The fifth annual JNA Awards recognizes and celebrates excellence and achievement in the jewelry and gemstone industry, with a focus on the advancement of the trade in Asia.
This year, 39 finalists representing 28 companies from 10 countries and regions were selected, with a third of these finalists either first-time entrants or honorees. More than 100 applications were received.
Wolfram Diener, senior VP of UBM Asia, said, "This year marks the fifth anniversary of the JNA Awards, and we are extremely proud of what the event has achieved thus far in terms of creating awareness and promoting excellence in innovation, leadership and sustainable business models in the jewelry and gemstone industry."
Letitia Chow, founder of JNA, director of Business Development - Jewellery Group at UBM Asia, and chair of the JNA Awards judging panel, added, “We have the strongest applications to date. It is encouraging and exciting to see new companies entering the Awards and being recognized for their achievements and advances in the jewelry and gemstone industry."
The independent judging panel consists of five industry experts: Albert Cheng, advisor to the World Gold Council, Far East; James Courage, former chief executive of Platinum Guild International and former chairman of the Responsible Jewellery Council; Lin Qiang, president and managing director of the Shanghai Diamond Exchange; Nirupa Bhatt, managing director of the Gemological Institute of America in India and the Middle East; and Yasukazu Suwa, chairman of Suwa & Son, Inc of Japan.
The honorees or shortlisted companies and individuals in the 10 award categories are:
Brand of the Year - Retail
Beijing Cai Shi Kou Department Store Co Ltd - Mainland China
DeGem Masterpiece Sdn Bhd - Malaysia
Hiersun Industrial Co Ltd - Mainland China
Pranda Jewelry Pcl - Thailand
Shenzhen Sunfeel Jewelry Co Ltd - Mainland China
SK Jewellery Pte Ltd - Singapore
Industry Innovation/Sustainability Initiative of the Year
Beijing Cai Shi Kou Department Store Co Ltd - Mainland China
Gubelin Gem Lab Ltd - Switzerland
Shenzhen Batar Investment Holding Group Co Ltd - Mainland China
Shenzhen Bofook Jewellery Co Ltd - Mainland China
Shenzhen Foreway Jewellery Group Co Ltd - Mainland China
Shenzhen Ganlu jewellery Co Ltd - Mainland China
Shenzhen Xingguangda Jewelry Industrial Co Ltd - Mainland China
Shenzhen Y&M Jewelry Co Ltd - Mainland China
Manufacturer of the Year - Cutting & Polishing
Hari Krishna Exports Pvt Ltd - India
Kiran Gems Pvt Ltd - India
RMC Gems India Ltd - India
Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt Ltd - India
Manufacturer of the Year - Jewellery
KGK Jewellery Manufacturing Ltd - Hong Kong
PANDORA Production Co Ltd - Thailand
Shenzhen Batar Investment Holding Group Co Ltd - Mainland China
Outstanding Enterprise of the Year - ASEAN
Phu Nhuan Jewelry Joint Stock Co - Vietnam
Soo Kee Group - Singapore
Outstanding Enterprise of the Year - India
Kapu Gems - India
Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt Ltd - India
Outstanding Enterprise of the Year - Greater China
KGK Jewellery Manufacturing Ltd - Hong Kong
KELA - Mainland China
Shenzhen Bofook Jewellery Co Ltd - Mainland China
Shenzhen Ideal Jewellery Co Ltd - Mainland China
Retailer of the Year (450 outlets and below)
Beijing Cai Shi Kou Department Store Co Ltd - Mainland China
Chii Lih Coral Co Ltd - Taiwan
Phu Nhuan Jewelry Joint Stock Co - Vietnam
Shenzhen Ideal Jewellery Co Ltd - Mainland China
SK Jewellery Pte Ltd - Singapore
E-tailer of the Year
China Stone Co Ltd - Thailand
Hattons (HK) Ltd - Hong Kong
Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Age 40 and below)
Tsan Kwan Chau, Shenzhen Batar Investment Holding Group Co Ltd - Mainland China
Karim Merchant, Pure Gold Jewellers LLC - United Arab Emirates
Zhou Wang, Shenzhen Sunfeel Jewelry Co Ltd - Mainland China
The recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award will be nominated by the Awards organizer, and the announcement will be made at a later date.
This year's recipients and honorees, will be feted at the JNA Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner, being held on September 14 at the InterContinental Hong Kong during the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair.
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