Finalists for the 2019 JNA Awards Unveiled

The press conference announcing the 2019 JNA Awards finalists

In just a few years the JNA Awards has grown to become one of the top awards programs in the jewelry industry. The shortlist of the 2019 finalists, known as honorees, across 11 categories for its eighth edition were unveiled during a press event Thursday during the June Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair. This year the number of honorees has expanded to reflect the increased number of applicants and their diversity. 

Organised by Informa Markets, the JNA Awards recognizes and celebrates excellence and innovation in the industry. Since its inception in 2012, the awards has been dedicated to sharing its core values with the trade, inspiring the gemstone and jewelry industry to thrive and advance as a whole by sharing best business practices and encouraging high standards. This year, the JNA Awards received nearly 100 entries from more than 60 companies and individuals. 

(From left) Abhishek Parekh of KGK Group; Peter Suen of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group; Letitia Chow of Informa Markets; David Bondi of Informa Markets; Kenneth Scarratt of DANAT; Liu Zheng of Guangdong Land Holdings

“Of the 39 Honoree companies that were shortlisted, almost half of them are first-time entrants, indicating a growing interest among quality companies who recognize the importance of this platform,” said Letitia Chow, chairperson and founder of the JNA Awards, and director of Business Development -- Jewellery Group at Informa Markets. “We have also received a record number of entries from Thailand, second in ranking together with India and Hong Kong, reflecting the importance of this market which has been traditionally modest about its accomplishment."

The 2019 independent judging panel consists of industry experts: James Courage, former CEO of Platinum Guild International and former Chairman of the Responsible Jewellery Council; Albert Cheng, former managing director of World Gold Council, Far East; Lin Qiang, president and managing director of the Shanghai Diamond Exchange; Nirupa Bhatt, managing director of the Gemological Institute of America India and Middle East; Yasukazu Suwa, chairman of Suwa & Son, Inc.; and Mark Lee, research director of Asia Pacific Institute for Strategy.

The judges for the 2019 JNA Awards. (clockwise from top left): James Courage, Albert Cheng, Lin Qiang, Mark Lee, Yasukazu Suwa and Nirupa Bhatt

Several of the judges attended the announcement and noted that the two categories that saw the biggest growth were for young jewelry business owners and for technology achievements in the jewelry industry.

“The quality of this year's entries, along with its diversity in terms of size, type and geography, are worth noting. Despite facing challenges, the industry -- through these entries -- showed its focus and determination when it comes to investing in innovation, operating systems and consumer research," Courage said.

Cheng added, "Just like in the last seven years, Industry Innovation of the Year proved to be the most popular category. The Young Entrepreneur Honourees -- whose credentials, professionalism and innovativeness reflect on their outstanding businesses -- are equally impressive."

Qiang said, “It is surprising and inspiring to know that nearly 100 entries were received -- more than half of which are from first-time entrants. The influence and credibility of the JNA Awards is beyond question. It will be a rewarding journey for everyone involved.”

"Having worked with the JNA Awards since 2013, I noticed that the judging process grows more difficult as the entries reach new heights and push the boundaries of excellence year after year," Bhatt noted.”

Suwa noted, "Entrants to the JNA Awards vary from very big corporations to small ones. I kept in mind to judge them based on their mission and the long-term good they have been doing for people, regardless of the company's size."

Lee added, "The JNA Awards continues to strengthen its role as an excellent platform to showcase the industry's progress and success. The entries, particularly in the areas of innovation and marketing, are truly impressive."

The 2019 honorees are as follows:

Brand of the Year – Retail 

Mokingran Jewelry Group Co Ltd., China

Phu Nhuan Jewelry Joint Stock Company (PNJ), Vietnam

Shenzhen Sunfeel Jewelry Co Ltd., China

eSupplier of the Year 

BOJEM Jewelry, China

De Beers Group Institute of Diamonds, United Kingdom

Gübelin Gem LabSwitzerl, and

Kapu Gems, India

Shanghai Wisdom Jewelry Trading Co. Ltd., China

Industry Innovation of the Year 

Diamond Identification Diamond Services, Hong Kong

Jewellery Manufacturing Technology 

3D Kaiente Jewellery Co. Ltd., China

Christy Gem, Thailand

H.K. Designs, India

K.S. Jewelry International Co. Ltd., Thailand

Marketing and Marketing Services 

Picup Media, Hong Kong

Shenzhen MOVER Culture Co. Ltd., China  

Production Technology 

China Stone Ltd., Thailand

Pino Aliprandini (HK) Ltd., Hong Kong

Sahajanand Technologies Private Limited, India

Shenzhen Future Wisdom Jewelry Co. Ltd., China

Shared Services 

Kongfook Jewelry (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., China

Manufacturer of the Year – Cutting & Polishing 

China Stone Ltd., Thailand

KGK DV LLC, Russia

Vaibhav Global Limited, India

Manufacturer of the Year – Jewellery 

Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Ltd., Hong Kong

Gold Star Jewellery Pvt. Ltd., India

MKS JEWELRY INTERNATIONAL CO. LTD., Thailand

ShangJinPin Jewellery (Shenzhen) Limited Corporation, China

Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – China 

Continental Jewellery (MFG) Limited, Hong Kong

DECENT Gold Group Co. Ltd., China

Shanghai Kimberlite Diamond Group Ltd. Co., China

Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – Countries/Regions outside of India and China 

Frank & co. Jewellery, Indonesia

YLG Bullion International Co. Ltd., Thailand

Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – India 

H.K. Designs, India

KASHI JEWELLERS, India

NAROLA GEMS, India

Retailer of the Year  

Luk Fook Holdings (International) Limited, Hong Kong

Motisons Jewellers Ltd., India

Phu Nhuan Jewelry Joint Stock Company (PNJ), Vietnam

Poh Kong Jewellers Sdn Bhd, Malaysia

Sustainability Initiative of the Year 

Continental Jewellery (MFG) Limited, Hong Kong

Shenzhen Xingguangda Jewelry Industrial Co. Ltd., China

Young Entrepreneur of the Year (age 40 and below) 

Abhay Chordia, ASHOK JEWELS, India

Angelina Lau, SK Jewellery Group Ltd., Singapore

Nancy Wong, Luk Fook Holdings (International) Limited, Hong Kong

William Chu, Picup Media, Hong Kong

Raymond Chen, Shenzhen MOVER Culture Co.  Ltd., China

The JNA Award Winners will be announced at a gala dinner during the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, 

Winners Announced at Inaugural 'JNA Jewellery Design Competition'

Some of the finalists for the JNA Jewellery Design Competition

The winners of a new competition dedicated to design were announced Thursday during the June Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair.

The name of the awards program is the JNA Jewellery Design Competition for 2018/19.  The winners were named at a press event during the fair’s opening day attended by officials representing Informa Markets and JNA magazine, and corporate sponsors, Crossfor Co Ltd, Platinum Guild International (PGI) and the Tahitian Pearl Association Hong Kong (TPAHK).  The competition celebrates artistry, innovation and excellence in jewelry design and production.

Organizers and sponsors of the JNA Jewellery Design Competition during the announcement of the winners at the June Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair

The winners of the JNA Jewellery Design Competition 2018/19 are as follows:

* Dancing Stone Category – New Fashion Tech - “Heptagram” by Mami Ochiai of Japan

* Platinum Category – Platinum Attitude - “Star Lingers” by Liang Fan of China

* Tahitian Pearl Category – Asymmetric Perfection - “The Leonidas Man” set by Alessio Boschi of Italy

The winners will be featured at an awards presentation during at the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair. Each winner will also receive a cash prize of $2,000, and have their creations showcased at the June and September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fairs.

The Leonidas Man by Alessio Boschi, one of the winners of the JNA Jewellery Design Competition

The competition’s judging panel was led by jewelry designer Fei Liu, who served as chair. He was joined by jewelry designer Robert Tateossian, visual artist Bradley Theodore, and publisher and editor-in-chief of the JNA group, Christie Dang. The three category judges were Hidetaka Dobashi, founder and CEO of Crossfor, Suzanne Wong, senior product manager of PGI, and Ida Wong, general manager of TPAHK.

The winners were selected out of 15 finalists across three categories, and evaluated against the criteria set by the organizers as well as the entries’ adherence to the respective themes. Of the 15 finalists, five were from China; three were from Taiwan; with the rest from Bulgaria, Egypt, Iran, Italy, Japan, Malaysia and the U.S.

The competition drew 2,588 entries from jewelry designers and students from 39 countries and regions.

U.S.-China Trade War is the Talk of the June Hong Kong Jewelry Fair

Hong Kong industry leaders talk about the issues at the June Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair

In September the Hong Kong Jewelry & Gem Fair was closed for a day for the first time in its long history by a typhoon. For the June Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, two other storms are brewing and both are man-made. The first is the threat by President Donald Trump to slap a 25% tariff on all goods exported from China to the U.S. The second is perhaps the largest protests in the history of Hong Kong, which may continue. 

During the opening day press conference, leaders of the trade organizations from Hong Kong spent a great deal of time talking about the first issue while not mentioning the second at all. 

Lawrence Ma, president of the Diamond Federation of Hong Kong, says U.S.-China trade tensions are putting pressure on the world economy. 

“Trade uncertainty is what we don’t like,” he said Thursday. “If they agree to something everything would change in a moment. But I think we have to live with this uncertainty for the next few months.” 

Sze Ho Yin, president of the Hong Pearl Association said the increased infrastructure improvements between Hong Kong and China have made it easy for Hong Kong wholesalers and retailers to do business with those from the mainland. 

“About 40% of our buyers are from Mainland China because it is very convenient for buyers from China to come to Hong Kong,” he said. “They are pretty much supporting the jewelry industry (in Hong Kong). It’s very convenient to sell directly to China. Because of this the trade war between the U.S. and China hasn’t had a dramatic effect.” 

Ken Lo, chairman of the Hong Kong Jade & Jewellery Manufacturers, says Hong Kong’s strength as a trading center will mitigate much of the detrimental impact of a trade war. 

“Hong Kong is the number one city in the world in terms of ease when it comes to setting up a business,” he said. “And it has an advantage because of its proximity to China and its ease of trade between the two markets. I think because of this Hong Kong will remain a very important trading center for the entire world.”

The leaders also talked about issues important for the jewelry and gem industry in Hong Kong. For example, Ma spoke about some of the myriad of issues the diamond industry is facing. They include the difficulty of financing for much of the diamond trade, the effect of lab-grown diamonds and the steady decline of sales among Hong Kong retailers. 

He said diamond imports in Hong Kong are down 2.8% for the first three months of the year compared to last year. Meanwhile, exports are up by 9.1% for the same period. On the retail level, there are more Chinese tourists visiting Hong Kong but they are spending less, he said. 

“The good news is that there are more Chinese coming,” he said. “The bad news is spending has come down significantly. Overall, it’s a good trend.”

Lo spent much of his presentation talking about how technology is changing the jewelry industry. The items he covered included:

* Lab-grown diamonds and how it has taken up some jewelry industry sales.

* CAD-CAM technology is speeding up the process from design to finished jewels and is a catalyst when in terms of allowing retail customers the ability to design their own jewels.

* The decline of distributors because manufacturers are using the Internet and social media to go directly to retailers and consumers.  

Yin said the Hong Kong pearl industry is working with China to develop a freshwater pearl industry to replace the Akoya pearl. 

June Hong Kong Jewelry Fair Opens to Big Crowds

Buyers crowd one of the registration areas at the June Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair

The June Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair opened its doors Thursday and buyers have come in large numbers to view products and services from more than 1,900 exhibitors from 40 countries and regions of the world. 

Looking at the crowds of people at several registration desks it hard to believe that this is the smaller of the two trade fairs in Hong Kong owned and operated by London-based Informa Markets, a tradeshow and publications company that acquired UBM Asia in 2018.  But it is. The main difference is that this show is held in one facility while the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair is so large that it is held at two locations.

Occupying 70,000 square meters of exhibition space at the Hong Kong Convention & Exposition Centre, the fair is divided into 21 theme and 18 group pavilions for easier navigation. New this year are two thematic zones – Technology and Lab-Grown Diamonds – and the Australia Pavilion under the national and group pavilions category.

“The June fair occupies a unique position in the industry,” says Celine Lau, director of Jewellery Fairs at Informa Markets. “It literally brings the jewellery world under one roof, and it is perfectly timed for wholesalers, retailers and distributors who are building up their seasonal essentials.” 

Celine Lau, director of Jewellery Fairs at Informa Markets, added, “This show brings together the jewelry and gemstone industry in its entire breadth and depth, making it the ideal sourcing destination for wholesalers, retailers and distributors.” 

This includes jewelry technology and equipment providers, diamond and gemstone dealers, a complete assortment of fine jewelry and collectible high jewelry.

The June Fair’s signature programming will include three seminars organised by the Colombian Association of Emerald Exporters, The Gemmological Association of Hong Kong and the Japan Pearl Promotion Society, which will highlight developments in the colored gemstone and pearl sectors.

Invitation-only events are being held on the fair’s sidelines, including a Media Gathering, where the winners of the JNA Jewellery Design Competition 2018/19 were announced and the JNA Awards revealed this year’s finalists across 11 categories.

This is the 32nd year for the June fair and it has become an important part of the international annual tradeshow calendar. The four-day event will run till June 23.