The 2015 AGTA Spectrum Awards Winners

Best of Show, Leon Mege - Platinum ring with a 4.71 ct. Paraiba tourmaline accented with French-cut diamonds.

The AGTA Spectrum Awards media day and winners announcement were held recently at its usual undisclosed New York location. I was unable to attend the event this year but that doesn’t mean you have to be neglected of at least seeing the top category winners. 

Best Use of Color, Paula Crevoshay – 18k yellow gold "The Venus Bracelet" with freshwater baroque cultured Pearls (91.43 ctw.) accented with pink and green tourmalines (29.32 ctw.).

The Spectrum Awards are considered by many to be the most respected and prestigious creative awards for the jewelry design industry. Launched in 1984 by the American Gem Trade Association, it honors, recognizes and promotes designers whose work uses natural colored gemstones and cultured pearls in finished fine jewelry design. The international competition serves as the benchmark for jewelry designers striving to gain recognition for their work. In addition, it is one of things the jewelry industry establishes trends through the use of color and materials. 

Best Use of Platinum and Color, Deirdre Featherstone - Platinum "Anemone" earrings with tanzanites (5.37 ctw.) accented with blue zircons (2.88 ctw.), purple sapphires (3.72 ctw.), tsavorite garnets (1.67 ctw.), indigo tourmalines (.40 ctw.), Paraiba tourmalines (.26 ctw.) and Diamonds (.16 ctw.).  

Douglas K. Hucker, CEO of the AGTA, says the 500 or designers who participated in the competition stretched the boundaries in what can be achieved in jewelry design with colored gems and pearls. 

Best Use of Pearls, Naomi Sarna – 18k rose gold necklace with white cultured pearls accented with pink diamonds.

“We were thrilled with the variety of entries at this year’s awards competition,” he said. “We saw a lot of use of striking and strong colors instead of pastels. There were asymmetrical pieces combining rounds with ovals and squares.” 

Evening Wear Maria Canale, Suna Bros. Inc. - Platinum and 20k pink gold bracelet with multi-colored natural spinels (44.31 ctw.) accented with white diamonds (6.80 ctw.) and pink diamonds (1.00 ctw.).

Among the popular choice for colors were blue, and blue green; and the most popular gems used for the competition were tourmalines, sapphires and opals, he added. In addition, he noted that there was a three-fold increase to the entries to the men’s wear category.

Fashion Forward, Ion Ionescu – 18k yellow gold ring featuring a 36 ct. turquoise accented with a 9.2mm Tahitian silver cultured pearl, Paraiba tourmalines (.32 ctw.) and diamonds (.43 ctw.).

Judging from the top winners at the show, pearls and the extremely rare Paraiba tourmaline were used quite extensively.

Business/Day Wear, Jennifer Rabe Morin, Gregore Joailliers – 18k rose gold ring with carved turquoise (29.0 ctw.) accented with amethyst cabochons (14.0 ctw.).

This year's AGTA Spectrum Awards will be presented during the 2015 AGTA GemFair Tucson to be held February 3 - 8 (a trade only event) at the Tucson Convention Center in Tucson, Ariz., with the winning entries will be displayed during the show.

Men's Wear, Dawn Muscio – 18k red gold and stainless steel "Pink2" cufflinks featuring pillow cut Morganites (8.74 ctw.) accented with Rubies (.87 ctw.) and Diamonds (.60 ctw.).

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Winners of the JNA Awards

The 2012 September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, the tradeshow hosted the inaugural JNA Awards during a ceremony held September 20 at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong. The JNA Awards honors and recognizes excellence and achievement in the jewelry trade.

The event, the first of its kind in Asia, was organized by Jewellery News Asia of UBM Asia in collaboration with UBM Awards.

The success of the awards was prevalent in the fact that all of the sponsors agreed to participate in the next edition prior to the awards presentation. Recipients of the JNA Awards for 2012 are as follows:

Lifetime Achievement Award, Nicky Oppenheimer, former chairman of the De Beers Group
Oppenheimer received JNA's highest accolade for his outstanding contribution to the world diamond industry over the course of a career that spans 44 years. The third generation of the Oppenheimers to lead De Beers, he has added his own, distinguished contribution to a family legend that dates back to 1902 when his grandfather, Sir Ernest Oppenheimer, arrived in Kimberley to work as a diamond buying agent. He presided over important changes in the history of the De Beers Group. Under his leadership, De Beers opened up new markets for diamond jewelry in China and India, and established the De Beers' Best Practice Principles, a standard of ethical business behavior that has set the benchmark for other global industries.

Three Decades of Excellence, Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Co Ltd.
The world's largest jewelry retailer by market value continues to raise the bar of excellence and creativity in the gemstone and jewelry industry. The Hong Kong-listed company has an extensive retail network, with more than 1,600 points-of-sale in Greater China, Malaysia and Singapore.

Brand of the Year, Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Co Ltd.
With its immense reach and presence in the Greater China market, the company is viewed as a trendsetter in the industry and one of the most iconic brands in Greater China.

Employer of the Year, Dharmanandan Diamonds Pvt Ltd.
The 30-year-old diamond manufacturer continues to demonstrate the same passion and commitment that it has for a business that celebrates enduring love and romance. It has not lost sight of the core corporate values: excellence in innovation, manufacturing and talent management. By connecting with its employees and keeping them engaged, the India-based company is able to clearly communicate the group's vision and goals with its staff.

Industry Innovation of the Year – Manufacturing, TTF High Jewellery
Since its establishment in September 2002, the Shenzhen-based jewelry manufacturer has been producing jewelry pieces of outstanding design and craftsmanship. TTF has mastered many high-level techniques in jewelry making, including K-gold production, which gives gold lasting color and shine.

Industry Innovation of the Year – Retail, Plukka (HK) Ltd.
Leveraging the power of social media and online marketing, Plukka (HK) Ltd is changing the dynamics of jewelry trade and manufacturing. Launched less than a year ago by partners Jai Waney and Joanne Ooi, the Hong Kong-based e-Retailer is bringing the concept of group buying to a larger audience.

Manufacturer of the Year, Pranda Group
The Thailand-based company prides itself on being a leading supplier of high-quality jewelry to some of the world's most recognizable retail brands, while offering its own branded jewelry products. With a 4,000-strong workforce in seven manufacturing facilities, the company produces more than 10,000 new designs and over 8 million pieces annually.

Retailer of the Year, Luk Fook Holdings (International) Ltd.
One of Hong Kong's most successful home-grown brands, Lukfook operates more than 920 retail outlets worldwide, more than 870 of which are in China. The company uses innovative technology to increase operational efficiency, reduce costs and enhance customer experience.

Sustainability Initiative of the Year, Jewelmer International Corp.
Renowned for its golden South Sea cultured pearls, Jewelmer champions sustainable development in its operations and projects. Based in the Philippines, it adopts the most ecologically friendly practices in its pearl farms in Palawan. Jewelmer's Save Palawan Seas Foundation also provides coastal communities with livelihood alternatives to destructive fishing practices.

Young Leader of the Year (Age 30 or below), Chris Benham (The Inspired Collection)
Benham has led the New Zealand-based company into winning several domestic and international jewelry design awards over a span of just three years. Known for its fresh, innovative approach to diamond jewelry design, The Inspired Collection has also won major design contracts with highly respected companies, including Hiersun, a retailer with more than 200 bridal jewelry shops in China.

The following companies have been selected as honorees of the inaugural JNA Awards 2012, Wonder of the World category:

Vitalit, Thailand, two entries — Vivid Orange Natural Mandarin Garnet in finest cut cushion shape or Natural Spessartite (Garnet); and Pinkish Red Spinel of Pamir Mountains origin.

Makhni Enterprises, Thailand — A pair of rare 8 carats unheated rubies

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DMCC’s Ahmed Bin Sulayem to Receive JNA Award For Outstanding Contribution

Ahmed Bin Sulayem

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, executive chairman of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, will receive the 2014 Outstanding Contribution Award during the JNA Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner on September 16 at the InterContinental Hong Kong. The JNA Awards event, the culmination of a year-long process, will be held during the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair. The awards are organized by Jewellery News Asia, the leading trade magazine for the Asian jewelry industry. 

Bin Sulayem is the second individual to receive the Outstanding Contribution Award.

Bin Sulayem’s accomplishments have had a positive and enduring impact, not only on DMCC and Dubai, but on the global gemstone and jewelry industry, according to Letitia Chow, chair of the JNA Awards judging panel. 

“Under Ahmed Bin Sulayem’s leadership, DMCC has enhanced the flow of diamonds, precious metals, pearls and other commodities through Dubai—one of the world’s leading trade hubs. His vision and boldness in executing his role at DMCC has led to the expansion of the global commodities sector,” Chow said. “His leadership has not only established Dubai as a major commodities trading hub, but also promoted synergistic collaboration with trading partners in Asia.”

Under Bin Sulayem’s guidance, Dubai has become one of the leading diamond trading centers in the world.

“It is an honor to accept this prestigious award on behalf of DMCC and Dubai as testament to the strength and leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai,” he said. “It is his vision that has enabled DMCC to establish Dubai as the global hub for commodities trade and enterprise, and in doing so making the most of the Emirate’s geographical location between the jewelry and gemstone-producing and consuming countries.”

Under Bin Sulayem’s leadership, gold trade through Dubai has grown from $6 billion in 2003 to $75 billion in 2013. The diamond industry has grown to about $39 billion, and Dubai is now ranked among the world’s top three marketplaces for rough and polished diamonds. 

Since joining DMCC in 2001, Bin Sulayem oversaw the construction of the Almas Tower, the tallest commercial tower in the Middle East built for the diamond trade; and several products and services, including the establishment of the DMCC Free Zone, the Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange, and the Dubai Diamond Exchange. He also played a leading role in reviving Dubai’s pearl industry by launching the Dubai Pearl Exchange in 2007. In just over a decade, DMCC has enabled the flow of trade through Dubai to grow immensely while positioning its free zone as the global gateway for commodities trade and enterprise. 

Now in its third year, the JNA Awards is an industry-wide event that honors and recognizes excellence and achievement in the global jewelry trade with an Asian focus. In 2013, it conferred the Outstanding Contribution of the Year Award to celebrated jewelry master and sculptor Wallace Chan. 

For the Awards’ 2014 edition, a total of 29 companies and six individuals from 11 countries and regions have been shortlisted across 16 categories.

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Shortlist for the JNA Awards Announced

The shortlisted honorees in nine categories for the inaugural JNA Awards were announced at a press conference held on the first day of the June Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“"The caliber of entries submitted to the inaugural JNA Awards was remarkable. Making the honoree list is a fantastic achievement for all the companies involved,” said Letitia Chow, founder of Jewellery News Asia and director of Business Development—Jewellery Group at UBM Asia, and chair of the JNA Awards judging panel.

The following individuals and companies have been selected for the honoree list of the inaugural JNA Awards 2012:

Three Decades of Excellence Award:

* Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Co Ltd from Hong Kong
* Dharmanandan Diamonds Pvt Ltd from India
* Kashi Jewellers from India
* Nelson Jewellery Arts Co Ltd from Hong Kong

Brand of the Year:

* Cartier from Switzerland
* Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Co Ltd from Hong Kong
* TTF from mainland China

Employer of the Year:

* Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Co Ltd from Hong Kong
* Dharmanandan Diamonds Pvt Ltd from India

Industry Innovation of the Year -- Manufacturing:

* K.S. Jewelry International Co Ltd from Thailand
* Kiran Exports Hong Kong Ltd from Hong Kong
* Nelson Jewellery Arts Co Ltd from Hong Kong
* TTF from mainland China

Industry Innovation of the Year -- Retail:

* Plukka (HK) Ltd from Hong Kong

Manufacturer of the Year:

* Dharmanandan Diamonds Pvt Ltd from India
* KGK Jewellery Manufacturing Limited from Hong Kong
* Kiran Exports Hong Kong Ltd from Hong Kong
* Pranda Group from Thailand

Retailer of the Year:

* Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Co, Ltd from Hong Kong
* Luk Fook Holdings (International) Limited from Hong Kong
* Sterling Jewelers Inc from the USA

Sustainability Initiative of the Year:

* Jewelmer International Corporation from the Philippines

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

* L' Dezen Jewellery Co Ltd from Hong Kong
* Leibish & Co Ltd from Israel
* The Inspired Collection from New Zealand

The Wonder of the World category, which is open only to AsiaWorld-Expo exhibitors during the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair 2012, will be accepting entries until July 27. The recipient of the award will be announced during the JNA Awards ceremony on September 20.

The recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award will be selected by the main organizers and will be announced at a later date.

Rio Tinto, Chow Tai Fook, Robert Wan Tahiti, Israel Diamond Institute and the Shanghai Diamond Exchange are leading the event as JNA Awards 2012 (www.JNAawards.com) partners.

The JNA Awards is an industry-wide event that honors and recognizes excellence and achievement in the global jewellery trade with an Asian focus. The Awards ceremony and gala dinner will be held on 20 September 2012, 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 of UBM Asia in collaboration with the UBM Awards.

JNA Awards Finalists Announced

Thirty-six entries from 23 companies have been shortlisted across 13 categories for the JNA Awards 2013. Jewellery News Asia, which organizes the awards, announced the finalists during the recently held June Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair.

The Honourees  for the Brand of the Year – Retail, Employer of the Year, E-tailer of the Year, Industry Innovation of the Year – Manufacturing – Business, Manufacturer of the Year – Coloured Gemstone Cutting & Polishing, Manufacturer of the Year – Diamond Cutting & Polishing, Manufacturer of the Year – Gem-Set Jewellery, Manufacturer of the Year – Precious Metal Only Jewellery, Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – India, Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – Mainland China, Retailer of the Year, Sustainability Initiative of the Year and Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Age 40 and below) were announced at a news conference attended by industry experts, trade members and the media.

The 23 companies hail from eight countries and regions, namely mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Japan, the Philippines, Switzerland and Thailand.

Deliberations are still ongoing for a few remaining categories. The shortlisted Honorees in those categories will be announced at a later date, the organizer said.

This year, close to 90 highly qualified entries was received from 13 countries and regions.

“Our list of Honorees serves as a testament to the fact that Asia’s jewelry industry is full of thriving and innovative businesses and individuals with diverse talents,” said Wolfram Diener, senior vice president of UBM Asia.

The judging panel is composed of five industry experts: Albert Cheng, managing director of the World Gold Council – Far East; James Courage, chief executive of Platinum Guild International; Lin Qiang, president and managing director of the Shanghai Diamond Exchange; Nirupa Bhatt, managing director of the Gemological Institute of America in India and the Middle East, and Vichian Veerasaksri, director of the World Jewellery Confederation and advisor to the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association.

The JNA Awards 2013 is a ticketed event by application only. Interested parties may submit their request by logging on to http://www.JNAawards.com/.

JNA Awards 2013 Honorees List:

Brand of the Year – Retail
Jewelmer International Corp.
Luk Fook Holdings (International) Ltd
PRIMO JAPAN Inc

Employer of the Year
Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Co. Ltd
Jewelmer International Corporation
Luk Fook Holdings (International) Ltd
Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt Ltd

E-tailer of the Year
Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Co Ltd
Leibish & Co Ltd
Plukka (HK) Ltd

Industry Innovation of the Year – Manufacturing – Business
China Stone Ltd
Odear Fashion Technology
Sun Sang Jewelry Co

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

Manufacturer of the Year – Diamond Cutting & Polishing
Dharmanandan Diamonds Pvt Ltd
J. B. And Brothers Pvt Ltd
Kiran Gems Private Limited
Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt Ltd

Manufacturer of the Year – Gem-Set Jewellery
ShenZhen Ganlu Jewellery Co Ltd
Shenzhen Xingguangda Jewellery Industrial Co Ltd

Manufacturer of the Year – Precious Metal Only Jewellery
3D Kaiente Jewellery Limited Company
ShenZhen Ganlu Jewellery Co Ltd
Shenzhen United BlueOcean Technology Development Co Ltd
Shenzhen Yuehao Jewelry Co Ltd

Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – India
Kashi Jewellers
Kiran Gems Private Limited

Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – Mainland China
TTF High Jewellery
Shenzhen Xingguangda Jewellery Industrial Co Ltd

Retailer of the Year
Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Co Ltd
Luk Fook Holdings (International) Ltd

Sustainability Initiative of the Year
Dharmanandan Diamonds Pvt Ltd
Pranda Group
Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt Ltd

Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Age 40 and below)
Raphael Gubelin – Gubelin Group Ltd
Payal Shah – L’Dezen Jewellery Co Ltd
Zhou Defeng – Shenzhen Yuehao Jewelry Co Ltd

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Bhatt and Boyajian Named as Judges for JNA Awards

Nirupa Bhatt

Nirupa Bhatt, managing director of Gemological Institute of America in India and the Middle East, and Bill Boyajian, founder and president of Bill Boyajian & Associates, round out the panel of judges for the JNA Awards. 

Bill Boyajian

The annual awards program, now in its third year, pays tribute and recognizes companies and individuals that have demonstrated excellence, strong corporate and social responsibility, and set high standards in the Asian jewelry and gemstone trade. The awards program is organized by Jewellery News Asia, the largest and most important jewelry trade publication in Asia.

They will join James Courage, CEO of Platinum Guild International; Albert Cheng, managing director of the World Gold Council, Far East; and Lin Qiang, president and managing director of the Shanghai Diamond Exchange as judges.

Bhatt has received several global honors for her contributions to the gemstone and jewelry industry. Her role with GIA has taken her to over 60 locations across India, Turkey and the Middle East. She is also a member of the Board of Directors of the All India Gem and Jewellery Trade Federation, and Gem and Jewellery Skill Council of India, as well as an invitee to the marketing committee of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council. It is the second consecutive year she served as a judge for the JNA Awards.

Boyajian was president of the GIA from 1986 to 2006 and is one of the global gem and jewelry industry's most well-known experts. With Bill Boyajian & Associates, Inc., he consults for a variety of companies both in and out of the jewelry trade. He is author of the book “Developing the Mind of a Leader - Your Path to Lead and Inspire People,” and is a sought-after speaker and coach.

The JNA Awards 2014 will culminate with a ceremony and gala dinner on September 16, at the InterContinental Hong Kong, during the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair. The Awards has Rio Tinto Diamonds and Chow Tai Fook as “Headline Partners,” with Diarough Group, Gubelin Group, Israel Diamond Institute, KARP Group, Paspaley Pearling Company and SDE as “Honoured Partners.”

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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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April 17 Deadline for 2014 JNA Awards

The deadline for the JNA Awards is arriving fast for those individuals and companies who are still considering whether to enter the largest and most important jewelry awards event in Asia. 

The deadline for submitting applications is midnight (Hong Kong time) April 17. The JNA Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner will be held September 17 at the InterContinental Hotel, Hong Kong, during the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair.

Application forms and criteria can be accessed by visiting our website at www.JNAawards.com. Similar to last year, all entry forms are in English and applications will be completed in English. To facilitate Chinese-speaking countries, there is Chinese translation for key website pages. Entry forms must be submitted online and each applicant can only enter up to a maximum of three categories. 

There will be 16 categories this year, including a new category that spotlights the ASEAN region. The full list of JNA Awards 2014 categories is as follows:

* Lifetime Achievement Award
* Outstanding Contribution of the Year
* 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 - Gem-set Jewelry
* Manufacturer of the Year - Precious Metal Only Jewelry
* Outstanding Enterprise of the Year - ASEAN Countries
* Outstanding Enterprise of the Year - India
* Outstanding Enterprise of the Year - Mainland China
* Retailer of the Year
* E-tailer of the Year
* Sustainability Initiative of the Year
* Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Age 40 and below)

The competition is organized by Jewellery News Asia, Asia’s leading jewelry trade publication. The annual JNA Awards, entering its third year, honors innovators and leaders of the international jewelry industry in manufacturing, branding, retailing, best business practice, innovation, sustainability and outstanding contribution.

Entries will be judged May and June by an international panel of judges representing key sectors of the jewelry industry. The honorees or shortlisted candidates will be revealed on June 19.

The JNA Awards 2014 is led by Rio Tinto Diamonds and Chow Tai Fook as Headline Partners, with Diarough Group, Gubelin Group, the Israel Diamond Institute, KARP Group, Paspaley Pearling Company and Shanghai Diamond Exchange as Honored Partners.

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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

JNA Awards Now Accepting Entries in 16 Categories

(From left) Nissim Palomo, chief marketing officer of Israel Diamond Institute; Gilat Elizov-Gefen, managing director of IDI Asia Pacific; Naresh Surana, director of Diarough (Hong Kong); Helen Molesworth, managing director of Gübelin Academy; Albert Cheng, managing director of World Gold Council Far East; Letitia Chow, founder of JNA and director of Business Development - Jewellery Group of UBM Asia; Kent Wong, managing director of Chow Tai Fook; Rita Maltez, manager of Rio Tinto Diamond's Greater China Region

Entries by individuals or companies are now being accepted for the JNA Awards. Applications are available online by following this link. Deadline for submissions will be midnight (Hong Kong time) of April 17, 2014.

Organized by Jewellery News Asia, Asia’s leading jewelry trade publication, the annual JNA Awards honors innovators and leaders of the international jewelry industry in manufacturing, branding, retailing, best business practice, innovation, sustainability and outstanding contribution.

There will be 16 categories this year, including a new category that spotlights the ASEAN region. The full list of JNA Awards 2014 categories is as follows:

* Lifetime Achievement Award
* Outstanding Contribution of the Year
* 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 - Gem-set Jewellery
* Manufacturer of the Year - Precious Metal Only Jewellery
* Outstanding Enterprise of the Year - ASEAN Countries
* Outstanding Enterprise of the Year - India
* Outstanding Enterprise of the Year - Mainland China
* Retailer of the Year
* E-tailer of the Year
* Sustainability Initiative of the Year
* Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Age 40 and below)

Entries will be judged May and June by an international panel of judges representing key sectors of the jewelry industry. The honorees or shortlisted candidates will be revealed on June 19, and will be feted together with the Recipients at the JNA Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner on Tuesday, September 16, at the InterContinental Hong Kong, during the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair 2014.

Now on its third year, JNA Awards 2014 is led by Rio Tinto Diamonds and Chow Tai Fook as Headline Partners, with Diarough Group, Gubelin Group, the Israel Diamond Institute, KARP Group, Paspaley Pearling Company and Shanghai Diamond Exchange as Honored Partners.

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G &G Creations Wins ‘Future of Design’ Competition

G &G Creations Love Collection

Jewelry design firm, G &G Creations, was named the winner of a jewelry industry’s career-building competition: Future of Design.

The winners were announced March 12, after finalists made a live “Shark Tank”-like presentation to a panel of judges and an audience of industry VIPs, press and fellow designers.

“We are overwhelmed and so proud,” said winning designer Vahe Ghazarhian on behalf of his team. “We have been working on our application for a very long time and we used all the feedback and advice we’ve gotten since last year’s contest when we were a semi-finalist. We have improved every aspect of our business since last year to better align our efforts with our potential.”

The Future of Design contest is a business incubator competition that nurtures emerging design talent in the fine jewelry industry. It is unique in both the extent of the prize package it provides and that it puts the designers’ business acumen on an equal footing with his or her design talent. It was created in 2012 by Cindy Edelstein of the Jeweler’s Resource Bureau and Andrea Hill of StrategyWerx.

The contest was judged live at MJSA Expo New York by Edelstein, Hill, Hedda Schupak, editor of the Centurion Newsletter, and Ann Arnold, president/CEO of Lieberfarb. An additional judge who had been actively involved in the judging process up to this point, Bruce Pucciarello, owner of Novell Design Studio, couldn’t be present at the live event but his opinions were factored into the decision.

The winners of the Future of Design Competition with the judges.

"The judging was one of the most challenging tasks I've ever faced," said Edelstein. "The margin of difference between the three finalists was paper thin but in the end the judges felt that G&G Creations had the most powerful mix of amazing product design, agile business practices and marketability. They will become an important contribution to the fine jewelry community."

As the winner, G&G Creations will receive business services and support from a variety of industry organizations that have come together in their support of the next generation of jewelry designers. 

The live finale included 10-minute presentations by all three finalists, including runners-up Lisa Adkinson of Lisa Robin Jewelry, and Suneera Swarup of Suneera Fine Jewelry Design. Each designer was tasked with making a final pitch to the judging panel that explained their work, inspiration and plans for the future. Panelists and audience members, including competition “dream team” members Robert Lee Morris, Penny Preville and Lisa Jenks probed further into each designer’s vision with tough questions about manufacturing, retailers, marketing and price points.

While G&G Creations was named the winner, co-creator Andrea Hill noted that all three finalists will receive help in the coming months. “We have a deep commitment to the three finalists. We feel strongly that everyone who entered this contest should benefit somehow,” Hill said. “All designers receive a 5-7 page analysis and recommendations report regarding their application. We are trying to help a wide swatch of designers grow stronger businesses.”

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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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Alexandra Mor Receives Fashion Group International Rising Star Award

Alexandra Mor

Fine jewelry designer, Alexandra Mor, received the Fashion Group International Rising Star Award in the fine jewelry category. The award was presented by Marion Fasel, InStyle editor and one of the nation’s top fine jewelry experts, who announced Mor’s win with these words, “To the designer of the emerald earrings of my dreams.”

“We believe the award will reflect positively on Alexandra’s talent and will help her as her business expands. Her creativity and craftsmanship are exemplary, and the beauty of her product certainly reflects all that Rising Star represents,” added Margaret Hayes, FGI president.

FGI presented the 16th Annual Rising Star Awards on Jan. 24 during a luncheon at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York. The awards recognize emerging talents in the fashion and design industries in the following categories: Accessories, Beauty/Fragrance Entrepreneur, Beauty/Fragrance Corporate, Home/Interior Design, Fine Jewelry; Men’s Apparel, Retail and Women’s Ready-to-Wear.

“There's nothing more reassuring to an artist than being recognized for what you do,” Mor said. “I happen to love what I do. And I will continue to work hard and follow my dreams.”

Alexandra Mor Sugarloaf emerald and diamond ring.

Those who regularly read the Jewelry News Network are certainly aware of Mor and her skill as a fine jewelry designer. Her work reflects a style that originates from her family of French-Israeli fashion couturiers. Her limited-edition, one-of-a-kind and signature jewelry collections combine old-world craftsmanship with contemporary styles. Designed and hand-crafted in her New York studio, she has established herself as a private jeweler and artist with a commitment to timelessness and perfection.

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Three Jewelry Designers Win Centurion Emerging Designer Competition

Babette Shennan’s Sterling silver and 14k yellow gold, “Gingko” hinged cuff has antiqued silk finish accented with tsavorite garnets (6.8 ctw.).

Babette Shennan, Stanislav Drokin, and Rhyme & Reason were named the winners of the Centurion 2014 Emerging Designer Competition. All three were awarded with their U.S. tradeshow debut at the Centurion Jewelry Show, which was held Feb. 1 -4 in Scottsdale, Ariz.

The Centurion Emerging Designer competition, now in its sixth year, drew a record of 90 entries from luxury jewelry designers around the world. The first round of judging was conducted by three industry design experts: celebrity stylist and TV commentator Michael O’Connor; GIA’s global jewelry manufacturing arts director Mark Mann; and Stuller’s executive director of product development, Gary Baines. They were tasked with narrowing down to 12 finalists, and the Centurion Board of Retail Advisors then voted to select the winners. Each of the three winners received free exhibition space at the luxury jewelry tradeshow.

Babette Shennan’s 18k white and yellow gold convertible “Gingko” earrings, featuring lens cut aquamarines (54.76 ctw), are two earrings in one. 

The work of Babette Shennan is closely linked to her travels and memories. During her graduate gemology program at GIA, she won The Silver Trend Project design competition sponsored by HSN and her winning bracelet was manufactured and sold on air. More recently, she won second place “Best In Show” at the Women’s Jewelry Association’s Designer By The Bay Event in Northern California. She divides her time between San Francisco and New York City.

Stanislav Drokin's 18k yellow and blackened gold ring with fire opal center and diamond and sapphire accents. 

Stanislav Drokin was born in Kharkiv, Ukraine. After school, he was hired as apprentice engraver at an industrial factory, carving stamps for marking technical details. After seven years, he became a master engraver. He also studied jewelry from 1992 to 1994 and eventually found work creating master models for jewelry companies.

Stanislav Drokin's Phoenix earrings in 18k white gold with tourmaline and pink and purple sapphire.

In 1994 he founded his own jewelry atelier (“S.D.”). In 1998, Stanislav became a member of the Designers Union of Ukraine and an international association, the Society of Designers. That year, he also went for further study in the gemological centers of Kiev, Ukraine; Idar-Oberstein, Germany; and Warsaw, Poland. In Germany, Drokin met world-famous jeweler André Enskat, who had a significant impact on his design philosophy. Today, he is the winner of competitions in Ukraine and Russia, and earned a master’s degree in design in 2011. He also organized the Ukrainian festival of design "YuvelirArtProm," in Kharkiv Art Museum, in 2004.

Rhyme & Reason Sacred Story bridal group in 18k white gold with diamonds and sapphire. 

Rhyme & Reason, based in Boston, is the collaboration of Vahé Ghazarian, Esin Guler, and Mihran Guler. Vahé The three joined forces and formed G&G Creations—recently renamed Rhyme & Reason—and in 2014 were chosen as the winner of the “Future of Design” business incubator competition sponsored by designer jewelry and business experts Cindy Edelstein and Andrea Hill. As the winner, along with other prizes Rhyme & Reason was awarded one of Centurion’s Emerging Designer exhibition spaces.

Rhyme & Reason "Love" family of hearts in oxidized silver with 24k gold inlay, rubies, full-cut white, black and blue diamonds, and yellow and orange sapphires.

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Centurion Design Award Winners

Heather Moore, first time Centurion exhibitor, won in the Gold category for this wrap ring framed in cognac diamonds and personalized with the names of Moore’s children.

Part of the festivities of the recently concluded Centurion luxury jewelry tradeshow in Scottsdale, Ariz., was the third annual Centurion Design Awards. The competition was open to all exhibitors at the show and about two-thirds participated, according to show officials. Retailers who attended the show voted for their favorite pieces, which determined the winners.

The winners in each of the 11 categories were announced by The Centurion E-Newsletter and are as follows:

Bridal: Frederic Sage for a diamond pave engagement ring.

Colored Stone: Jack Abraham (above), with a ruby ring, and Jewels by Star, with an emerald ring (below), tied.

Colored Stone Fashion: Spark Creations with a pair of green tourmaline drop earrings.

Contemporary Metals: Todd Reed with a palladium and diamond cuff bracelet.

Diamond Classic: Kwiat, for its limited-edition “Revel” earrings.

Diamond Fashion: Roberto Coin with a black and white diamond and green garnet cobra bracelet (above), and Siera Jewelry with a diamond floral pendant in 18k gold and black rhodium on a black rhodium chain (below), tied.

Gold: Heather Moore with a special-order wrap ring framed in cognac diamonds and personalized with the names of Moore’s children (top photo).

Pearl: Yvel with a one-of-a-kind 18k white gold and diamond necklace set with a baroque freshwater pearl.

Platinum: Gumuchian with its versatile platinum and diamond “Bow-lero” necklace.

Silver: Charles Garnier Paris with its “constellation” finish wavy cuff bracelet.

Watches: Frederique Constant’s Lady Slimline Joaillerie.