The sixth annual JNA Awards, one of the most prestigious international awards in the jewellery industry, successfully held its gala event at the InterContinental Hong Kong on 14 September.
Thirty-five Honourees or shortlisted candidates that serve as shining examples of the best that the gemstone and jewellery sector has to offer were proudly recognised while Award Recipients across 10 categories were revealed in an exclusive ceremony attended by key industry decision-makers and influencers. The gala celebration, one of the most important events on the annual jewellery trade calendar, received the full support of business leaders and various government representatives.
The JNA Awards honours industry leaders who represent excellence, innovation and success
Organised by UBM Asia, the JNA Awards champions best business practices in the jewellery and gemstone community by recognising and promoting companies and individuals that demonstrate brilliant leadership, innovative thinking, and successful sustainable and socially responsible strategies.
Firmin Robert Wan, the "Pearl Emperor of Tahiti," and Jacques Branellec, a pioneer in the cultivation of the golden South Sea pearl, were the recipients of the 2017 JNA Awards' highest accolade, the Lifetime Achievement Award. This also marked the first time that the awards programme presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to two individuals.
Wan, founder of the Robert Wan Group, is widely credited for bringing the Tahitian pearl at the forefront of the fine jewellery industry. Branellec, who co-founded Jewelmer with Filipino entrepreneur Manuel Cojuangco, is known for his groundbreaking work in the cultivation of golden South Sea pearls.
The 18 Award Recipients across 10 categories are:
Goldendew Co Ltd – South Korea
Tanaka Kikinzoku Jewelry K K – Japan
SK Jewellery Pte Ltd – Singapore
Kela – China
Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt Ltd – India
KGK Group – Hong Kong
Shenzhen Ganlu Jewelry Co Ltd – mainland China
Phu Nhuan Jewelry Joint Stock Company – Vietnam
HIERSUN – China
Shenzhen Ideal Jewellery Co Ltd – mainland China
Kiran Gems Pvt Ltd – India
3D Jewellery Company Ltd – mainland China
Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Ltd – Hong Kong
Gübelin Gem Lab Ltd – Switzerland
Shenzhen Lingchengben Technology Co Ltd – mainland China
PANDORA Production Co Ltd – Thailand
Zhang Guo Tao, Shenzhen Darry Jewelry Co Ltd – mainland China
Chau Tsankwan, Shenzhen Batar Investment Holding Group Co Ltd – mainland China
Letitia Chow, Chairperson of the JNA Awards, Founder of JNA and Director of Business Development – Jewellery Group at UBM Asia, commented, "Our Honouree companies and individuals this year have all demonstrated extraordinary leadership, and serve as brilliant examples of what can be achieved if one is bold enough to break new and innovative grounds. Every single company or individual who participated in this year's Awards has shown the core values that make our industry great, and for that, they truly deserve our most heartfelt congratulations."
Kent Wong, Managing Director of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Ltd, remarked, "Being a JNA Awards Headline Partner for six consecutive years, we are guided by our unwavering commitment to drive the jewellery industry forward. Together with our fellow Partners, I believe that we can foster the sustainable development of the jewellery industry by upholding best business practices and encouraging creativity and innovation."
Lin Qiang, President & Managing Director of the Shanghai Diamond Exchange, added, "SDE is very proud to have been a solid partner of the JNA Awards since its inception six years ago. We believe our industry becomes stronger when we work together to achieve our common goals. The JNA Awards provides a great showcase of these common goals by recognising excellence, promoting high standards and upholding best business practices. These are the key elements to keeping the jewellery industry robust and prosperous."
In addition to the Headline Partners, KGK Group, Rio Tinto Diamonds, Guangdong Gems & Jade Exchange, and Guangdong Land Holdings Limited supported the JNA Awards 2017 as Honoured Partners.
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