JNA Awards Ceremony Honors Jewelry Industry Leaders and Innovators

JNA Award winners

Leung Sik Wah and Wallace Chan received special honors at the JNA Awards, held Thursday at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. They were among 16 people honored for innovation and leadership in the jewelry trade. 

The awards and ceremony were organized by Jewellery News Asia, Asia’s leading jewelry industry publication, as part of the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair. The grand affair, only in its second year, was attended by more than 500 persons and lived up to the billing  of “one of the industry’s most important and much-anticipated nights.” 

Leung was honored with the prestigious “Lifetime Achievement Award” for transforming Hong Kong and Asia into a major jewelry trading and retailing hub. Leung was also instrumental in establishing the Hong Kong Diamond Bourse, and is currently Honorary Life President of the Diamond Federation of Hong Kong and Chairman of the Hong Kong Jewellers’ & Goldsmiths’ Association.

Chan was the first recipient of the “Outstanding Contribution of the Year Award,” recognizing his unique talent and creativity, and for placing his works and Asia on the global haute joaillerie scene. Acclaimed industry-wide as a “carving genius,” Chan remains, to date, the only Asian artist to be invited to the prestigious Paris Biennale des Antiquaires show.

Other recipients of the JNA Awards 2013 are:

* Brand of the Year – Retail: Luk Fook Holdings (International) Ltd

* Employer of the Year: Jewelmer International Corporation and Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt Ltd

* E-Tailer of the Year: Plukka (HK) Ltd

* Industry Innovation of the Year – Manufacturing – Business: China Stone Ltd

* Industry Innovation of the Year – Manufacturing – Technology: Shenzhen United BlueOcean Technology Development Co Ltd

* Manufacturer of the Year – Coloured Gemstone Cutting & Polishing: China Stone Ltd

* Manufacturer of the Year – Diamond Cutting & Polishing: Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt Ltd

* Manufacturer of the Year – Gem-Set Jewellery: Shenzhen Xingguangda Jewellery Industrial Co Ltd

* Manufacturer of the Year – Precious Metals-Only Jewellery: 3D Kaiente Jewellery Co Ltd

* Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – India: Kiran Gems Pvt Ltd

* Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – Mainland China: ttf HAUTE JOAILLERIE

* Retailer of the Year: Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Ltd

* Sustainability Initiative of the Year: Dharmanandan Diamonds Pvt Ltd and Pranda Group

* Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Age 40 and below): Zhou Defen, Shenzhen Yuehao Jewelry Co Ltd

The real winner Thursday night may have been JNA Awards. It’s rare that a young program such as this has gained such international importance. But it has and there is still has plenty of room to grow.

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More Than 10,000 People Attended Asia Fashion Jewelry Fair

A total of 10,218 visitors from 94 countries and regions attended the16th edition of Asia’s Fashion Jewellery & Accessories Fair – June, held at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Of the visitors that came to the mid-year trade event for the fashion jewelry and accessories industry, about 63 percent were from outside the Hong Kong region, reflecting the show’s international status. Excluding Hong Kong region and mainland China, the Top 10 source of visitors were the United States, India, Japan, Taiwan region, Korea, Thailand, Australia, the Russian Federation, the Philippines and Singapore.

This year’s event gathered 380 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions, namely, mainland China, the Czech Republic, France, India, Israel, Italy, Korea, the Philippines, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Hong Kong and Taiwan regions. More than 80% of the total number of exhibitors is from outside Hong Kong.

Big attractions at the fair included seven group pavilions representing mainland China, France, India, Korea, the Philippines, Spain and Taiwan. 

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Daryl Wickstrom To Lead Sotheby’s International Jewelry And Watch Divisions

Sotheby’s on Friday named longtime executive Daryl Wickstrom as international managing director of Sotheby’s Worldwide Jewelry and Watch Divisions. In this newly-created role, he will be tasked with expanding activity and growing sales in these areas, which experienced record results in recent years, the New York-based multinational company said in a statement. 

Wickstrom will work closely with David Bennett, Lisa Hubbard and Quek Chin Yeow, the company’s three Jewelry chairmen, Tim Bourne, worldwide head of Watches, and Patti Wong, chairman of Sotheby’s Diamonds, the company said. He will oversee activities in North America, Europe and Asia, as well as the company’s expanding Sotheby’s Diamonds retail business and related private sales activity.

The announcement was made by Bruno Vinciguerra, Sotheby’s chief operating officer. 

Wickstrom joined Sotheby’s in 1996 and was appointed executive VP and deputy chairman, Asia, in July 2008. He was instrumental in developing the growth strategy in Asia and particularly Sotheby’s expansion in China. During his time in this role, total sales in Asia surpassed $1 billion in 2011.

From 2002 through 2008 Wickstrom served as managing director of Sotheby’s Global Auction Division. During his tenure, he orchestrated many significant single-owner sales and helped launch of Sotheby’s Diamonds retail venture in 2005, the company said.  

In 2013, Sotheby’s saw its highest-ever annual totals for its jewelry and watch categories, with worldwide Jewelry sales achieving $529 million, and worldwide Watch sales reaching $97 million. This spring, Sotheby’s set new benchmark prices for: any jadeite jewel and any jewel by Cartier (the Hutton-Mdivani Necklace, $27.4 million); any yellow diamond and any jewel by Graff (the Graff Vivid Yellow, $16.3 million); and any ruby (29.62-Carat Oval Burmese Ruby, $7.3 million). In addition, world auction records were set this spring at Sotheby’s for several iconic models by Patek Philippe: any Ref. 5207P ($867,000); any contemporary time-only watch by the firm ($737,000); any Celestial model ($545,000); and any Ref. 5033 ($509,000).

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Final Judges Named, Entries Deadline Extended for JNA Awards

New judges for the JNA Awards. From left: Lin Qiang, Biju Patnaik, Hidetaka Kato and Vichai Assarasakorn.

The final judges for the JNA Awards have been selected and the deadline for entries has been extended due to demand, said Jewellery News Asia, organizer of the inaugural event.

The awards, an industry-wide event that honors and recognizes excellence and achievement in the Asian jewelry trade, are open for entries until May 21. Interested parties may obtain details on the categories, rules of entry, judging criteria and judging process on the JNA Awards website.

The new members of the judging panel are: Lin Qiang, president and managing director of the Shanghai Diamond Exchange; Biju Patnaik, regional head, Asia, International Diamond & Jewellery Group, ABN AMRO Group; Hidetaka Kato, honorary dean of the Tokyo Diamond Exchange; and Vichai Assarasakorn, secretary general of The Thai Chamber of Commerce & Board of Trade of Thailand.

With the new appointments, the panel is now comprised of eight of the most recognized names in the global gemstone and jewelry industry. The new judges join Albert Cheng, managing director, World Gold Council—Far East; James Courage, CEO, Platinum Guild International UK Ltd; Matthew Runci, President and Chief Executive Officer, Jewelers of America; and Wilson Yuen, president, International Colored Gemstone Association

“To receive support from such recognized names is an encouraging sign of the guaranteed success of our inaugural event,” said Letitia Chow, founder of Jewellery News Asia and director of Business Development—Jewellery Group at UBM Asia. “The high number of entries, urging us to extend the entries' deadline to 21 May, is also a good indication of the excellent feedback received from the industry.”

The awards ceremony and gala dinner will be held on September 20 at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, during the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair. The event, the first of its kind in Asia, is organized by Jewellery News Asia of UBM Asia in collaboration with UBM Awards.

Rio Tinto, Chow Tai Fook, Robert Wan Tahiti, Israel Diamond Institute and the Shanghai Diamond Exchange are the leading partners for the event.

Judges named for JNA Awards

From left: Albert Cheng, MD of World Gold Council - Far East, James Courage, CEO of Platinum Guild International, Matthew Runci, president & CEO of Jewelers of America, and Wilson Yuen, president of International Colored Gemstone Association

Jewellery News Asia, has revealed the names of the international panel of jewelry industry experts who will serve as judges for the JNA Awards.

The panel consists of:

Albert Cheng, managing director, World Gold Council - Far East
James Courage, CEO, Platinum Guild International UK Ltd
Matthew Runci, president and CEO, Jewelers of America
Wilson Yuen, president, International Colored Gemstone Association

"It is exciting to have these authoritative leaders representing various sectors of the industry and different corners of the world serving as judges in our inaugural event," said Letitia Chow, founder of Jewellery News Asia and director of business development. "It is important that the process is robust, transparent and intellectually rigorous."

The JNA Awards is an industry-wide event that honors and recognizes excellence and achievement in the Asian jewelry trade. The awards ceremony and gala dinner will be held on September 20, during the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong. The event, the first of its kind in Asia, is organized by Jewellery News Asia, a subsidiary of UBM Asia, in collaboration with UBM Awards.

The competition is open for entries until May 4. Interested parties may obtain details on the award categories, rules of entry, judging criteria and judging process by logging on to www.JNAawards.com. Entry forms are available online.

JNA Awards Categories are:

* Manufacturer of the Year
* Retailer of the Year
* Employer of the Year
* Brand of the Year
* Industry Innovation of the Year—Manufacturing
* Industry Innovation of the Year—Retail
* Sustainability Initiative of the Year
* Young Leader of the Year (Age 30 or below)
* 3 Decades of Excellence Award
* Outstanding Contribution to the Industry of the Year
* Lifetime Achievement Award
* Wonder of the World Award

Nominations Being Accepted for JNA Awards

2012 JNA award winners

Applications and nominations are now being accepted for the second annual JNA Awards, which honors and recognizes excellence and innovation in the jewelry industry with a focus on the Asian trade. Individuals or organizations interested in participating can fill out an enrollment form on the JNA Awards website. The deadline is May 15.

The 2013 JNA Awards award categories are as follows:

* Brand of the Year Award: Retail
* Employer of the Year Award
* Innovator of the Year Award: Manufacturing - business operations
* Innovator of the Year Award: Manufacturing - Technology Application
* Manufacturer of the Year Award: colored gemstone cutting and processing
* Manufacturer of the Year Award: diamond cutting and processing
* Manufacturer of the Year Award: precious stones inlaid jewelry
* Manufacturer of the Year Award: prime precious metal jewelry
* Outstanding Contribution Award
* Outstanding Business of the Year Award: India
* Outstanding Business of the Year Award: China Mainland
* Annual retailer awards
* Annual networking platform for retailers Awards
* The annual jewelry store Excellent Interior Design Awards
* Sustainable development awards
* Outstanding Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award (40 years old or less)

Companies and individuals may submit entries on behalf of themselves or others from mid-March to mid-May. The first stage of the judging process will begin in mid-May and end in mid-June. On June 20 the honorees or shortlisted candidates will be announced. The honorees and recipients will be feted at a gala dinner and presentation ceremony at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong on September 12 during the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair 2013.

Awards ceremony and dinner tickets are now available at the JNA Awards website.

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Call for Entries for Inaugural JNA Awards

The inaugural JNA Awards, which honors and recognizes excellence and achievements in the jewelry trade with a focus on contribution and advancement in the Asian region, will be held during the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair (September 19 – 25).

Award winners will be honored at a ceremony and gala dinner on September 20 at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong. The awards are organized by Jewellery News Asia, a subsidiary of UBM Asia, in collaboration with UBM Awards.

The event is calling for entries until May 4. Companies and individuals interested in submitting an application can visit www.JNAawards.com for entry forms and to obtain details on the awards categories, rules of entry, judging criteria and judging process.

JNA Awards Categories include:

* Manufacturer of the Year

* Retailer of the Year

* Employer of the Year

* Brand of the Year

* Industry Innovation of the Year—Manufacturing

* Industry Innovation of the Year—Retail

* Sustainability Initiative of the Year

* Young Leader of the Year (Age 30 or below)

* 3 Decades of Excellence Award

* Outstanding Contribution to the Industry of the Year

* Lifetime Achievement Award

* Wonder of the World Award

Asia’s Fashion Jewellery & Accessories Fair Attracts Nearly 4,000 Buyers

Asia’s Fashion Jewellery & Accessories Fair, held at the AsiaWorld-Expo center in Hong Kong, attracted 3,878 buyers from 84 countries and region, according to UBM Asia, which owns and operates the trade fair. More than 75 percent of buyers were from outside the Hong Kong region.
 
The four-day event, which ended February 21, was held earlier than its usual March schedule in order to suit the international trade event calendar. The Top 10 visiting countries (excluding mainland China and Hong Kong region) were the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Japan, Korea, Germany, France and Russian Federation. They accounted for 34.6 percent of total visitors.

“We are happy to note that the United States was the source of the biggest number of visitors, which accounted for 10 percent of total visitors,” said Celine Lau, director of Jewellery Fairs at UBM Asia.

The exhibition space near the Hong Kong International Airport was expanded by 17.6 percent from last year’s edition, UBM Asia said. It housed 386 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions, an 18 percent increase over the 2011 edition of the trade fair. The exhibitors were from Australia, Canada, mainland China, India, Indonesia, Israel, Korea, Nepal, Netherlands, the Philippines, Samoa, Thailand, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States and Hong Kong and Taiwan regions. More than 80 percent of them are from outside Hong Kong region.

Asia’s Fashion Jewellery & Accessories Fair is held three times per year. Upcoming dates are: June 21 – 24, September 19 – 22, and March 4 – 7, 2013.

JNA Awards Adds Five Categories

Jewellery News Asia has expanded the list of categories for the second edition of its JNA Awards.

At a recently held press conference, JNA announced that the 2013 Awards will be bestowed across 16 categories, compared to 11 in its inaugural edition last year.

The JNA Awards recognizes and honors excellence and innovation in the jewelry industry, with a focus on companies and individuals that have made significant contributions to the trade in Asia.

The current list of awards categories for 2013 is as follows:

* Brand of the Year - Retail
* Employer of the Year
* Industry Innovation of the Year - Manufacturing - Business
* Industry Innovation of the Year - Manufacturing - Technology
* Manufacturer of the Year - Diamond Cutting and Polishing
* Manufacturer of the Year - Colored Gemstone Cutting & Polishing
* Manufacturer of the Year - Gem-set Jewellery
* Manufacturer of the Year - Precious Metal Only Jewellery
* Retailer of the Year
* E-tailer of the Year
* Outstanding Enterprise of the year - Mainland China
* Outstanding Enterprise of the year - India
* Outstanding Contribution of the year
* Store design of the Year
* Sustainability Initiative of the Year
* Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Companies and individuals may submit entries on behalf of themselves or others from mid-March to mid-May. The first stage of the judging process will begin in mid-May and end in mid-June. On 20 June the honorees or shortlisted candidates will be announced. The honorees and recipients will be feted at a gala dinner and presentation ceremony at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong on  September 12 during the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair 2013.

The launch event was hosted by Wolfram Diener, senior VP of UBM Asia Ltd; Letitia Chow, founder of JNA and director of Business Development - Jewellery Group at UBM Asia; and representatives of the awards' headline partners, including Rita Maltez, manager Greater China Representative Office, Diamonds Sales and Marketing at Rio Tinto Diamonds; and Kent Wong, managing director of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited.

The JNA Awards 2013 is led by Rio Tinto Diamonds and Chow Tai Fook as Headline Partners, with Gubelin, Israel Diamond Institute, KARP Group, Robert Wan Tahiti and the Shanghai Diamond Exchange as Honored Partners. An international group of prominent industry experts will form the judging panel.

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JNA Awards Ceremony to be held in September

The second annual JNA Awards Ceremony and Dinner will be held September 12 at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, during the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair.

The JNA Awards honors and recognizes excellence and achievements in the jewelry trade with a focus on contribution and advancement in the Asian region. The awards honors individuals and companies in several categories. This year’s categories have yet to be announced.

The first JNA Awards ceremony and dinner was held on September 20, 2012, at the Hong Kong Ritz Carlton. It attracted more than 450 jewelry industry leaders from around the world. The Lifetime Achievement Award awarded to the former De Beers chairman Nicholas "Nicky" Oppenheimer.

For more information on the JNA Awards, visit www.jnaawards.com.

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