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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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

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JNA Awards Unveils 16 Competitive Jewelry Industry Categories for 2015

The JNA Awards, the annual industry-wide event that honors innovators, leaders and outstanding enterprises of the international jewelry and gemstone industry with a focus on their contributions in Asia, has released its 16 award categories for 2015.

Organized by jewelry trade publication, Jewellery News Asia, JNA Awards 2015 will hold competitions in 16 categories. The number is unchanged from last year but the organizers said they made adjustments to encourage more companies and individuals to participate in the awards program.

The list of categories for 2015 is as follows:

* Lifetime Achievement Award
* 3 Decades of Excellence
* Brand of the Year - Retail
* Employer of the Year
* Industry Innovation of the Year
* Manufacturer of the Year - Coloured Gemstone Cutting & Polishing
* Manufacturer of the Year - Diamond Cutting & Polishing
* Manufacturer of the Year - Gem-Set Jewellery
* Manufacturer of the Year - Precious Metals-Only Jewellery
* Outstanding Enterprise of the Year - ASEAN Countries
* Outstanding Enterprise of the Year - India
* Outstanding Enterprise of the Year - Mainland China
* Retailer of the Year (450 outlets and below)
* E-tailer of the Year
* Sustainability Initiative of the Year
* Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Age 40 and below)

Individuals or companies may submit their entries or may be nominated by others by completing the online application form available at the JNA awards website. Deadline for submissions will be midnight (Hong Kong time) April 30.

An international panel will judge the entries starting from May to mid-June. The shortlisted candidates will be announced on June 25 and will be feted together with the award recipients at the JNA Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner on September 17, during the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair 2015.

“Entering the fourth year of the JNA Awards, we have broadened the categories to encourage the participation of a wider jewelry community,” said Letitia Chow, founder of JNA and director of Business Development - Jewellery Group at UBM Asia. “Specifically, we have expanded the scope in Innovation of the Year Award to include other business disciplines beyond the manufacturing sector. We welcome companies that are innovative in areas, including but not limited to, technologies, business models, product developments, marketing initiatives and gemological research to enter.”

She added “We have also reintroduced the 3 Decades of Excellence Award to honor companies with outstanding achievements and a long-term commitment to developing the industry.”

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

For more information about the event, visit www.JNAawards.com or contact:

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

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Anoop Mehta to Receive JNA Lifetime Achievement Award

Anoop Mehta

Anoop Mehta, president of the Bharat Diamond Bourse, will be presented the JNA Lifetime Achievement Award, during the September Hong Kong Gem & Jewellery Fair. 

The award is one of the highest accolades in the global jewelry and gemstone industry and the most esteemed tribute conferred by the JNA Awards—organized by trade publication, Jewellery News Asia—which honors innovators and leaders of the international jewelry industry in manufacturing, branding, retailing, best business practice, innovation, sustainability and outstanding contribution.

Mehta will receive the award at the JNA Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner on September 16 at the InterContinental Hong Kong. It is a ticketed event.

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes visionary leaders who have made significant contributions to the jewelry industry, particularly in Asia. Past recipients included Nicky Oppenheimer, former chairman of De Beers Group, and Leung Sik Wah, honorary life president of the Diamond Federation of Hong Kong, China and chairman of the Hong Kong Jewellers’ & Goldsmiths’ Association.

“Anoop Mehta is recognized for his vision and strong commitment to the growth of the diamond industry,” said Letitia Chow, chair of the JNA Awards Judging Panel. “He has stepped up to lead and steer the Bharat Diamond Bourse to a successful launch. The diamond exchange has since been branded as the world’s largest. This is an endeavor that requires exceptional leadership and great courage, and takes a pioneer to accomplish.”

“This award is testament to the remarkable teams of people that I have had the privilege to work with in order to bring the Bharat Diamond Bourse to full operation," Mehta said. "The diamond exchange is the result of the collective effort of many. I would like to dedicate this award to these exemplary individuals who have made a difference to the diamond industry.”

Mehta joined the jewelry industry at a young age through the family business. He has since worked to foster the growth of the industry by promoting and developing the diamond trade for more than 30 years, with the BDB being his most high-profile achievement.

Inaugurated in 2010, the bourse is a service-oriented, non-profit organization devoted to establishing infrastructural facilities for the promotion of diamond trading, as well as reinforcing India’s role as an international diamond trading hub for manufacturers, brokers and agents.

Mehta has also been associated with the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council for several years and is on the committee of the Diamond Exporters Association Ltd. He also serves as Chairman and Managing Director of Mohit Diamonds Private Ltd and is a partner at Mohanlal Raichand& Sons, one of the oldest diamond businesses in India.

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Bhatt and Boyajian Named as Judges for JNA Awards

Nirupa Bhatt

Nirupa Bhatt, managing director of Gemological Institute of America in India and the Middle East, and Bill Boyajian, founder and president of Bill Boyajian & Associates, round out the panel of judges for the JNA Awards. 

Bill Boyajian

The annual awards program, now in its third year, pays tribute and recognizes companies and individuals that have demonstrated excellence, strong corporate and social responsibility, and set high standards in the Asian jewelry and gemstone trade. The awards program is organized by Jewellery News Asia, the largest and most important jewelry trade publication in Asia.

They will join James Courage, CEO of Platinum Guild International; Albert Cheng, managing director of the World Gold Council, Far East; and Lin Qiang, president and managing director of the Shanghai Diamond Exchange as judges.

Bhatt has received several global honors for her contributions to the gemstone and jewelry industry. Her role with GIA has taken her to over 60 locations across India, Turkey and the Middle East. She is also a member of the Board of Directors of the All India Gem and Jewellery Trade Federation, and Gem and Jewellery Skill Council of India, as well as an invitee to the marketing committee of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council. It is the second consecutive year she served as a judge for the JNA Awards.

Boyajian was president of the GIA from 1986 to 2006 and is one of the global gem and jewelry industry's most well-known experts. With Bill Boyajian & Associates, Inc., he consults for a variety of companies both in and out of the jewelry trade. He is author of the book “Developing the Mind of a Leader - Your Path to Lead and Inspire People,” and is a sought-after speaker and coach.

The JNA Awards 2014 will culminate with a ceremony and gala dinner on September 16, at the InterContinental Hong Kong, during the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair. The Awards has Rio Tinto Diamonds and Chow Tai Fook as “Headline Partners,” with Diarough Group, Gubelin Group, Israel Diamond Institute, KARP Group, Paspaley Pearling Company and SDE as “Honoured Partners.”

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April 17 Deadline for 2014 JNA Awards

The deadline for the JNA Awards is arriving fast for those individuals and companies who are still considering whether to enter the largest and most important jewelry awards event in Asia. 

The deadline for submitting applications is midnight (Hong Kong time) April 17. The JNA Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner will be held September 17 at the InterContinental Hotel, Hong Kong, during the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair.

Application forms and criteria can be accessed by visiting our website at www.JNAawards.com. Similar to last year, all entry forms are in English and applications will be completed in English. To facilitate Chinese-speaking countries, there is Chinese translation for key website pages. Entry forms must be submitted online and each applicant can only enter up to a maximum of three categories. 

There will be 16 categories this year, including a new category that spotlights the ASEAN region. The full list of JNA Awards 2014 categories is as follows:

* Lifetime Achievement Award
* Outstanding Contribution of the Year
* Brand of the Year – Retail
* Employer of the Year
* Industry Innovation of the Year - Manufacturing - Business
* Industry Innovation of the Year - Manufacturing - Technology
* Manufacturer of the Year - Diamond Cutting and Polishing
* Manufacturer of the Year - Gem-set Jewelry
* Manufacturer of the Year - Precious Metal Only Jewelry
* Outstanding Enterprise of the Year - ASEAN Countries
* Outstanding Enterprise of the Year - India
* Outstanding Enterprise of the Year - Mainland China
* Retailer of the Year
* E-tailer of the Year
* Sustainability Initiative of the Year
* Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Age 40 and below)

The competition is organized by Jewellery News Asia, Asia’s leading jewelry trade publication. The annual JNA Awards, entering its third year, honors innovators and leaders of the international jewelry industry in manufacturing, branding, retailing, best business practice, innovation, sustainability and outstanding contribution.

Entries will be judged May and June by an international panel of judges representing key sectors of the jewelry industry. The honorees or shortlisted candidates will be revealed on June 19.

The JNA Awards 2014 is led by Rio Tinto Diamonds and Chow Tai Fook as Headline Partners, with Diarough Group, Gubelin Group, the Israel Diamond Institute, KARP Group, Paspaley Pearling Company and Shanghai Diamond Exchange as Honored Partners.

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JNA Awards Now Accepting Entries in 16 Categories

(From left) Nissim Palomo, chief marketing officer of Israel Diamond Institute; Gilat Elizov-Gefen, managing director of IDI Asia Pacific; Naresh Surana, director of Diarough (Hong Kong); Helen Molesworth, managing director of Gübelin Academy; Albert Cheng, managing director of World Gold Council Far East; Letitia Chow, founder of JNA and director of Business Development - Jewellery Group of UBM Asia; Kent Wong, managing director of Chow Tai Fook; Rita Maltez, manager of Rio Tinto Diamond's Greater China Region

Entries by individuals or companies are now being accepted for the JNA Awards. Applications are available online by following this link. Deadline for submissions will be midnight (Hong Kong time) of April 17, 2014.

Organized by Jewellery News Asia, Asia’s leading jewelry trade publication, the annual JNA Awards honors innovators and leaders of the international jewelry industry in manufacturing, branding, retailing, best business practice, innovation, sustainability and outstanding contribution.

There will be 16 categories this year, including a new category that spotlights the ASEAN region. The full list of JNA Awards 2014 categories is as follows:

* Lifetime Achievement Award
* Outstanding Contribution of the Year
* Brand of the Year – Retail
* Employer of the Year
* Industry Innovation of the Year - Manufacturing - Business
* Industry Innovation of the Year - Manufacturing - Technology
* Manufacturer of the Year - Diamond Cutting and Polishing
* Manufacturer of the Year - Gem-set Jewellery
* Manufacturer of the Year - Precious Metal Only Jewellery
* Outstanding Enterprise of the Year - ASEAN Countries
* Outstanding Enterprise of the Year - India
* Outstanding Enterprise of the Year - Mainland China
* Retailer of the Year
* E-tailer of the Year
* Sustainability Initiative of the Year
* Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Age 40 and below)

Entries will be judged May and June by an international panel of judges representing key sectors of the jewelry industry. The honorees or shortlisted candidates will be revealed on June 19, and will be feted together with the Recipients at the JNA Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner on Tuesday, September 16, at the InterContinental Hong Kong, during the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair 2014.

Now on its third year, JNA Awards 2014 is led by Rio Tinto Diamonds and Chow Tai Fook as Headline Partners, with Diarough Group, Gubelin Group, the Israel Diamond Institute, KARP Group, Paspaley Pearling Company and Shanghai Diamond Exchange as Honored Partners.

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Gubelin Group Returns as JNA Awards Partner

The 2013 JNA Award winners.

The Gubelin Group, known for its fine jewelry that merges Swiss goldsmith craftsmanship with precious gemstones, and its world-renowned scientific gemstone laboratory, has returned for the second year in a row as an “Honored Partner” of the JNA Awards 2014. 

The Swiss-based company joins “Headline Partners” Rio Tinto and Chow Tai Fook, and fellow Honored Partners Israel Diamond Institute, KARP Group and Shanghai Diamond Exchange for the event to be held September 16, during the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair.

Organized by Jewellery News Asia, Asia’s leading jewelry trade publication, the annual JNA Awards honors innovators and leaders of the international jewelry industry in manufacturing, branding, retailing, best business practice, innovation, sustainability and outstanding contribution.

In 2013, the awards recognized 16 recipients across 16 categories at a ceremony and gala dinner attended by over 500 industry luminaries at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Hong Kong. Industry pioneers Leung Sik Wah and Wallace Chan received the "Lifetime Achievement" and "Outstanding Contribution of the Year" awards, respectively, for their distinguished service and accomplishments.

“We are very pleased to welcome back Gubelin's firm support for the JNA Awards. Their deep commitment to top quality and professionalism not only brings lustre to this most anticipated event, it also strongly emphasizes the Awards' reputation as a platform for raising the standard and quality of the jewelry and gemstone industry,” said Letitia Chow, founder of JNA and director of Business Development - Jewellery Group at UBM Asia.

“For Gubelin, the awards marks one of the most important events of the year for the jewelry industry,” said Raphael Gubelin, CEO and Board Member of the Gubelin Group. “It's not only a place to meet friends and partners to strengthen relationships, but also a night where the industry's biggest movers celebrate. And that motivates companies and their employees to constantly evolve and excel.”

Headquartered in Lucerne, Switzerland, Gubelin is a family-owned business now led by sixth-generation members with operations covering jewelry manufacturing and retail. It has eight boutiques in key locations across Switzerland selling jewelry and watches, and one boutique each in Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong focused on selling only jewelry pieces. Last year, Gubelin enhanced its presence in Hong Kong by inaugurating its VIP Salon in Gloucester Tower at The Landmark and opening the Gubelin Academy that 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 oldest and most respected institutions of its kind, widely trusted on by dealers, auction houses, royal families and collectors since the 1920s.

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JNA Awards Ceremony Honors Jewelry Industry Leaders and Innovators

JNA Award winners

Leung Sik Wah and Wallace Chan received special honors at the JNA Awards, held Thursday at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. They were among 16 people honored for innovation and leadership in the jewelry trade. 

The awards and ceremony were organized by Jewellery News Asia, Asia’s leading jewelry industry publication, as part of the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair. The grand affair, only in its second year, was attended by more than 500 persons and lived up to the billing  of “one of the industry’s most important and much-anticipated nights.” 

Leung was honored with the prestigious “Lifetime Achievement Award” for transforming Hong Kong and Asia into a major jewelry trading and retailing hub. Leung was also instrumental in establishing the Hong Kong Diamond Bourse, and is currently Honorary Life President of the Diamond Federation of Hong Kong and Chairman of the Hong Kong Jewellers’ & Goldsmiths’ Association.

Chan was the first recipient of the “Outstanding Contribution of the Year Award,” recognizing his unique talent and creativity, and for placing his works and Asia on the global haute joaillerie scene. Acclaimed industry-wide as a “carving genius,” Chan remains, to date, the only Asian artist to be invited to the prestigious Paris Biennale des Antiquaires show.

Other recipients of the JNA Awards 2013 are:

* Brand of the Year – Retail: Luk Fook Holdings (International) Ltd

* Employer of the Year: Jewelmer International Corporation and Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt Ltd

* E-Tailer of the Year: Plukka (HK) Ltd

* Industry Innovation of the Year – Manufacturing – Business: China Stone Ltd

* Industry Innovation of the Year – Manufacturing – Technology: Shenzhen United BlueOcean Technology Development Co Ltd

* Manufacturer of the Year – Coloured Gemstone Cutting & Polishing: China Stone Ltd

* Manufacturer of the Year – Diamond Cutting & Polishing: Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt Ltd

* Manufacturer of the Year – Gem-Set Jewellery: Shenzhen Xingguangda Jewellery Industrial Co Ltd

* Manufacturer of the Year – Precious Metals-Only Jewellery: 3D Kaiente Jewellery Co Ltd

* Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – India: Kiran Gems Pvt Ltd

* Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – Mainland China: ttf HAUTE JOAILLERIE

* Retailer of the Year: Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Ltd

* Sustainability Initiative of the Year: Dharmanandan Diamonds Pvt Ltd and Pranda Group

* Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Age 40 and below): Zhou Defen, Shenzhen Yuehao Jewelry Co Ltd

The real winner Thursday night may have been JNA Awards. It’s rare that a young program such as this has gained such international importance. But it has and there is still has plenty of room to grow.

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JNA Awards Finalists Announced

Thirty-six entries from 23 companies have been shortlisted across 13 categories for the JNA Awards 2013. Jewellery News Asia, which organizes the awards, announced the finalists during the recently held June Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair.

The Honourees  for the Brand of the Year – Retail, Employer of the Year, E-tailer of the Year, Industry Innovation of the Year – Manufacturing – Business, Manufacturer of the Year – Coloured Gemstone Cutting & Polishing, Manufacturer of the Year – Diamond Cutting & Polishing, Manufacturer of the Year – Gem-Set Jewellery, Manufacturer of the Year – Precious Metal Only Jewellery, Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – India, Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – Mainland China, Retailer of the Year, Sustainability Initiative of the Year and Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Age 40 and below) were announced at a news conference attended by industry experts, trade members and the media.

The 23 companies hail from eight countries and regions, namely mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Japan, the Philippines, Switzerland and Thailand.

Deliberations are still ongoing for a few remaining categories. The shortlisted Honorees in those categories will be announced at a later date, the organizer said.

This year, close to 90 highly qualified entries was received from 13 countries and regions.

“Our list of Honorees serves as a testament to the fact that Asia’s jewelry industry is full of thriving and innovative businesses and individuals with diverse talents,” said Wolfram Diener, senior vice president of UBM Asia.

The judging panel is composed of five industry experts: Albert Cheng, managing director of the World Gold Council – Far East; James Courage, 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 Vichian Veerasaksri, director of the World Jewellery Confederation and advisor to the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association.

The JNA Awards 2013 is a ticketed event by application only. Interested parties may submit their request by logging on to http://www.JNAawards.com/.

JNA Awards 2013 Honorees List:

Brand of the Year – Retail
Jewelmer International Corp.
Luk Fook Holdings (International) Ltd
PRIMO JAPAN Inc

Employer of the Year
Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Co. Ltd
Jewelmer International Corporation
Luk Fook Holdings (International) Ltd
Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt Ltd

E-tailer of the Year
Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Co Ltd
Leibish & Co Ltd
Plukka (HK) Ltd

Industry Innovation of the Year – Manufacturing – Business
China Stone Ltd
Odear Fashion Technology
Sun Sang Jewelry Co

Manufacturer of the Year – Coloured Gemstone Cutting & Polishing
China Stone Ltd

Manufacturer of the Year – Diamond Cutting & Polishing
Dharmanandan Diamonds Pvt Ltd
J. B. And Brothers Pvt Ltd
Kiran Gems Private Limited
Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt Ltd

Manufacturer of the Year – Gem-Set Jewellery
ShenZhen Ganlu Jewellery Co Ltd
Shenzhen Xingguangda Jewellery Industrial Co Ltd

Manufacturer of the Year – Precious Metal Only Jewellery
3D Kaiente Jewellery Limited Company
ShenZhen Ganlu Jewellery Co Ltd
Shenzhen United BlueOcean Technology Development Co Ltd
Shenzhen Yuehao Jewelry Co Ltd

Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – India
Kashi Jewellers
Kiran Gems Private Limited

Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – Mainland China
TTF High Jewellery
Shenzhen Xingguangda Jewellery Industrial Co Ltd

Retailer of the Year
Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Co Ltd
Luk Fook Holdings (International) Ltd

Sustainability Initiative of the Year
Dharmanandan Diamonds Pvt Ltd
Pranda Group
Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt Ltd

Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Age 40 and below)
Raphael Gubelin – Gubelin Group Ltd
Payal Shah – L’Dezen Jewellery Co Ltd
Zhou Defeng – Shenzhen Yuehao Jewelry Co Ltd

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Nominations Being Accepted for JNA Awards

2012 JNA award winners

Applications and nominations are now being accepted for the second annual JNA Awards, which honors and recognizes excellence and innovation in the jewelry industry with a focus on the Asian trade. Individuals or organizations interested in participating can fill out an enrollment form on the JNA Awards website. The deadline is May 15.

The 2013 JNA Awards award categories are as follows:

* Brand of the Year Award: Retail
* Employer of the Year Award
* Innovator of the Year Award: Manufacturing - business operations
* Innovator of the Year Award: Manufacturing - Technology Application
* Manufacturer of the Year Award: colored gemstone cutting and processing
* Manufacturer of the Year Award: diamond cutting and processing
* Manufacturer of the Year Award: precious stones inlaid jewelry
* Manufacturer of the Year Award: prime precious metal jewelry
* Outstanding Contribution Award
* Outstanding Business of the Year Award: India
* Outstanding Business of the Year Award: China Mainland
* Annual retailer awards
* Annual networking platform for retailers Awards
* The annual jewelry store Excellent Interior Design Awards
* Sustainable development awards
* Outstanding Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award (40 years old or less)

Companies and individuals may submit entries on behalf of themselves or others from mid-March to mid-May. The first stage of the judging process will begin in mid-May and end in mid-June. On June 20 the honorees or shortlisted candidates will be announced. The honorees and recipients will be feted at a gala dinner and presentation ceremony at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong on September 12 during the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair 2013.

Awards ceremony and dinner tickets are now available at the JNA Awards website.

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JNA Awards Adds Five Categories

Jewellery News Asia has expanded the list of categories for the second edition of its JNA Awards.

At a recently held press conference, JNA announced that the 2013 Awards will be bestowed across 16 categories, compared to 11 in its inaugural edition last year.

The JNA Awards recognizes and honors excellence and innovation in the jewelry industry, with a focus on companies and individuals that have made significant contributions to the trade in Asia.

The current list of awards categories for 2013 is as follows:

* Brand of the Year - Retail
* Employer of the Year
* Industry Innovation of the Year - Manufacturing - Business
* Industry Innovation of the Year - Manufacturing - Technology
* Manufacturer of the Year - Diamond Cutting and Polishing
* Manufacturer of the Year - Colored Gemstone Cutting & Polishing
* Manufacturer of the Year - Gem-set Jewellery
* Manufacturer of the Year - Precious Metal Only Jewellery
* Retailer of the Year
* E-tailer of the Year
* Outstanding Enterprise of the year - Mainland China
* Outstanding Enterprise of the year - India
* Outstanding Contribution of the year
* Store design of the Year
* Sustainability Initiative of the Year
* Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Companies and individuals may submit entries on behalf of themselves or others from mid-March to mid-May. The first stage of the judging process will begin in mid-May and end in mid-June. On 20 June the honorees or shortlisted candidates will be announced. The honorees and recipients will be feted at a gala dinner and presentation ceremony at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong on  September 12 during the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair 2013.

The launch event was hosted by Wolfram Diener, senior VP of UBM Asia Ltd; Letitia Chow, founder of JNA and director of Business Development - Jewellery Group at UBM Asia; and representatives of the awards' headline partners, including Rita Maltez, manager Greater China Representative Office, Diamonds Sales and Marketing at Rio Tinto Diamonds; and Kent Wong, managing director of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited.

The JNA Awards 2013 is led by Rio Tinto Diamonds and Chow Tai Fook as Headline Partners, with Gubelin, Israel Diamond Institute, KARP Group, Robert Wan Tahiti and the Shanghai Diamond Exchange as Honored Partners. An international group of prominent industry experts will form the judging panel.

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JNA Awards Ceremony to be held in September

The second annual JNA Awards Ceremony and Dinner will be held September 12 at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, during the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair.

The JNA Awards honors and recognizes excellence and achievements in the jewelry trade with a focus on contribution and advancement in the Asian region. The awards honors individuals and companies in several categories. This year’s categories have yet to be announced.

The first JNA Awards ceremony and dinner was held on September 20, 2012, at the Hong Kong Ritz Carlton. It attracted more than 450 jewelry industry leaders from around the world. The Lifetime Achievement Award awarded to the former De Beers chairman Nicholas "Nicky" Oppenheimer.

For more information on the JNA Awards, visit www.jnaawards.com.

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Winners of the JNA Awards

The 2012 September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, the tradeshow hosted the inaugural JNA Awards during a ceremony held September 20 at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong. The JNA Awards honors and recognizes excellence and achievement in the jewelry trade.

The event, the first of its kind in Asia, was organized by Jewellery News Asia of UBM Asia in collaboration with UBM Awards.

The success of the awards was prevalent in the fact that all of the sponsors agreed to participate in the next edition prior to the awards presentation. Recipients of the JNA Awards for 2012 are as follows:

Lifetime Achievement Award, Nicky Oppenheimer, former chairman of the De Beers Group
Oppenheimer received JNA's highest accolade for his outstanding contribution to the world diamond industry over the course of a career that spans 44 years. The third generation of the Oppenheimers to lead De Beers, he has added his own, distinguished contribution to a family legend that dates back to 1902 when his grandfather, Sir Ernest Oppenheimer, arrived in Kimberley to work as a diamond buying agent. He presided over important changes in the history of the De Beers Group. Under his leadership, De Beers opened up new markets for diamond jewelry in China and India, and established the De Beers' Best Practice Principles, a standard of ethical business behavior that has set the benchmark for other global industries.

Three Decades of Excellence, Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Co Ltd.
The world's largest jewelry retailer by market value continues to raise the bar of excellence and creativity in the gemstone and jewelry industry. The Hong Kong-listed company has an extensive retail network, with more than 1,600 points-of-sale in Greater China, Malaysia and Singapore.

Brand of the Year, Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Co Ltd.
With its immense reach and presence in the Greater China market, the company is viewed as a trendsetter in the industry and one of the most iconic brands in Greater China.

Employer of the Year, Dharmanandan Diamonds Pvt Ltd.
The 30-year-old diamond manufacturer continues to demonstrate the same passion and commitment that it has for a business that celebrates enduring love and romance. It has not lost sight of the core corporate values: excellence in innovation, manufacturing and talent management. By connecting with its employees and keeping them engaged, the India-based company is able to clearly communicate the group's vision and goals with its staff.

Industry Innovation of the Year – Manufacturing, TTF High Jewellery
Since its establishment in September 2002, the Shenzhen-based jewelry manufacturer has been producing jewelry pieces of outstanding design and craftsmanship. TTF has mastered many high-level techniques in jewelry making, including K-gold production, which gives gold lasting color and shine.

Industry Innovation of the Year – Retail, Plukka (HK) Ltd.
Leveraging the power of social media and online marketing, Plukka (HK) Ltd is changing the dynamics of jewelry trade and manufacturing. Launched less than a year ago by partners Jai Waney and Joanne Ooi, the Hong Kong-based e-Retailer is bringing the concept of group buying to a larger audience.

Manufacturer of the Year, Pranda Group
The Thailand-based company prides itself on being a leading supplier of high-quality jewelry to some of the world's most recognizable retail brands, while offering its own branded jewelry products. With a 4,000-strong workforce in seven manufacturing facilities, the company produces more than 10,000 new designs and over 8 million pieces annually.

Retailer of the Year, Luk Fook Holdings (International) Ltd.
One of Hong Kong's most successful home-grown brands, Lukfook operates more than 920 retail outlets worldwide, more than 870 of which are in China. The company uses innovative technology to increase operational efficiency, reduce costs and enhance customer experience.

Sustainability Initiative of the Year, Jewelmer International Corp.
Renowned for its golden South Sea cultured pearls, Jewelmer champions sustainable development in its operations and projects. Based in the Philippines, it adopts the most ecologically friendly practices in its pearl farms in Palawan. Jewelmer's Save Palawan Seas Foundation also provides coastal communities with livelihood alternatives to destructive fishing practices.

Young Leader of the Year (Age 30 or below), Chris Benham (The Inspired Collection)
Benham has led the New Zealand-based company into winning several domestic and international jewelry design awards over a span of just three years. Known for its fresh, innovative approach to diamond jewelry design, The Inspired Collection has also won major design contracts with highly respected companies, including Hiersun, a retailer with more than 200 bridal jewelry shops in China.

The following companies have been selected as honorees of the inaugural JNA Awards 2012, Wonder of the World category:

Vitalit, Thailand, two entries — Vivid Orange Natural Mandarin Garnet in finest cut cushion shape or Natural Spessartite (Garnet); and Pinkish Red Spinel of Pamir Mountains origin.

Makhni Enterprises, Thailand — A pair of rare 8 carats unheated rubies

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Susy Gubelin, Tom Moses Join in the Judging of the JNA Awards

Susy Gubelin and Tom Moses

Susy Gubelin of the Gubelin Gem Lab and Tom Moses, Gemological Institute of America senior VP, Laboratory and Research, have become gem expert advisors to the panel of judges of the JNA Awards 2012. Their expertise will be used specifically on the "Wonder of the World" category, which recognizes rare and precious natural gem material.

Judging for the "Wonder of the World" category will take place on September 19 and the recipient of the award will be announced during the JNA Awards ceremony and gala dinner on September 20 at the The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong. GIA and the Gubelin Gem Lab will be the official gem testing laboratories for this category.

“To have the world's two leading gem laboratories advising the JNA Awards judging panel attests to the importance and recognition of this award in the international gemstone industry,” said Letitia Chow, founder of JNA and director of Business Development - Jewellery Group at UBM Asia, and the Chair of the JNA Awards judging panel.

At the ceremony, JNA will also be honoring Nicky Oppenheimer, former chairman of De Beers Group, with a Lifetime Achievement Award to recognize his significant contribution to the global diamond business, particularly in Asia.

The shortlisted honorees for the first nine categories of the JNA Awards were announced on the first day of the June Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The JNA Awards is an industry-wide event that honors and recognizes excellence and achievement in the jewelry trade. The event, the first of its kind in Asia, is organized by Jewellery News Asia of UBM Asia in collaboration with UBM Awards.

The JNA Awards 2012 is a ticketed event by application only. Interested parties may submit their request by logging onto www.JNAawards.com.

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

Nicky Oppenheimer to be Honored at JNA Awards

Nicky Oppenheimer

Nicky Oppenheimer, chairman of De Beers Group, will be presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award from Jewellery News Asia honoring his significant contribution to the global diamond business, particularly in Asia. He will be feted at the JNA Awards ceremony, September 20, at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, during the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair.

The JNA Awards is an industry event that honors and recognizes excellence and achievement in the jewelry trade. The event, the first of its kind in Asia, is organized by Jewellery News Asia of UBM Asia in collaboration with UBM Awards.

“His outstanding achievements with De Beers and the Diamond Trading Company have made him one of the key figures and leaders of the global diamond industry,” said Letitia Chow, founder of JNA and director of Business Development—Jewellery Group at UBM Asia, and the chair of the JNA Awards judging panel. “His inspired guidance and outstanding leadership, has significantly contributed to the development of the diamond jewelry markets in China and India—the twin growth engines in Asia.”

“Throughout my time in the diamond industry, I have been immensely proud to witness the growth of the consumer's love affair with diamonds, nowhere more so than in the exciting markets across Asia,” said Oppenheimer, who is leaving the diamond industry as he and his whose family is finalizing the sale of De Beers to their longtime partner, Anglo American.

In other JNA Awards news, the KARP Group, an international polished diamond manufacturer and marketer of polished diamonds and diamond jewelry, is serving as a partner of the JNA Awards

The shortlisted honorees for the first nine categories of the JNA Awards were announced in June. The Wonder of the World category, which is open only to AsiaWorld-Expo exhibitors during the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair 2012, will be accepting entries until August 21.

The JNA Awards 2012 is a ticketed event by application only. Interested parties may submit their request by logging on to www.JNAawards.com.

Jewellery News Asia, first published in 1983, is the flagship magazine of UBM Asia's Jewelry Group.

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Shortlist for the JNA Awards Announced

The shortlisted honorees in nine categories for the inaugural JNA Awards were announced at a press conference held on the first day of the June Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“"The caliber of entries submitted to the inaugural JNA Awards was remarkable. Making the honoree list is a fantastic achievement for all the companies involved,” said Letitia Chow, founder of Jewellery News Asia and director of Business Development—Jewellery Group at UBM Asia, and chair of the JNA Awards judging panel.

The following individuals and companies have been selected for the honoree list of the inaugural JNA Awards 2012:

Three Decades of Excellence Award:

* Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Co Ltd from Hong Kong
* Dharmanandan Diamonds Pvt Ltd from India
* Kashi Jewellers from India
* Nelson Jewellery Arts Co Ltd from Hong Kong

Brand of the Year:

* Cartier from Switzerland
* Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Co Ltd from Hong Kong
* TTF from mainland China

Employer of the Year:

* Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Co Ltd from Hong Kong
* Dharmanandan Diamonds Pvt Ltd from India

Industry Innovation of the Year -- Manufacturing:

* K.S. Jewelry International Co Ltd from Thailand
* Kiran Exports Hong Kong Ltd from Hong Kong
* Nelson Jewellery Arts Co Ltd from Hong Kong
* TTF from mainland China

Industry Innovation of the Year -- Retail:

* Plukka (HK) Ltd from Hong Kong

Manufacturer of the Year:

* Dharmanandan Diamonds Pvt Ltd from India
* KGK Jewellery Manufacturing Limited from Hong Kong
* Kiran Exports Hong Kong Ltd from Hong Kong
* Pranda Group from Thailand

Retailer of the Year:

* Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Co, Ltd from Hong Kong
* Luk Fook Holdings (International) Limited from Hong Kong
* Sterling Jewelers Inc from the USA

Sustainability Initiative of the Year:

* Jewelmer International Corporation from the Philippines

Young Leader of the Year (Age 30 or below):

* L' Dezen Jewellery Co Ltd from Hong Kong
* Leibish & Co Ltd from Israel
* The Inspired Collection from New Zealand

The Wonder of the World category, which is open only to AsiaWorld-Expo exhibitors during the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair 2012, will be accepting entries until July 27. The recipient of the award will be announced during the JNA Awards ceremony on September 20.

The recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award will be selected by the main organizers and will be announced at a later date.

Rio Tinto, Chow Tai Fook, Robert Wan Tahiti, Israel Diamond Institute and the Shanghai Diamond Exchange are leading the event as JNA Awards 2012 (www.JNAawards.com) partners.

The JNA Awards is an industry-wide event that honors and recognizes excellence and achievement in the global jewellery trade with an Asian focus. The Awards ceremony and gala dinner will be held on 20 September 2012, during the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong. The event, the first of its kind in Asia, is organized by Jewellery News Asia of UBM Asia in collaboration with the UBM Awards.