Debut IU Awards presentation ceremony unfolds in Hong Kong

The first IU Awards presentation ceremony received much acceptance by the industry, with over 200 guests attending the event at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Hall on September 21. The IU Awards was conceived as an international competitive platform for gem-cutting and jewelry design, that promotes colored gemstones. “IU” stands for the initials of International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) and UBM Asia.

For the two competing categories of jewellery design and gem-cutting, the debut IU Awards received 221 entries from 25 countries and regions around the world. Of these eight awardees were selected during the final judging on June 22, 2012.

Wilson Yuen, president of International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) said, “Design and gem-cutting are two indispensable elements in the industry. I am deeply impressed by all the entries. They reflect the level of creativity, great passion and inspiration of our participants. I have definitely learned a lot from appreciating all the art pieces,” Yuen added.

The winner of the Gem-Cutting category was Natalia Samorukova for the creation entitled –‘Chrysanthemum’. Chrysanthemum is a Colorless Topaz, 15.5 carats, 15.1*15.0mm. The winner of the jewellery design competition was an entry entitled ‘Dragon Awakening’ by Ip Suen Hang from Hong Kong. Dragon Awakening is a necklace featuring seed pearl chain, black silk cord, crystal, ruby, sapphire, brown, white and yellow diamond.

The mission of the IU Awards is to serve as a platform for the colored gemstone industry to recognize fresh talents and outstanding achievements. It shared the vision of advancing the knowledge of colored gemstone worldwide.