JNA Awards 2015 Honours Industry's Brightest

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Sep 21, 2015, 05:22 ET

HONG KONG, Sept. 21, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- JNA Awards, one of the world's most prestigious awards in the gemstone and jewellery sector, tonight celebrated and honoured enterprises and individuals whose ambitions have helped elevate the industry and inspired others to do the same.

Leading off the brilliant assembly of awardees was Ou Yang Chiu Mei, recipient of JNA's highest honour - the Lifetime Achievement Award. This tribute is presented to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the gemstone and jewellery industry.

The JNA Awards honours exceptional leadership and world-class innovation in the jewellery and gemstone industry.

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Organised by JNA (Jewellery News Asia), the awards gala dinner was the centrepiece of a year-long effort to recognise individuals and companies that have distinguished themselves in the jewellery industry. The event 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 jewellery B2B show, the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair.

Lifetime Achievement Award

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

Her long list of accomplishments features many "firsts," including 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.

The JNA Awards honours exceptional leadership and world-class innovation in the jewellery and gemstone industry.

Award recipients: 15 categories

The 18 award recipients across 15 categories were:

3 Decades of Excellence: Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association
Brand of the Year - Retail: Chii Lih Coral Co Ltd
Employer of the Year: Phu Nhuan Jewelry Joint Stock Co
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
Manufacturer of the Year - Gemstone Cutting & Polishing: RMC Gems India Ltd
Manufacturer of the Year - Diamond Cutting & Polishing: Hari Krishna Exports Pvt Ltd
Manufacturer of the Year - Gem-Set Jewellery: Lorenzo Jewelry Ltd
Manufacturer of the Year - Precious Metals-Only Jewellery: Shenzhen Ganlu Jewelry Co Ltd
Outstanding Enterprise of the Year - ASEAN Countries: PANDORA Production Co Ltd
Outstanding Enterprise of the Year - India: J. B. And Brothers Pvt Ltd
Outstanding Enterprise of the Year - Mainland China: Shenzhen Batar Investment
Holding Group Co Ltd
Retailer of the Year (450 outlets and below): Golden dew Co Ltd
E-tailer of the Year: KELA
Sustainability Initiative of the Year: Shenzhen Xingguangda Jewelry Industrial Co Ltd
Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Age 40 or below): Sit Kwan - Shenzhen Bofook Jewellery Co Ltd

Letitia Chow, founder of JNA, director of Business Development - Jewellery Group at UBM Asia and chair of the JNA Awards judging panel, lauded the recipients and honourees for demonstrating qualities that define excellence in business.

"As you can imagine, going through the rigorous judging process and be named as one of our honourees is an outstanding achievement in itself," Chow said. "Each year, the honourees 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 jewellery industry - better."

Outstanding achievements

Jean-Marc Lieberherr, managing director of Rio Tinto Diamonds, said the year 2015 represents an important milestone for both Rio Tinto Diamonds and the JNA Awards.

"For Rio Tinto, it's the fifth year since we entered the Chinese market. For the JNA Awards, it's four years since inception, which Rio Tinto is very proud to have been part of," Lieberherr said. "Rio Tinto's efforts here over the past five years have been about more than just diamonds. It has been about innovative partnerships and striving to be the best we can be together."

He added, "With this in mind, I would like to pay tribute to our partners in the JNA Awards, who have worked so hard to create the conditions for greater industry collaboration, and to our strategic partner, Chow Tai Fook, who work hard at creating new markets for diamond jewellery with us."

Kent Wong, managing director of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Ltd, added, "Being a Headline Partner of the JNA Awards for four consecutive years since its inauguration in 2012 demonstrates Chow Tai Fook's strong support to this prestigious industry event, which recognises innovation and excellence. We have witnessed the success of the JNA Awards year after year with its increasing number of participants and supporters, and growing recognition within the industry."

Wong continued, "The JNA Awards is a platform for all of us who share the same values and missions to raise industry standards and uphold best practices for the betterment of the jewellery sector. Let's applaud the Award's fourth triumphant year, and congratulate the award Recipients and Honourees on their outstanding performances and achievements."

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

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

JNA Awards Marketing
UBM Asia (Hong Kong)
+852-2516-2184
[email protected]

Notes for Editors:

1. About JNA (www.jewellerynewsasia.com)

JNA is the organiser of the JNA Awards and is the flagship publication 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.riotinto.com/diamondsandminerals)

Rio Tinto operates a fully integrated diamonds business from exploration through 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, one of the world's leading jewellers and the largest in terms of sales, was listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong in December 2011. Chow Tai Fook is now a constituent stock of the Hang Seng China 50 Index and the Hang Seng Mainland 100 Index.

The iconic brand "Chow Tai Fook" of the Group has been widely recognised for its trustworthiness and authenticity, and renowned for product design, quality and value. The acquisition of Hearts On Fire, an internationally acclaimed US luxury jewellery brand, has further underpinned the Group's stature as a diamond expert in the industry.

The Group has an extensive retail network comprising 2,270 Chow Tai Fook and Hearts On Fire points of sale spanning nearly 500 cities in Greater China, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and the United States, as well as a strong and fast growing e-tail network through operating its Chow Tai Fook e-Shop and various e-tail accounts on other online shopping platforms.

The Group's sophisticated 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 POS and e-tail channels.

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 Israel Diamond Institute Group of Companies (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 IDI works to enhance Israel's position as a major trading and manufacturing hub.

IDI works to benefit Israel's diamond industry in a variety of areas including: marketing and PR, technological innovation, encouraging local manufacturing, training, and security consulting. IDI seeks out new markets for Israeli diamonds and develops existing ones. As part of this effort, IDI organizes industry participation in major trade fairs around the world, establishing Israeli Diamond Pavilions and sponsoring events at these shows.

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

3.4 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.

3.5 The Guangdong Land Holdings Limited (www.gdland.com.hk)

The Guangdong Land Holdings Limited (GDLAND), with its headquarters in Hong Kong, is listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, and is a subsidiary of GDH Limited, which is 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, namely the "Buxin Project", is planned to become the biggest and most advanced jewellery mart in the world, including a large-scale jewellery trading and exhibition centre along with other facilities, with a lot size of over 87,000 square metres and the construction scale (floor area) is expected to be more than 700,000 square metres. The Buxin Project, which is located in the Buxin area of Luohu district in Central Shenzhen, close to the Shuibei Gold and Jewellery Base, is expected to 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 listed on the London Stock Exchange, UBM Asia is the largest trade show organiser in Asia and the largest commercial organiser in 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. We provide 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 events markets. UBM China has 11 offices in the major cities in mainland China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Guzhen and Shenzhen, where we organise 90 exhibitions and conferences. In 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.