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| 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.
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| (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.
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| 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,