The European Open 2025: Faceting Competition at the Munich Show

This year, the Swiss Faceted Cutters Guild will once again award prizes to the best gemstone cutters at the Munich Show. The theme of the 2025 competition is cubic zirconia – a man-made stone that was first synthesized in the 1970s. It does not occur in nature, but quickly became one of the most popular diamond substitutes worldwide. Its brilliance and hardness make it ideal for practice and first steps in faceting, while still offering endless creative possibilities for experienced cutters.

For the fifth time, the Swiss Facet Guild is organising the "European Open" competition at the Munich Show, open to both hobbyists and professional faceters. Participants may submit one faceted cubic zirconia stone in any color, between 10 and 25 mm in size. Designs are freely selectable, and concave cuts are also permitted.

How the winners are chosen
The best gemstone cutters will be determined at Gemworld Munich, where visitors can vote for their favorite entries. Since the competition is judged by the public rather than a jury, the focus is not on precision alone but on the overall appeal, creativity, and beauty of the stones.

Prizes
As in previous years, the first three winners will be awarded medals, certificates, and cash prizes:

• 1st place: €300
• 2nd place: €200
• 3rd place: €100

The award ceremony will take place at the Forum of Gemworld Munich on Sunday, October 27 at 2:30 pm.

How to participate
Each participant may submit one faceted cubic zirconia between 10 and 25 mm, along with the registration form, to the addresses provided. Stones must arrive between September 15 and October 15, 2025.

All information about the competition and the registration form can be found here: