Indian Companies Bask in the Limelight at 2014 JNA Awards

HONG KONG, Sept. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2014 JNA Awards has recognised a number of India-based companies for their contribution to the global jewellery and gemstone industry.

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JNA has named Anoop Mehta, president of the Bharat Diamond Bourse, as recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award -- the most prestigious honour conferred by JNA -- while five of India's major diamond manufacturers and a rising star on the country's jewellery manufacturing scene have been shortlisted as JNA Awards Honourees.

These diamond manufacturers are Dharmanandan Diamonds Pvt Ltd, Hari Krishna Exports Pvt Ltd, J.B. And Brothers Pvt Ltd, Kiran Gems Pvt Ltd and Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt Ltd.

Shreyansh Kapoor, vice president of India-based Kashi Jewellers, has been named one of the Honourees in the Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Age 40 and below) category.

Organised by JNA, the JNA Awards is considered one of the most celebrated initiatives of its kind in the global jewellery industry. It honours and recognises excellence and achievement in the jewellery trade with an Asian focus.

The Awards' third edition drew an impressive number of entries this year.

"The calibre of entries we received this year is remarkable," said Letitia Chow, JNA Founder and Chair of the JNA Awards 2014 judging panel. "India has a significant role in the global diamond trade, and this is reflected in the top Honourees for a number of categories. We congratulate all six Honourees and look forward to seeing them in the awards ceremony and gala dinner on September 16." 

Shri Siddharth, IAS, Director General of the Directorate General of Supplies & Disposals of the Government of India, commended the Honourees.

"It is indeed a moment of great pride that India's prowess in the gems and jewellery sector is being recognised and celebrated by the international business community at such a prestigious platform," said Siddharth. "The efforts of these individuals and organisations shall not only serve as an example to all, but will also strengthen India's position as a leading global player in the industry.

"I send my good wishes to the awardees and hope that they will continue to lead the industry by setting more milestones in the gemstone and jewellery sector," Siddharth added.

The six companies, for their part, said they are grateful to be named as JNA Awards Honourees.

"Being nominated in three categories of the JNA Awards is highly prestigious, and we are honoured to be a part of it. It truly motivates us to work harder and achieve more," Hari Krishna Group Director Ghanshyam Dholakia said. The company is shortlisted in the following categories: Employer of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year -- Diamond Cutting & Polishing, and Outstanding Enterprise of the Year -- India.

Kiran Gems Pvt Ltd, also an Honouree in the Employer of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year -- Diamond Cutting & Polishing, and Outstanding Enterprise of the Year -- India categories, traces its achievements to dedication and hard work.

"Our customers trust us because we do our utmost to meet and exceed their expectations. We embrace new technologies and we are committed to protecting the integrity of the natural diamond value chain. All this has helped raise the profile of India's diamond and jewellery sector globally," Kiran Gems Director Dinesh Lakhani said.

For Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt Ltd, an Honouree for the Manufacturer of the Year -- Diamond Cutting & Polishing and Sustainability Initiative of the Year, the human side of the business is just as important as financial profit.

"This industry is all about talent whether at the management level or at the artisanal level. Our core strength is our people and the rest is secondary. At SRK, our philosophy on human resource development is simple: listen to the staff, empower them and appraise them," company director Shreyans Dholakia said.

J.B And Brothers Pvt Ltd, Honouree in the Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – India category, attributed the company's success to three fundamental pillars: people, manufacturing expertise and technology.

"J.B. And Brothers has contributed significantly not only to the diamond trade but also to the Indian economy. By producing high-value products, we have created jobs and provided skills development for the people of India. We have perfected the jewellery manufacturing process that almost nullify rejects and re-works, elevating the Indian manufacturers' reputation for delivering consistent premium products in the global market," said Jitubhai Shah, founder of J.B. And Brothers.

For Dharmanandan Diamonds (DDPL), an Honouree for the Sustainable Initiative of the Year Award, maintaining a company's sustainability should be a top priority.

"Making profit is one thing and doing business is another, which includes more than products, sales and profits. At DDPL, we adopt CSR as a core part of our business and it is by choice rather than by obligation. We do business in such a way that we leave footprints that can serve as a guide for others," company managing director Hitesh Patel said.

Shreyansh Kapoor of Kashi Jewellers, for his part, is a nominee under the Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Age 40 and below) category. Kapoor said he considers the JNA Awards the Oscars of the jewellery industry. "I am extremely proud to be an Honouree under the 'Young Entrepreneur of the Year' category of JNA Awards 2014. This will serve as an inspiration for me to lead Kashi Jewellers into the future," he said.

Mehta, recipient of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, said he is honoured to be recognised for his work and passion. "This award is significant because it recognises the efforts of all the people who have made the Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB) a reality. I would like to especially thank the past and present members of the BDB committee. Without their support, dedication and contribution, the BDB would not have been operational and on par with international standards."

For more information on the event, please contact:

JNA Awards Marketing
UBM Asia (Hong Kong) 
+852 2516-1683
[email protected]

Notes for Editors:

1. About JNA (www.jewellerynewsasia.com)

JNA is the flagship magazine of UBM Asia's Jewellery Group. First published in 1983, the title is the leader in providing up-to-date international jewellery trade news with an Asian insight. It features original, in-depth reports by experienced journalists covering the latest developments in the diamond, pearl, gemstone, jewellery manufacturing, and equipment and supplies sectors.

2. About the Headline Partners

2.1 Rio Tinto Diamonds (www.riotintodiamonds.com)

Rio Tinto operates a fully integrated diamonds business from exploration to sales and marketing. It is one of the world's major diamond producers through its 100 percent control of the Argyle mine in Australia, 60 percent interest in Diavik mine in Canada, 78 percent interest in the Murowa mine in Zimbabwe and 100 percent interest in the Bunder project in India. 

Rio Tinto's share of the production from its three operating diamond mines is sold through its sales and marketing office in Antwerp, with representative offices in Mumbai, Hong Kong and New York. It also operates a niche cutting and polishing factory in Perth for the rare pink diamonds from its Argyle mine. Rio Tinto is a leading supporter of the Kimberley Process, as well as a founding member of the Responsible Jewellery Council.

2.2 Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited (www.chowtaifook.com)

Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Ltd, a leading jeweller in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, was listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong in December 2011 and has become the world's largest pure-play jeweller by market capitalisation. Chow Tai Fook is now a constituent stock of the Hang Seng China 50 Index and the Hang Seng Mainland 100 Index. Its principal products are mass luxury jewellery and high-end luxury jewellery products including gem-set jewellery, gold products, platinum and karat gold product, and watches.

The Group's iconic brand "Chow Tai Fook" and 85 years of operations represent key competitive advantages of its business. The Chow Tai Fook brand is recognised for its trustworthiness and authenticity, and renowned for its product design, quality and value.

The Group has an extensive retail network, with over 2,100 points of sale in more than 470 cities in Greater China, Singapore and Malaysia. It also has a growing presence in e-commerce. The Group's vertically integrated business model provides an effective and tight control over the entire operation chain from raw material procurement, design, production, to marketing and sales through its extensive retail network. 

3. About the Honoured Partners

3.1 Diarough Group (www.diarough.com)

Diarough Group was established in Antwerp in 1975 and owns diamond polishing factories in China, India, Thailand and Botswana, with a network of sales offices around the world. Diarough is known among the most professional and respected names in the international diamond industry.

Diarough believes in building and nurturing long-term business relationships based on mutual trust, finding solutions to business and marketing problems, creating marketable opportunities through innovative products and providing excellent client services.

Its jewellery manufacturing unit, Uni-Design, has produced many award-winning jewellery pieces, which have been proudly worn by celebrities on the red carpet over the years.

The Group employs over 3,500 people and is engaged in a wide range of diamond business activities like rough trading, cutting, polishing, jewellery manufacturing and marketing to retailers, chain stores, global brands and private labels worldwide. Diarough employs advanced technology and modern work speed with traditional ethical business practices upon which the Company was founded.

3.2 Gubelin Group (www.gubelin.com)

Since 1854, the name Gubelin has stood for the very highest standards in gemstones, jewellery and watches. With its selection of the most sought-after timepieces and jewellery of its own design, the family-run business is represented at all the prime locations in Switzerland: Lucerne, Zurich, Basel, Bern, St. Moritz, Lugano and Geneva. Last November, Gubelin Jewellery established its presence in Hong Kong.

Besides the jewellery boutiques and the Gubelin Ateliers, the group has a newly-established Academy and a world-renowned Gemmological Laboratory. The Gubelin Gem Lab is one of the oldest and most respected institutions of its kind, relied on by dealers, auction houses, royal families and collectors since the 1920s.

3.3 KARP Group (www.karpjewellery.com)

With over four decades of experience and expertise in the diamond trade, KARP caters to international luxury brands. Apart from being a DTC Sightholder, the group is recognised as an "institution" in the industry, using the most technologically advanced manufacturing systems in the business. KARP manufactures a huge array of products, from 0.005-carat goods to stones weighing 10 carats and above.

It excels in the production of certified fine makes, fancy-cut goods and fancy coloured diamonds. The manufacturer is one of the few companies that has achieved up to 5-micron precision in diamond manufacturing.

3.4 Paspaley Pearling Company (www.paspaley.com)

Paspaley Pearling Company is the leading producer of Australian South Sea pearls, supplying strands, loose pearls and mother-of-pearl shells to many of the world's leading jewellery wholesalers, manufacturers and retailers.

The Paspaley family became involved in pearling in the 1920s and is the world's only South Sea pearl producer with origins in the natural pearl industry. Paspaley Pearling Company Pty Ltd was incorporated in 1953 and built its success and reputation as a pioneer in the cultivation of South Sea pearls. Today, the Company sets the benchmark for modern pearling practices, operating numerous pearl farms dotted along more than 2,500 kilometres of the remote and pristine coastline of north-west Australia.

Paspaley's harvest represents the majority of Australian South Sea pearl production and has a well-deserved reputation for exceptional quality. 

3.5 Shanghai Diamond Exchange (www.cnsde.com)

Authorised by the State Council, the Shanghai Diamond Exchange (SDE) is the only diamond exchange in China and provides diamond dealers a fair and safe transaction venue under close supervision. It also enjoys a favourable taxation policy and is operated in accordance with international best practices of the diamond industry.

Established in 2000, the SDE is a non-profit, self-regulating membership organisation and a member of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses.

3.6 The Israel Diamond Institute (www.israelidiamond.co.il)

The Israel Diamond Institute Group of Companies (IDI) is a non-profit, public interest company representing all institutions involved in the Israeli Diamond Industry. Israel is one of the world's leading diamond centres, and the Israeli diamond industry has an illustrious history dating back to the late 1930s. 

IDI works for the benefit of Israel's diamond industry in the areas of marketing and business promotion, international communications, R&D, rough sourcing, professional training, publishing and security consultancy. IDI is responsible for industry participation in major trade fairs around the world, organising Israeli Diamond Pavilions, receptions, press conferences and other events at these fairs.

IDI operates a representative office in Hong Kong, which fosters trade relations with Asian markets.

3.7 The Guangdong Land Holdings Limited (www.gdland.com.hk/en)

The Guangdong Land Holdings Limited (GDLAND), headquartered in Hong Kong, is listed in The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, and is a subsidiary of GDH Limited – Guangdong Province's largest conglomerate operating outside Mainland China.

The principal business of GDLAND is property development and investment, including but not limited to the development and operational management of the innovative commercial real estate, urban complex and industrial business complex. As the strategic arm of GDH Limited, GDLAND engages in the business development of commercial real estate, as well as the projects of urban and industrial complex.

GDLAND's flagship project, the "Buxin Project," is envisioned to become the biggest and most advanced jewellery platform in the world, including a large-scale jewellery trading and exhibition centre along with other facilities. The lot size is over 87,000 square metres while construction scale (floor area) is expected to be more than 700,000 square metres. The Buxin Project, located in the Buxin area of Luohu district, Central Shenzhen, is close to the Shuibei Gold and Jewellery Base. It is expected to help develop the area into one of the most influential gold and jewellery trading and exchange platforms in China and around the world.

4. About UBM Asia (www.ubmasia.com)

Owned by UBM plc, a listed company in the London Stock Exchange, UBM Asia is Asia's leading exhibition organiser and the biggest commercial organiser in mainland China, India and Malaysia. Established with its headquarters in Hong Kong and subsidiary companies across Asia and in the US, UBM Asia has a strong global presence in 24 major cities with 30 offices and 1,300 staff.

With a track record spanning over 30 years, UBM Asia operates in 20 market sectors with 230 dynamic face-to-face exhibitions and high-level professional conferences, 23 targeted trade publications, 20 round-the-clock online products for over 1,000,000 quality exhibitors, visitors, conference delegates, advertisers and subscribers from all over the world. It provides a one-stop diversified global service for high-value business matching, quality market news and online trading networks.

UBM Asia has extensive office networks in China, Southeast Asia and India, three of the world's fastest growing B2B event markets. UBM China has 11 offices in major cities in mainland China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Guzhen and Shenzhen, where it organise more than 90 exhibitions and conferences. In the ASEAN, UBM Asia operates from its offices in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam and the Philippines with over 40 events in this region. UBM India teams in Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru and Chennai organise 40 exhibitions and conferences every year across the country.

SOURCE JNA