Leonardo Committee - "CENTRO ORAFO IL TARÌ S.C.P.A." Degree Award

What you get

The author of the best Master’s thesis on the subject of Italian jewellery and goldsmithing will receive a one-off prize of 3,000 EUR. In recent years, the prize has also included a paid six-month placement at the Centro Orafo Il Tarì – a genuine opportunity to gain an insight into the jewellery industry. The winners will receive their award at a formal ceremony in Rome. The prize is awarded by the Comitato Leonardo (Italian Quality Committee) in collaboration with the Centro Orafo Il Tarì, a major goldsmithing centre in Marcianise, near Caserta in southern Italy.

Who can apply

• Degree: You must have obtained a Master’s degree (laurea magistrale or laurea specialistica). Your degree must have been awarded on or after 1 January 2008.
• Your thesis: Your final dissertation must address the topic specified for that year, which is always related to Italian jewellery, goldsmithing, gemmology, design or luxury goods. Recent topics have included new methods for analysing gemstones and sustainable technologies in the jewellery industry.
• Field of study: Economics and Business Administration. Recent editions have also included the fields of engineering (including industrial engineering), industrial design and gemmology.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.
• University: Applicants from all universities are welcome to apply.
• Past winners: You have not yet won this prize in a previous draw.

How to apply

Please send your application, together with a signed registration form and your final thesis, to the Comitato Leonardo office in Rome. The deadline for applications is 31 October. A jury comprising representatives of the Comitato Leonardo and the Centro Orafo Il Tarì will select the winner; their decision is final.

How realistic are your chances?

This award has very strict criteria. Your Master’s thesis must relate to a specific annual theme linked to Italian jewellery and goldsmithing, meaning that only a small group of graduates qualify each year. If your thesis clearly fits the theme and takes your area of specialisation into account, you’ll be competing against only a few others and will have good prospects. As only one winner is selected, a compelling thesis that is relevant to the theme will determine your success.