JNA (Jewellery News Asia), organiser of the prestigious JNA Awards, proudly announced on June 23 the highly anticipated list of Honourees or finalists across 10 categories at a press conference held on the sidelines of the June Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair.
The JNA Awards, now in its fifth year, is a premier awards programme that recognises and celebrates excellence and achievement in the jewellery and gemstone industry, with a focus on the advancement of the trade in Asia.
This year, 39 Honourees representing 28 companies from 10 countries and regions, namely China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam, were selected. A third of these finalists were either first-time entrants or Honourees.
Wolfram Diener, senior vice president 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 jewellery 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, remarked, “I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to members of the judging panel who once again, dedicated their time and effort to come up with an outstanding list of shortlisted companies.”
The Awards’ fifth edition saw the submission of more than 100 quality entries, and has reached more regions and companies than before, Chow said.
“We have the strongest applications to date,” she continued. “It is encouraging and exciting to see new companies entering the Awards and being recognised for their achievements and advances in the jewellery and gemstone industry.”
The independent judging panel consists of five esteemed industry experts, namely Albert Cheng, advisor to the World Gold Council, Far East (WGC); James Courage, former chief executive of Platinum Guild International (PGI) and former chairman of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC); Lin Qiang, president and managing director of the Shanghai Diamond Exchange (SDE); Nirupa Bhatt, managing director of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in India and the Middle East; and Yasukazu Suwa, chairman of Suwa & Son, Inc of Japan.
Brand of the Year – Retail
Beijing Cai Shi Kou Department Store Co Ltd – China
DeGem Masterpiece Sdn Bhd – Malaysia
Hiersun Industrial Co Ltd – China
Pranda Jewelry Pcl – Thailand
Shenzhen Sunfeel Jewelry Co Ltd – China
SK Jewellery Pte Ltd – Singapore
Industry Innovation/Sustainability Initiative of the Year
Beijing Cai Shi Kou Department Store Co Ltd – China
Gübelin Gem Lab Ltd – Switzerland
Shenzhen Batar Investment Holding Group Co Ltd – China
Shenzhen Bofook Jewellery Co Ltd – China
Shenzhen Foreway Jewellery Group Co Ltd – China
Shenzhen Ganlu Jewellery Co Ltd – China
Shenzhen Xingguangda Jewelry Industrial Co Ltd – China
Shenzhen Y&M Jewelry Co Ltd – 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 – 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 – China
Shenzhen Bofook Jewellery Co Ltd – China
Shenzhen Ideal Jewellery Co Ltd – China
Retailer of the Year (450 outlets and below)
Beijing Cai Shi Kou Department Store Co Ltd – China
Chii Lih Coral Co Ltd – Taiwan
Phu Nhuan Jewelry Joint Stock Co – Vietnam
Shenzhen Ideal Jewellery Co Ltd – 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)
Mr Tsan Kwan Chau, Shenzhen Batar Investment Holding Group Co Ltd – China
Mr Karim Merchant, Pure Gold Jewellers LLC – United Arab Emirates
Ms Zhuo Wang, Shenzhen Sunfeel Jewelry Co Ltd – China