During the 16th edition of the Prix National Jacques Lenfant, candidates were followed for the first time by a France Télévisions film crew throughout their week of competition. The resulting documentary sheds unprecedented light on the journey, commitment and talent of these young participants—virtuosos already shaping the future of French fine jewelry.
Five days. Six duos. One exceptional piece.
Across France, six pairs of jewelry students, among the most promising of their generation, take on the most demanding challenge of their early careers: the prestigious Prix National Jacques Lenfant, organized by the UFBJOP to foster emerging talent within the sector.
In just five days, each duo must interpret a design and craft, working side by side, a high jewelry piece.
Under the scrutiny of a jury of leading industry professionals, every detail matters: precision, style, technical mastery—and the cohesion of the duo.
At the end of the competition, only one creation will achieve unanimous recognition, and two students will see their trajectory profoundly altered.
The documentary “The Next Generation of Master Jewelers” offers an inside look at the métiers of fine jewelry and their core values: patience, perseverance and precision. From goldsmithing and wax work to stone-setting preparation, each gesture demands focus and technical control. The film also highlights the human dimension behind the craft—mutual support, pressure, doubt, endurance, and the satisfaction of completing the piece.
Committed to the transmission of craftsmanship, Rubel & Ménasché partnered with this edition for the jewellery-making challenge. The Maison supported the final creation by providing the diamonds, thereby contributing in a tangible way to the transformation from intention to finished piece.
Available on France.tv, the documentary provides the general public with a rare insight into these paths defined by commitment and transmission.
Watch here: https://bit.ly/3Zp7xg9
Created and organized by the UFBJOP since 1981, the Prix Jacques Lenfant provides the framework for this documentary and ensures the rigor of the competition. It recognizes the most talented students in jewelry métiers, offering them national visibility and the opportunity to measure themselves against the highest standards.
This 16th edition, held in October 2025 at the Institut de Bijouterie de Saumur, brought together candidates from public, private and consular institutions, all evaluated on a single site according to identical criteria, in line with the principle of equal opportunity.
Source : UFBJOP