JNA Awards Honors Accomplished Jewelry Industry Professionals

The eighth annual JNA Awards was held Tuesday in the main ballroom of the Intercontinental Hong Kong. The annual event has quickly grown to become one of the most highly-acclaimed award programs in the international jewelry and gemstone industry.

Organized by Informa Markets, the awards celebrates and recognizes entrepreneurs and companies that set high standards for excellence, innovation, and outstanding business performance. A total of 45 companies and individuals were among the finalists and were feted by industry leaders in a sold out ballroom for their accomplishments in the past year. Among them, 16 were honored as recipients across 11 award categories by a highly-respected and experienced panel of judges.

Three outstanding leaders from the retail sector, Cao Thi Ngoc Dung, Hung Ming Li and Wang Chun Li were the recipients of this year’s highest accolade, the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The 16 Award Recipients across 11 categories are:

Brand of the Year – Retail
Shenzhen Sunfeel Jewelry Co Ltd – China

eSupplier of the Year
Kapu Gems – India

Industry Innovation of the Year
Industry Innovation of the Year – Diamond Identification
Diamond Services Ltd – Hong Kong

Industry Innovation of the Year – Jewellery Manufacturing Technology
Kaiente Jewellery Co Ltd – China

Industry Innovation of the Year – Production Technology
Sahajanand Technologies Pvt Ltd – India
Shenzhen Future Wisdom Jewelry Co Ltd – China

Manufacturer of the Year – Cutting & Polishing – Creativity & Innovation
China Stone Co Ltd – Thailand

Manufacturer of the Year – Jewellery
Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Ltd – Hong Kong
Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – China
DECENT Gold Group Co Ltd – China

Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – Countries/Regions outside of China and India
FRANK & co – Indonesia

Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – India
H.K. Designs – India

Retailer of the Year
Luk Fook Holdings (International) Limited – Hong Kong

Phu Nhuan Jewelry Joint Stock Company – Vietnam

Sustainability Initiative of the Year
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 – Singapore

“Tonight, we are celebrating a milestone in the jewellery and gemstone trade. These companies have demonstrated that with perseverance and forward-thinking, even in times of challenges, our industry can adapt, transform and continue to make positive impacts to the growth of the business. For that, they truly deserve our sincere congratulations and applause,” said Letitia Chow, Chairperson of the JNA Awards, and Director of Business Development – Jewellery Group at Informa Markets.

Headline Partners for the awards program are: Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, the Shanghai Diamond Exchange, and DANAT, together with Honoured Partners KGK Group, China Gems and Jade Exchange, and Guangdong Land Holdings Limited.

Table sponsors include the following:

Anders Diamond B.V.B.A, Belgium
Beijing Caishikou Department Store Co Ltd, China
Chii Lih Coral Co Ltd, Taiwan
Continental Jewellery (Mfg) Ltd, Hong Kong
De Beers Group Institute of Diamonds, United Kingdom
DECENT Gold Group Co Ltd, China
Diamond Producers Association Belgium ESV, Belgium
Diamond Services Ltd, Hong Kong
GIA Hong Kong Laboratory Ltd, Hong Kong
Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association, Hong Kong
Ithra Dubai, Dubai
Phu Nhuan Jewelry Joint Stock Company, Vietnam
Shanghai Kimberlite Diamond Group Co Ltd, China
Shenzhen Sunfeel Jewelry Co Ltd, China
SK Jewellery Pte Ltd, Singapore

2018 JNA Awards: Letitia Chow’s Influence And Leadership Saves the Day

Over the years whenever I tell people I was attending the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, the response was almost always the same. “Say hello to Letitia for me.”

2018 JNA Awards ceremony. Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

The Letitia in question is Letitia Chow, director of Business Development, Jewellery Group of UBM Asia. She also holds the title of Jewellery Group director, Publishing Group at UBM Asia. 

A brief overview of her career goes like this: In 1983 Chow founded Jewellery News Asia magazine in partnership with veteran journalist, publisher and public relations consultant, Peter Brindisi. It grew to become the largest and most influential jewelry industry magazine in Asia. The magazine was purchased by UBM Asia and thus started her rise in the corporate structure of the trade fair company. 

Letitia Chow

In the jewelry industry, particularly in Asia, the large jewelry, diamond and colored gem manufacturers, the largest mining companies and the largest jewelry retailers share much of the power. While Chow isn’t the most powerful presence, her influence ranges from the largest companies to those who work on the front lines. All of this influence was needed at this year’s JNA Awards ceremony, another jewelry industry endeavor founded by Chow. 

On September 16, Super Typhoon Mangkhut barreled through Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Observatory issued the Hurricane Signal No. 10, which is the highest level of tropical cyclone warning signals in Hong Kong, for 10 hours, making it a storm of historic proportions. It caused the postponement of the JNA Awards to the following day. When I saw pictures and video of the damage to the Intercontinental Hong Kong hotel, where the event is held, I thought the awards show would surely be cancelled. 

The Intercontinental Hong Kong hotel during Super Typhoon Mangkhut in a photo passed around social media.

The lobby of the Intercontinental Hong Kong the following night for the JNA Awards.

I was wrong and it was all because of Chow, her dedicated staff and the staff at the Intercontinental Hong Kong. 

Not only were they battling a super typhoon and the damage it did to the hotel, but more than half of the invited guests had left prior to the storm, leaving the possibility of a half-filled venue. First, the hotel lobby and the large meeting room where the gala dinner was held showed no signs of damage. Second, the call went out and the industry responded as people came streaming into the main hall moments before the program started. The program itself went off without a hitch. 

Over the years Chow always had a calm almost Zen-like demeanor despite the chaos that naturally ensues during a live trade fair and awards program. However, this year, during her opening remarks, her voice broke at least twice when she thanked her staff and those who came to the event in the last minute. 

The main reason the people came, the staff did the work and show went on is the result of the Chow’s leadership and the good will she accumulated over the years. 

Rio Tinto, Chow Tai Fook Renew Sponsorships For JNA Awards 2017

JNA Awards "Honoured Partners" signing ceremony for 2017

Rio Tinto Diamonds and Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group continue to lead the JNA Awards for the sixth consecutive year as “Headline Partners” of the highly anticipated event in the jewelry and gemstone industry. The partner renewal signing ceremony took place during the Awards gala dinner on September 14, attended by more than 500 industry professionals in Hong Kong.

Also returning as “Honoured Partners” are Shanghai Diamond Exchange, Guangdong Gems & Jade Exchange, and Guangdong Land Holdings Limited. The JNA Awards recognizes and honors companies and individuals that have demonstrated excellence, leadership and innovation, with a special focus on Asia, and whose ideas and actions have made a positive impact on their businesses and communities.

The 2016 JNA Awards held September 14

"The support shown to us by these industry leaders is nothing short of remarkable. Their resounding commitment and support drives us to continue to elevate the jewellery trade and to bring this event to where it is today," said Wolfram Diener, senior VP of UBM Asia.

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 been very privileged to be able to work closely with our partners who share our vision and core values, and help make this a highly regarded and meaningful event for the trade. It is also extremely encouraging to see the continuous support from both our Headline and Honoured Partners, especially Rio Tinto Diamonds, Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, and Shanghai Diamond Exchange, who have joined us in this journey since the very beginning.”

The JNA Awards 2016 Ceremony and Gala Dinner honored 15 Recipients in 11 categories. 

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JNA Awards Honors Excellence In The Asian Jewelry Industry

JNA Awards winners and sponsors

A total of 14 companies and individuals were honored during the JNA Awards ceremony, held Wednesday at the InterContinental Hong Kong. They were among the 28 companies recognized at the event.

Organized by JNA (Jewellery News Asia), the awards recognize and celebrate companies and individuals whose passion for excellence, innovation and outstanding business performance has helped shape the growth and development of Asia's jewelry industry.

Shouzui Yasui, Chief Executive Officer of Yasui & Co, was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest honors in the global jewelry and gemstone industry and the most esteemed tribute conferred by the JNA Awards. Yasui's casting solutions, starting from the wax injector, were seen as pivotal in the mass production of jewelry, which consequently made jewelry accessible and affordable to many.

The 14 award recipients across 10 categories are as follows:

1. Brand of the Year -- Retail
Hiersun Industrial Co Ltd - I Do - China

2. Industry Innovation/Sustainability Initiative of the Year
Shenzhen Batar Investment Holding Group Co Ltd -- China
Shenzhen Foreway Jewellery Group Co Ltd -- China
Shenzhen Ganlu Jewellery Co Ltd -- China
Shenzhen Xingguangda Jewelry Industrial Co Ltd -- China

3. Manufacturer of the Year-- Cutting & Polishing
Kiran Gems Pvt Ltd -- India
RMC Gems India Ltd -- India

4. Manufacturer of the Year -- Jewellery
PANDORA Production Co Ltd -- Thailand

5. Outstanding Enterprise of the Year -- ASEAN 
Soo Kee Group -- Singapore

6. Outstanding Enterprise of the Year -- India
Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt Ltd -- India

7. Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – Greater China
KGK Jewellery Manufacturing Ltd -- Hong Kong SAR

8. Retailer of the Year (450 outlets and below)
Beijing Cai Shi Kou Department Store Co Ltd -- China

9. E-tailer of the Year
China Stone Co Ltd -- Thailand

10. Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Age 40 and below)
Ms Wang Zhuo, Shenzhen Sunfeel Jewelry Co Ltd -- China

Warren Mok, an internationally acclaimed tenor, was the featured performer for the event, which was held during the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair.

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Shouzui Yasui To Receive JNA Lifetime Achievement Award

The 2016 JNA Awards is presenting its most prestigious honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award, to casting solutions specialist Shouzui Yasui, CEO of Tokyo-based Yasui & Co. Yasui. He is being recognized for his dedication and significant contributions to the jewelry and gemstone industry.

The award will be presented to Yasui as part of the JNA Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner scheduled for September 14 at the InterContinental Hong Kong, during the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair.

The JNA Awards is regarded as one of the jewelry and gemstone industry’s most prized honors, recognizing enterprises and individuals that have demonstrated excellence, leadership and innovation, with a special focus on Asia, and whose ideas and actions have made a positive impact on their businesses and communities.

“There are two known ‘blue boxes’ in the jewelry industry. One is represented by a high-end consumer brand that has come to symbolize gifts of special significance. The other represents a jewelry casting company that the trade associates with high-quality and cost-effective manufacturing solutions. The latter is Yasui’s ‘blue box,’ said Letitia Chow, founder of JNA, director of Business Development – Jewellery Group at UBM Asia, and chair of the JNA Awards Judging Panel. “Wherever there is jewelry manufacturing in the world, one can find Yasui’s Vacuum Wax Injector. His contribution is noticed and felt widely throughout the industry.”

Yasui is a name that has long been associated with casting solutions for the jewelry industry. It started developing its Vacuum Wax Injector in 1980, which was marketed globally starting from 1983. In 1991, the company commenced exports of its casting machines. Three years later Yasui launched its electric Rotating Burnout Furnace. In 2002, the casting expert released its Digital Vacuum Wax Injection System. Ten years later Yasui rolled out its third-generation wax machine, ALTIMA.

“Yasui’s casting solutions, starting from the wax injector, were seen as pivotal in the mass production of jewelry, which consequently made jewelry accessible and affordable to many. This spurred on demand, triggering a ripple effect across precious materials suppliers, gemstone and jewelry manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers. These innovations changed the way jewelry was marketed and sold,” said Albert Cheng, a member of the JNA Awards judging panel and an advisor to the World Gold Council.

Shouzui Yasui said he couldn’t have been more surprised and delighted to be the recipient of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

“For 44 years, I have dedicated my life to the development of casting solutions for the jewelry sector. I am thrilled and deeply thankful for this significant recognition. This accolade represents what decades of hard work and determination can accomplish. It is a great honor to be the recipient of JNA’s Lifetime Achievement Award,” said Shouzui Yasui.

The fifth edition of the JNA Awards is led by Chow Tai Fook, Gemfields and Rio Tinto Diamonds as Headline Partners, with Diarough Group, the Israel Diamond Institute Group of Companies, Shanghai Diamond Exchange, Guangdong Gems & Jade Exchange, and Guangdong Land Holdings Limited as Honoured Partners. 

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‘Innovation/Sustainability’ Category Of The JNA Awards Receives Huge Response

(From top left, clockwise) Gubelin Gem Lab gemmologist at work, weld-free technology for precious metal from Shenzhen Bofook Jewellery Co Ltd, jewellery polishing at Shenzhen Xingguangda Jewelry Industrial Co Ltd, and an advanced machinery at Shenzhen Ganlu Jewellery Co Ltd

Eight jewelry companies are the finalists of the “Industry Innovation/Sustainability Initiative of the Year” category of the fifth annual JNA Awards. 

Conferred by JNA magazine (Jewellery News Asia), the awards event recognizes and celebrates companies and individuals whose passion for excellence, innovation and outstanding business performance has helped shape the growth and development of Asia's jewelry industry.

This year, the JNA Awards has consolidated two categories that are judged against a similar set of criteria. Industry Innovation of the Year and Sustainability Initiative of the Year—both standalone categories in previous years—are now known collectively as Industry Innovation/Sustainability Initiative of the Year. By refining the criteria and streamlining the categories, the JNA Awards has become "more reflective of current industry aspirations" and "maintained the relevancy and rigor of the awards," according to the awards' judging panel, which comprises of: 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. 

(From top left, clockwise) Employees at Shenzhen Foreway Jewellery Group Co Ltd participating in a blood drive; Wang Chunli, General Manager of Beijing Cai Shi Kou Department Store Co Ltd in Tibet for a charitable cause; environmental-friendly workplace at Shenzhen Y&M Jewelry Co Ltd; and Shenzhen Batar Investment Holding Group Co Ltd team completing a community walkathon

This category is open to companies that best demonstrate the impact that their innovative, corporate social responsibility or sustainable initiatives have on their respective operations and the industry at large.

The eight finalists in this category are:

* Beijing Cai Shi Kou Department Store Co Ltd
* Gübelin Gem Lab Ltd
* Shenzhen Batar Investment Holding Group Co Ltd
* Shenzhen Bofook Jewellery Co Ltd
* Shenzhen Foreway Jewellery Group Co Ltd
* Shenzhen Ganlu Jewellery Co Ltd
* Shenzhen Xingguangda Jewelry Industrial Co Ltd
* Shenzhen Y&M Jewelry Co Ltd

“Industry innovation and business sustainability are two long-term driving forces in spearheading the growth of our industry,” said Letitia Chow, founder of JNA and director of Business Development—Jewellery Group at UBM Asia. “Over the past decade, the significant growth in the jewelry business in Asia was not only a reflection of the increasing buying power from the middle-class customers, it was also the extra effort put forth by retailers, manufacturers, designers and entrepreneurs in these two areas to enable us to stay relevant and agile to the changes of the external environment.” 

The winners of the 2016 JNA Awards will be announced at the JNA Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner, which will be held on September 14, during the second day of the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair at the InterContinental Hong Kong.

The much-anticipated gala dinner is a ticketed event by application only. Interested parties can book their seats now by submitting an online application for on the JNA Awards Website.

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Finalists Announced For 2016 JNA Awards

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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Industry Experts Return to JNA Awards, Entry Deadline Extended To May 8

From left: Albert Cheng, advisor to the World Gold Council, Far East, James Courage, former chief executive of Platinum Guild International, Lin Qiang, president and managing director of the Shanghai Diamond Exchange, Nirupa Bhatt, managing director of Gemological Institute of America, India and the Middle East; and Yasukazu Suwa, chairman of Suwa & Son, Inc in Japan

Five respected names in the international jewelry industry will return as judges for the fifth annual JNA Awards.

Organized by JNA, the flagship jewelry publication of UBM Asia, the awards recognizes and celebrates excellence and achievement in the jewelry and gemstone industry, with a focus on the advancement of the trade in Asia. 

The JNA Awards 2016 is now accepting entries and interested parties can access the entry forms on the JNA Awards official website. Due to the high level of interest among first-time entrants, the organizer has extended the deadline to May 8, at 11:59 p.m., Hong Kong time. The judging process will commence immediately after the deadline until mid-June.

An independent panel of distinguished industry leaders and veterans from different countries representing key sectors of the industry is carefully selected to ensure that the judging process is fair, transparent and intellectually rigorous.

The judges for the fifth edition of the JNA Awards are: Albert Cheng, advisor to the World Gold Council, Far East, James Courage, former chief executive of Platinum Guild International, 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 in Japan.

Three of the experts have committed to their judging role since the inauguration of the Awards in 2012.

The judging panel is chaired by Letitia Chow, founder of JNA and director of Business Development – Jewellery Group at UBM Asia Ltd. 

“The JNA Awards is celebrating a five-year milestone this year, and it is my greatest pleasure to invite back this group of distinguished experts to our judging panel,” Chow said. “This year stands to be more challenging than before since we are anticipating a record number of entries, requiring even more attention and expertise from our judges.”

The JNA Awards 2016 has Rio Tinto Diamonds and Chow Tai Fook as its Headline Partners, with Diarough Group, Israel Diamond Institute Group of Companies, Shanghai Diamond Exchange (SDE), and Guangdong Land Holdings Limited serving as Honoured Partners.

The shortlisted entrants will be announced on June 23 at a press conference held on the first day of the June Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, and will be feted on September 14 at the JNA Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner during the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair. 

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JNA Awards Reveals 2016 Judging Criteria, Opens Online Registration

The judging criteria for the fifth edition of the annual JNA Awards is finalized and online registration is open to give companies and individuals from the jewelry and gemstone industry more time to review the entry rules and criteria before the submission period begins in early March.

The JNA Awards, organized by the publication Jewellery News Asia, is regarded as one of the jewelry and gemstone industry’s highest honors, recognizing enterprises and individuals that have demonstrated excellence, leadership, innovation and have made positive contributions to their businesses and communities, with a focus on achievements in Asia.

“As organizer of the JNA Awards, we find it very promising to see steady growth in quality entries over the past four years,” said Letitia Chow, founder of JNA, director of Business Development - Jewellery Group at UBM Asia, and chair of the JNA Awards judging panel. “We are also opening registration early to enable interested parties to study the categories and determine which are most appropriate to them prior to the submission period.”

Chow added that the geographical region of the awards has been expanded to include Greater China and Korea and the manufacturing categories have been consolidated. 

“It is very encouraging to see the JNA Awards continuously making improvements on the criteria and entry procedure to make the judging process more efficient and more reflective of current industry aspirations,” said Albert Cheng, World Gold Council advisor and JNA Awards judge.

“A constant refinement of the judging criteria is crucial in maintaining the relevancy and rigor of the awards; helping the judges to better assess, compare and select the best entries,” added James Courage, JNA Awards judging panel member since its inception in 2012.

The JNA Awards 2016 is supported by Headline Partners Rio Tinto Diamonds and Chow Tai Fook, together with Diarough Group, the Israel Diamond Institute Group of Companies, Shanghai Diamond Exchange, and Guangdong Land Holdings Limited serving as Honoured Partners.

The period for the submission of entries will run from March to April 2016. Click here to register online and review all the category criteria and rules of entry. 

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JNA Awards Presents New Categories For 2016

The JNA Awards, now in its fifth year, has announced changes to its award categories for 2016. 

The organizer of the annual event, Jewellery News Asia, adjusted a few award categories to encourage greater participation from more regions and at the same time consolidate some categories that are judged against a similar set of criteria. 

The JNA Awards, which recognizes innovative and high-achieving individuals and enterprises, will have 11 categories in 2016, including the Lifetime Achievement Award—who will be selected by Jewellery News Asia.

The award categories for 2016 are as follows:

* Lifetime Achievement Award
* Brand of the Year - Retail    
* Industry Innovation/Sustainability Initiative of the Year 
* Manufacturer of the Year - Cutting & Polishing
* Manufacturer of the Year - Jewellery  
* Outstanding Enterprise of the Year - ASEAN/Korea 
* Outstanding Enterprise of the Year - India   
* Outstanding Enterprise of the Year - Greater China     
* Retailer of the Year (450 outlets and below) 
* E-tailer of the Year   
* Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Age 40 and below) 

The two Manufacturer of the Year categories have been broadened to encourage wider involvement from that sector, says UBM Asia, which owns Jewellery News Asia publishing group. The scope of the Outstanding Enterprise of the Year categories has been expanded to inspire companies from regions outside of the ASEAN and Mainland China to join the awards.

“As the organizer, we challenge ourselves each year to improve the event and attract more qualified entries,” said Letitia Chow, founder of JNA, director of Business Development— Jewellery Group at UBM Asia, and Chair of the JNA Awards judging panel. “We also listen to the voices of industry and respond to their feedback. A few categories that have similar judging criteria have been combined and will make these categories more competitive.”

She added, “We have expanded the Outstanding Enterprise of the Year category to include companies in Korea and Greater China. Hence, companies in Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan have the opportunity to enter this category and share and showcase their best business practices.”

Since its inception in 2012, the JNA Awards has dedicated its efforts to promoting the achievements of industry stakeholders, raising industry standards and upholding best business practices.

The JNA Awards 2016 has Rio Tinto Diamonds and Chow Tai Fook as its Headline Partners, with Diarough Group, Israel Diamond Institute Group of Companies (IDI), Shanghai Diamond Exchange, and Guangdong Land Holdings Limited (GDLAND) serving as Honoured Partners.

For more information, visit www.JNAawards.com or contact:
JNA Awards Marketing 
UBM Asia (Hong Kong) 
+852 2516-2184 
marketing@JNAawards.com

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2015 JNA Awards Honors Leadership And Innovation

The JNA Awards, one of the world’s most prestigious honors in the gemstone and jewelry sector, celebrated enterprises and individuals whose ambitions have helped elevate the industry and inspired others. 

The top recipient this year was Ou Yang Chiu Mei, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award, JNA’s highest honor. This tribute is presented to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the gemstone and jewelry industry.

Ou Yang is an internationally acclaimed gemologist and mineralogist whose research, scientific discoveries and knowledge application have contributed to the growth and development of the jadeite trade.

Her long list of accomplishments includes identifying a new mineral in the Burmese jadeite group, defining the official terminology for jade, identifying the presence of enhancement and treatment of jade in Hong Kong and producing a set of criteria for identifying and grading different jade types. Her passionate pursuit of knowledge has earned her the title “Jade Lady” among industry insiders.

Organized by the jewelry industry publication, JNA (Jewellery News Asia), the awards gala dinner was the centerpiece of a year-long effort to recognize individuals and companies that have distinguished themselves in the jewelry industry. The event—which included cocktails, dinner, speeches by industry leaders, entertainment and the award presentations—was attended by more than 500 industry stakeholders at the Regal Airport Hotel in Hong Kong, and was held on the sidelines of the world’s No. 1 fine jewelry B2B show, the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair.

The JNA Awards honors exceptional leadership and world-class innovation in the jewelry and gemstone industry. The 18 award recipients across 15 categories were:

1. 3 Decades of Excellence: Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association
2. Brand of the Year – Retail: Chii Lih Coral Co Ltd
3. Employer of the Year: Phu Nhuan Jewelry Joint Stock Co
4. Industry Innovation of the Year:
China Stone Co Ltd
Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Ltd
Shenzhen United BlueOcean Technology Development Co Ltd
Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt Ltd
5. Manufacturer of the Year – Gemstone Cutting & Polishing: RMC Gems India Ltd
6. Manufacturer of the Year – Diamond Cutting & Polishing: Hari Krishna Exports Pvt Ltd
7. Manufacturer of the Year – Gem-Set Jewellery: Lorenzo Jewelry Ltd
8. Manufacturer of the Year – Precious Metals-Only Jewellery: Shenzhen Ganlu Jewelry Co Ltd
9. Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – ASEAN Countries: PANDORA Production Co Ltd
10. Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – India: J. B. And Brothers Pvt Ltd
11. Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – Mainland China: Shenzhen Batar Investment
Holding Group Co Ltd
12. Retailer of the Year (450 outlets and below): Golden dew Co Ltd
13. E-tailer of the Year: KELA
14. Sustainability Initiative of the Year: Shenzhen Xingguangda Jewelry Industrial Co Ltd
15. Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Age 40 or below): Sit Kwan - Shenzhen Bofook Jewellery Co Ltd

“As you can imagine, going through the rigorous judging process and be named as one of our honorees is an outstanding achievement in itself,” said Letitia Chow, founder of JNA, director of Business Development – Jewellery Group at UBM Asia and chair of the JNA Awards judging panel. “Each year, the honorees demonstrate how we can do business in a smarter, more creative and efficient way. They refuse to be complacent by displaying great resilience and forward thinking, and embracing challenges with an open mind.”

She continued, “With the JNA Awards, we help create a new culture of encouragement, recognition and celebration rather than competition. Collectively, we can reach higher grounds, and we want the world to understand us–the jewelry industry–better.”

The fourth annual JNA Awards was supported by Headline Partners Rio Tinto Diamonds and Chow Tai Fook, together with Honoured Partners Diarough Group, Gübelin Group, Israel Diamond Institute Group of Companies, Shanghai Diamond Exchange and Guangdong Land Holdings Ltd. 

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‘Jade Lady’ Mimi Ou Yang To Receive JNA Lifetime Achievement Award

Mimi Ou Yang

Jewellery News Asia has announced that Professor Mimi Ou Yang—affectionately known as “The Jade Lady”—will be honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the fourth annual JNA Awards. Ou Yang is an internationally renowned gemologist, mineralogist and jade expert who founded the Hong Kong Gems Laboratory and H.K. Institute of Gemmology.

“With her inquisitive mind, dedication and hard work, she has made the jadeite trade more transparent, promoted high ethical standards among industry practitioners, inspired consumer confidence, and contributed to cementing the jadeite sector’s status in the international market,” said Letitia Chow, chair of the JNA Awards Judging Panel. “Professor Ou Yang exemplifies the true values of what JNA Awards promotes.”

Since 1978, Ou Yang has devoted herself to the academic research of Fei Cui Jade. For years, she travelled to Myanmar’s mining areas, collecting and studying jade samples. In 1983, she was the first to discover a terrestrial source of Ureyite while doing her research on Burmese jadeite jade. This stood out as her proudest accomplishment. Her unprecedented discovery sent shockwaves through the field of mineralogy and firmly established her academic standing as a mineralogist.

In addition to her contributions to academic research, Ou Yang played a significant role in the development of the jadeite jade market. In the early 1980s, the emergence of artificially treated and dyed jadeite jade led Ou Yang to pioneer the classification system of Fei Cui Jade treatment (“A type,” “B type,” “C type” and “B+C type”) and introduce the earliest use of Infrared Spectroscopy for B Type jadeite jade identification. In addition, she proposed a systematic approach—4C2T1V principle—for quality evaluation of Fei Cui Jade, which is now commonly used by jewelry companies and auction houses.

Ou Yang has dedicated her life to spreading jade knowledge and promoting the status and recognition of Fei Cui Jade as a precious gemstone in the international market. Her accomplishments included creating the term “Fei Cui Jade,” which significantly improved the understanding of Fei Cui Jade and the trade’s reputation among consumers.

Ou Yang also is an educator who trained and nurtured countless numbers of jewelry talents through the development of a Fei Cui Jade program and her publications.

“It is my deepest honour to be the recipient of JNA’s Lifetime Achievement Award,” Ou Yang said. “The path to becoming a Fei Cui Jade scholar was not an easy one. I am thrilled to finally receive recognition from the industry following years of hard work and perseverance. This award, while giving me tremendous pleasure, also serves as an inspiration to all the other scholars to continually serve the industry with their professional knowledge and expertise.”

Ou Yang will receive the award during the the JNA Awards 2015 Ceremony and Gala Dinner, which will be held September 20, at the Regal Airport Hotel Hong Kong.

JNA Awards 2015 is led by Rio Tinto Diamonds and Chow Tai Fook as Headline Partners, with Diarough Group, Gübelin Group, Israel Diamond Institute Group of Companies, Shanghai Diamond Exchange, and Guangdong Land Holdings Limited as Honoured Partners. 

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JNA Awards Names Judges

(From left) James Courage, Albert Cheng, Lin Qiang, Nirupa Bhatt and Yasukazu Suwa

The JNA Awards has named its judges for the annual competition and they are all leaders in the international jewelry industry. Three judges have been on the panel since the event’s launch in 2012. They are James Courage, chairman of the Responsible Jewellery Council; Albert Cheng, managing director of the World Gold Council, Far East; and Lin Qiang, president and managing director of the Shanghai Diamond Exchange. Nirupa Bhatt, managing director of GIA India and the Middle East. Joining them this year for the first time is Yasukazu Suwa, chairman of Suwa & Son, Inc.

The JNA Awards honors companies and individuals that have demonstrated excellence and innovation in the jewelry and gemstone industry, with a focus on their accomplishments in the Asian region. It is organized by Jewellery News Asia, the most influential jewelry trade magazine in Asia.

“We are truly grateful to have such a distinguished group of experts on this year’s judging panel. We look forward to working with them in recognizing and identifying unique business models, innovative ideas and exceptional visions,” said Letitia Chow, founder of JNA and director of Business Development – Jewellery Group at UBM Asia.

The JNA Awards will culminate with a ceremony and gala dinner on September 20 at the Regal Airport Hotel Hong Kong, which will be held during the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair 2015. 

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JNA Awards Deadline Extended Till May 7

The organizers of the JNA Awards have extended the application deadline for another week until May 7 (Midnight Hong Kong time). The awards program recognizes and honors outstanding individuals and companies from around the world whose business practices have had a positive impact on the Asian region and the gemstone and jewelry industry.

It is sponsored by Jewellery News Asia, the biggest jewelry trade magazine in Asia, and a division of tradeshow and publishing group UBM Asia. 

Applicants can select from the following 15 award categories:

1. Lifetime Achievement Award (nominated by the organiser)
2. 3 Decades of Excellence
3. Brand of the Year – Retail
4. Employer of the Year
5. Industry Innovation of the Year
6. Manufacturer of the Year – Coloured Gemstone Cutting & Polishing
7. Manufacturer of the Year – Diamond Cutting & Polishing
8. Manufacturer of the Year – Gem-Set Jewellery
9. Manufacturer of the Year – Precious Metals-Only Jewellery
10. Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – ASEAN Countries
11. Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – India
12. Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – Mainland China
13. Retailer of the Year (450 outlets and below)
14. E-tailer of the Year
15. Sustainability Initiative of the Year
16. Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Age 40 and below)

Judging will run from May 8 till mid-June. The announcement of finalists will be presented on June 25. The winners will be announced and honored at the JNA Awards Ceremony & Gala Dinner on September 20, held during the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair 2015. 

For more information, visit www.JNAawards.com.

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