Designers Guild