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. 

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes website.

6,500 Buyers Attended Jewellery & Gem Fair - Europe 2015; 2016 Dates Announced

The second edition of Jewellery & Gem Fair – Europe attracted more than 6,500 jewelry professionals from around the world, of which over 4,500 were buyers from 87 countries and regions.

The jewelry trade fair, held March 22 - 25 at Messe Freiburg, Germany, also attracted 445 exhibitors from 28 countries and regions, according to UBM Asia, which owns and operates the event.

“JGF Europe is positioned as an effective trading platform for mid- to high-end jewelry,” said Wolfram Diener, Senior VP, UBM Asia. “We believe that JGF Europe fills the gap in the European trade fair calendar; it gives European buyers the opportunity to source effectively from suppliers from around the world without having to travel to overseas trade shows. With the participation of over 4,500 buyers, this shows that JGF Europe addresses a market need.”

The majority of visitors came from Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy, China, Belgium, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Brazil and Austria. There were 1,801 buyers from Germany, while Switzerland ranked the second with 309 buyers, up 17.5 percent compared to last year. The top 10 visiting countries account for 70 percent of the total number of visitors.

Meanwhile, exhibitors were from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Mauritius, the Netherlands, Poland, Russian Federation, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates and the United States. In addition, nine group pavilions representing Antwerp, ACODES, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Mauritius, Thailand and the United States.

Dates for the 2016 edition of the fair are March 19 – 22. “We believe that this will enable smaller jewelry retailers or jewelrs from the peripheral area of Freiburg to have sufficient time to visit the fair,” Diener said.

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes website.

2015 Met Gala Jewelry Highlights

The red carpet showcase for the annual Met Costume Institute Gala Monday was so big, so bold, so beautiful and so fashionable that it made the annual Oscars red carpet look like a small-town tea party.

The glamorous event serves as the annual fundraising gala for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute in New York City. The gala's theme this year was “China: Through the Looking Glass,” and under Anna Wintour’s leadership, the red carpet was ablaze with some of the most beautiful women on earth wearing the custom designs of the biggest names in fashion. 

Jewels also sparkled on the flaming carpet and the highlights included the following:

Actress Fan Bingbing (top photo) in Chopard yellow diamond earrings from the High Jewelry Collection featuring 26.53-carats of oval and pear-shaped fancy yellow diamonds set in 18k yellow gold; and a yellow diamond ring from the High Jewelry Collection featuring a 2.71-carat yellow diamond set in platinum.

Actress Jaime King in Forevermark Exceptional Diamond Jewelry, including Drop Earrings with Pear and Round Shaped Forevermark Diamonds set in platinum; 6.06-carat Ring with Cushion Cut Forevermark Exceptional Diamond set in platinum; a 12.10-carat ring with an Asscher cut Forevermark Exceptional Diamond set in platinum; Forevermark by Norman Silverman 23.14-carat Line Bracelet with Cushion Cut Forevermark Diamonds set in platinum; Forevermark by Norman Silverman Triple Row Diamond Band with Round Brilliant Forevermark Diamonds set in 18k white gold; and Forevermark by Galili and Co. Diamond Line Bracelet with Round Brilliant Forevermark Diamonds set in 18k white gold

Actress Kerry Washington in Winston Cluster Diamond Earrings, 18.84 carats, set in platinum, and an 8.14-carat Cushion-Cut Diamond Ring

Actress Kate Beckinsale in Carrera y Carrera yellow gold black onyx fringe earrings and yellow gold ring

Actress Katie Holmes in Chopard diamond chandelier earrings from the High Jewelry Collection set in 18k white gold; a Chopard sapphire ring from the High Jewelry Collection featuring a 10.40-carat pear-shaped sapphire and 0.94-carats of diamonds set in 18k white gold; and four Chopard diamond bracelets that she stacked on her left arm – all from the High Jewelry Collection and set in 18k white gold

Model Liya Kebede in Harry Winston’s Qipao Qipao Diamond Choker, with 1,155 diamonds weighing 55.9 carats, set in platinum; and the Qipao Diamond Bracelet, 252 diamonds weighing 51.6 carats, set in platinum

Actress Sarah Jessica Parker was adorned in Fred Leighton, including Old European Diamond Drop Earrings by Fred Leighton (10 total carats); 19th Century Diamond Riviere worn as bracelet wrapped around wrist; 19th Century Emerald and Diamond Bracelet; Art Deco Diamond Bracelet; 19th Century Old Mine Diamond Cluster Ring

Jennifer Lopez in Sutra ruby fan earrings, Ivy ruby ring, Harry Kotlar 8 karat diamond ring and a Jack Vartanian diamond ring

Supermodel Joan Smalls in Chopard diamond earrings from the High Jewelry Collection featuring a 3.04-carat emerald-cut diamond and a 3.05-carat emerald-cut diamond set in 18k white gold

Model Shu Pei in Harry Winston’s Secret Cluster Ruby and Diamond Drop Earrings, 10.78 carats, set in 18k yellow gold and platinum; Winston Cluster Diamond Ring, set in platinum; and the Lily Cluster Diamond Ring set in 18k yellow gold

Model Jessica Hart in Sutra ruby fan earrings, Carrera y Carrera yellow gold dragon bracelet and yellow gold ring

Actress Zoe Kravitz in a variety of Chopard High Jewelry Collection pieces, including diamond and 18k white gold earrings; a diamond ring set in 18k white gold; a diamond ring featuring two 1.53-carats heart-shaped diamonds and 1.46-carats of round-shaped diamonds set in 18k white gold; a diamond ring band featuring 3.27-carats of diamonds set in 18k white gold; a diamond ring with a 1.05-carat pear-shaped diamond, and a 1.08-carat pear-shaped diamond set in 18k white gold; and a selection of five diamond eternity bands from the featuring over 27 carats of diamonds set in platinum and white gold

Lady Gaga in Coral, Black Jade and Diamond Pendant Earrings by Fred Leighton; and an 18k Yellow Gold, Diamond and Black Enamel Modernist Ring 

Singer Janelle Monae in Jack Vartanian diamond earrings, Le Vian rings, a Carla Amorim diamond bracelet and diamond rings and a Casa Reale diamond ring

Supermodel Adriana Lima in Chopard diamond earrings from the High Jewelry Collection featuring 7.01-carats of brilliant-cut diamonds set in 18k white gold; a rubellite ring from the Temptations Collection featuring 50.73-carats of pear-shaped rubellite, 3.20-carats of rubies and 1.27-carats of diamonds set in 18k white gold; a diamond band from the High Jewelry Collection featuring 2.65-carats of diamonds set in platinum; and a diamond bracelet from the L’Heure Du Diamant Collection featuring 7.29-carats of brilliant cut diamonds set in 18k white gold

Actress Claire Danes in Fred Leighton, including Art Deco Natural Pearl and Diamond Pendant Earrings; two Art Deco Diamond Bracelets; and an Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Bracelet  

Actress-singer Zendaya in a Lydia Courteille ring, Jack Vartanian black diamond studs, Pasquale Bruni snake diamond ring and Casa Reale diamond stackable rings

Actress Diane Kruger in a Fred Leighton Art Deco Old Mine Diamond and Ruby Bracelet

Lizzy Caplan in Jack Vartanian gold fringe earrings and Carla Amorim ruby ring.

Model Kendall Jenner in Chopard pear-shaped diamond drop earrings from the High Jewelry Collection, featuring 5.63-carats of pear-shaped diamonds and 2.13-carats of brilliant-cut diamonds set in platinum

Model Karolina Kurkova wears Fred Leighton including a Mother of Pearl and Diamond Lotus Flower Earrings by Fred Leighton; and a 19th Century Yellow Gold and Old Mine Diamond Floral Cluster Ring 1960’s Diamond Thistle Ring                     

Model Karlie Kloss in Fred Leighton, including Carved Jade and Diamond Earrings by Fred Leighton; Onyx and Diamond Bracelets; and Art Deco Carved Emerald and Diamond Ring  

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes website.

A Dozen Blooming Jewelry Gifts For The Mother Who Loves You

Lydia Courteille rose earrings in 18K white gold with tsavorites and fancy sapphires.  www.lydiacourteille.com

To this day whenever I board an airplane my mother has a mild conniption. That’s just the way it is—mothers worry about their kids no matter how old. It’s part of who they are.

McTeigue & McClelland Dandelion Earrings with crystal drops (each set with one round brilliant-cut diamonds). The earrings are in 18k bloomed yellow gold and platinum with hand applied green enamel. www.mc2jewels.com

So instead of doing the easy thing of giving her flowers this year, why not by her a bouquet of jewelry, or at least a rose-themed jewelry piece?

Dannini Victoria rose ring with a ear-shaped ruby, wrapped in rose gold petals, accented by pavé-set diamonds atop a heart-shaped stem of white gold. www.dannini.com 

Below are 12 flowery suggestions along with links to the websites on how they can be purchased. They range in price and availability but not in quality.

Piaget 18k rose gold set with two brilliant-cut diamonds and a carved pink opal. www.piaget.com

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes website.

14k yellow gold Art Nouveau Enamel Rose Pin Pendant is shaded from soft cream at the center to dusty rose, and set at center with a 0.10 carat diamond. Available at Aaron Faber Gallery, New York. www.aaronfaber.com

Mary Esses Rose Ring features a bouquet of roses, in a signature knot ring, framed by oval pavé-set diamonds, set in 18k rose gold. www.maryesses.com

Mattioli Arcimboldino ring in rose gold, with citrine, amethyst, rhodolite and tourmaline. www.mattioligioielli.it

Sara Weinstock Gold Flower Stud earrings with white diamonds. www.saraweinstock.com

Le Vian Strawberry Gold Florets Ring in 14k gold with Chocolate and Vanilla Diamonds. www.levian.com

Borgioni Garden Rose Stud Earrings in 18K rose gold, pave diamond rose stud earrings. www.borgionis.com

Leibish Multicolor Couture Rosecut Diamond Bracelet with 112 diamonds (54.84 ctw.) set 18k gold. www.leibish.com

Montblanc Boheme Date Automatic Watch in 18k rose gold and 62 small diamonds. www.montblanc.com

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.

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes website.

Historic Pink Diamond And 25-Carat Cartier Ruby Could Each Fetch $18 Million At Sotheby’s Geneva

The Historic Pink Diamond

Sotheby’s auction of Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels in Geneva will likely serves as a test of the strength of the auction market for jewelry, which has had some lackluster sales recently. The May 12 sale at the Hôtel Beau-Rivage includes an historic pink diamond, an important ruby, several significant Cartier pieces and five bejeweled tiaras. 

The sale is led by two gems. The first is the 8.72-carat “Historic Pink,” which the auction house describes as an “extremely rare and highly important” Fancy Vivid Pink diamond. According to the Gemological Institute of America, it’s believed to have been part of the collection of Princess Mathilde, the niece of Napoleon Bonaparte. The stone, which has VS2 clarity, is also distinguished by its classic non-modified cushion cut, unusual in a pink diamond, Sotheby’s said. 

The pre-sale estimate is $14 to $18 million. 

The Sunrise Ruby by Cartier

The 25.59-carat “Sunrise Ruby” by Cartier is described as a “unique treasure of nature” by the Swiss Gemmological Institute. The ruby has not received any heat treatment and the color is described by that famous auction moniker for exceptional rubies, “pigeon’s blood” red: the rarest and most sought-after of hues.

Its estimate is $12 million to $18 million.

Diamond necklace by Cartier 

It is one of four jewels by Cartier from the same private collection. The other statement piece is a diamond necklace of more than 190 carats. Custom-made for the owner, it is designed as a cascade of diamonds, the front accented with a floral motif and suspending a fringe of nine pear-shaped stones. Its estimate is $6 to $10 million. 

Kashmir sapphire and diamond brooch, Cartier

The other pieces are a brooch set with a 30.23-carat Kashmir sapphire (estimate: $3.5 million - $6 million); and sapphire and diamond earrings, made with two Burmese Mogok sapphires of 15.77 and 16.90 carats (estimate: $800,000 - $1.2 million). 

Diamond Cartier tiara, 1930s 

Provenance is a constant theme of this sale and one of the most important items of Noble ownership is a collection of jewels that includes three tiaras from the Estate of Mary, Duchess of Roxburghe. They are led by a piece created by Cartier in the 1930s (estimate: $300,000 – $500,000); and intricate tiara/necklace composed of fleurs de lys and confronting scroll motifs, swing-set with a graduated row of twenty superb pear-shaped diamonds (estimate: $300,000 – $500,000); and a delicate ruby and diamond creation (estimate: $80,000 – 100,000).

Mary, Duchess of Roxburghe is the granddaughter of Rothschild heiress Hannah and British Prime Minister the Earl of Rosebery, whose wedding to the Duke of Roxburghe brought together two of Britain’s great aristocratic families, according to the auction house. 

In addition to the three tiaras from the Roxburghe Estate, the auction will offer a two other tiaras for a total of five very fine pieces in a single sale, which is extremely rare, according to the auction house.

Diamond tiara necklace, 1880s

From the Collection of the Earl of Mar and Kellie, a diamond tiara/necklace, designed in the style of a “tiare russe,” dating back to the 1880s and drawing inspiration from the Russian kokoshniks—traditional fan- shaped head ornaments inspired by the cockscomb. This tiara was worn by the 12th Countess of Mar at the coronation of King Edward VII in 1902 (estimate: $150,000 – $295,000).

The fifth tiara is one made of emeralds and diamonds dating to the early 20th century. The piece is designed as two lines of circular-cut diamonds, surmounted with scroll and fleur de lys motifs, the scrolls topped with drop-shaped emeralds (estimate: $40,000 - $60,000).

No auction is complete these days without at least one signature natural pearl necklace. In this case the jewel is composed of two graduated rows strung with 78 natural pearls ($3 million - $5 million).

There was a noted decline in the number of lots being sold along with their value during auctions in April. For example, Sotheby’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels & Jadeite sale saw nearly a third of its lots go unsold—unheard of in recent years. Christie’s New York Magnificent Jewels sale fared a little better with 77 percent of the items sold by (meaning nearly a quarter of the lots went unsold) and 77 percent sold by value, compared with estimates.

A large diamond at Christie’s New York in April was pulled halfway through the auction and several other items didn’t make the reserve price.

Most recently, Sotheby’s New York Magnificent Jewels sale bucked the negative trend with 80 percent of items sold by lot and nearly 85 percent sold by value with 10 jewels selling for more than $1 million. In a nod to the modern way of doing business, four of the top 10 items were sold to online bidders.

The Geneva jewelry auctions are often the most highly anticipated sales on the calendar and Sotheby’s and Christie’s are presenting highly sought after pieces in all categories. So next month will determine whether the slowdown was a temporary occurrence or here to stay. 

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes website.

Gubelin Group Renews Its Support of JNA Awards

The Gubelin Group—known for its handcrafted gold and gem-set fine jewelry, gemological laboratory and the Gubelin Academy for gemological education—is returning as an “Honored Partner” of the JNA Awards for the third consecutive year.

The Switzerland-based company joins Headline Partners Rio Tinto and Chow Tai Fook, and other Honored Partners Diarough Group, Israel Diamond Institute Group of Companies, Shanghai Diamond Exchange and Guangdong Land Holdings Limited in supporting one of the industry's most prestigious and widely respected awards initiatives.

The JNA Awards is organized by Hong Kong-based jewelry trade magazine, Jewellery News Asia, a subsidiary of tradeshow and publishing group, UBM Asia. The JNA Awards recognizes and honors outstanding companies from around the world whose business practices have had a positive impact on the Asian region and the gemstone and jewelry industry. 

“We are very delighted to support JNA Awards 2015, probably the most important event of the year for the jewelry industry,” said Raphael Gubelin, CEO and board member of the Gubelin Group. “It is an occasion to catch up with old friends, strengthen relationships, and discuss recent innovations and new ideas or products.”

“Gubelin has long been recognized as a company that consistently strives for excellence and has a deep commitment to the highest standards—values that the JNA Awards is set out to promote in the jewelry and gemstone industry,” added Letitia Chow, founder of JNA and director of Business Development—Jewellery Group at UBM Asia.

Established in 1854, Gubelin is a family owned business now led by sixth-generation members with operations covering jewelry manufacturing, retail, gemstone testing, and most recently, a gemstone education academy. Headquartered in Lucerne, Switzerland, Gubelin has nine boutiques in locations across Switzerland, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong. In 2013, Gubelin further grew its presence in Asia, with the inauguration of its VIP Salon and the opening of the Gubelin Academy in Hong Kong, which offers courses aimed at trade professionals, private clients and connoisseurs of colored gemstones.

The group also operates its world-renowned Gubelin Gem Lab, one of the world's oldest and most respected institutions of its kind, which is widely trusted by gemstone dealers, jewellery retailers, auction houses, royal families and private collectors since the 1920s.

JNA Awards 2015 is now accepting entries until 30 April, 24:00 Hong Kong time. The awards ceremony will be held on Sunday, 20 September, during the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair 2015, at the Regal Airport Hotel in Hong Kong, where the Recipients in 16 award categories will be announced.

For more information about the JNA Awards, including the full list of 2015 award categories, visit www.JNAawards.com or contact:

JNA Awards Marketing 
UBM Asia (Hong Kong) 
+852 2516-1683
marketing@jnaawards.com

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes website.