A renowned awards programme organised by Informa Markets since 2012, the JNA Awards promotes sustainable advancement within the industry by recognising individuals and companies that have demonstrated excellence, innovation and best business practices – irrespective of the size and scale of their operations, fields of expertise and the geographical regions they serve.
In the last few weeks, the judges diligently assessed entries from 11 countries and regions across five continents, selecting 32 shortlisted Honourees out of a highly qualified pool of nominees.
While Industry Innovation of the Year continues to be the most popular category, the Awards saw a spike in the number of entries for Sustainability Initiative of the Year – further underlining the jewellery community’s commitment to the values of innovation and sustainability as drivers for positive change.
Letitia Chow, Chairperson of the JNA Awards, and Director of Business Development – Jewellery Group at Informa Markets, commented, “This year has indeed been unusual, pushing us to be more adaptable, flexible and creative in the face of extraordinary uncertainties. This impressive show of business agility has clearly been demonstrated by our roster of Honourees for 2020, which consists of start-ups and well-established companies. They have achieved incredible feats in the past 18 months, irrespective of their size, location or business nature. I am also delighted to see first-time Honourees from Africa and the Americas this year, further underscoring the JNA Awards’ unique role in bringing together the best and the brightest of the jewellery industry.”
The independent judging panel consists of industry experts, namely, Albert Cheng, CEO, Singapore Bullion Market Association and International Advisor, Shanghai Gold Exchange; James Courage, former Chief Executive of Platinum Guild International (PGI) and former Chairman of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC); Lin Qiang, President and Managing Director of the Shanghai Diamond Exchange (SDE); Mark Lee, Research Director of Asia Pacific Institute for Strategy (APIFS), and Nirupa Bhatt, Senior Advisor to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) India.
On the number of entries received this year, Cheng shared, “I am happy to see a substantial number of participants this year despite the pandemic. We were able to identify outstanding enterprises and individuals who excel in their fields in the past 18 months. Their level of success and achievements are testaments to the high esteem that has been associated with the JNA Awards in the industry globally. “
Courage added, “Despite the challenging circumstances, there is a strong and varied range of entries from 11 countries and regions. These reinforce the jewellery industry’s success in innovation and adaptation to change, and evolving consumer and market needs. There is a noticeable focus on social and environmental improvements and responding to the effects of COVID-19.”
“This year is extremely challenging for jewellery companies, whose survival and development are more than difficult. In this context, however, the JNA Awards still received entries from around the world with more than half of the entrants first-timers. Apart from being amazed by the influence and credibility of the JNA Awards, I feel inspired and fully confident in our future,” Lin remarked.
Lee noted, “During today’s challenging market situation of Covid-19, The JNA Awards continues to play an important role in the industry’s development and success. This platform attracts many new enterprises to join and innovate business models, product development and marketing. I am exceptionally impressed to see these new entrants with great passion for and commitment to the industry. I am sure, with the JNA Awards, the industry will be shining brightly.”
Bhatt concluded, “We look for news to brighten up our day during these stressful times. The JNA Awards provides industry members an opportunity to share stories about the progress they have made, their future plans and the innovations they bring to businesses and the industry for the greater good. It was a delight to read and learn about all the entries and be inspired by the efforts of our colleagues in the industry.”
Full list of JNA Awards 2020 Honourees:
Industry Innovation of the Year – Customer Engagement
- • BOJEM Jewelry
- • Shineshilpi Jewellers Pvt Ltd
- • The Muzo Companies
Industry Innovation of the Year – Marketing
- • CHJ JEWELLERY
- • MCLON JEWELLERY COMPANY LIMITED
Industry Innovation of the Year – Technology
- • GemCloud Software Limited
- • KGK Diajewels Private Limited
- • Tracr
Manufacturer of the Year
- • Emerald Jewel Industry India Limited
- • KGK Diajewels Private Limited
- • Le Vian
- • Phu Nhuan Jewelry Joint Stock Company (PNJ)
- • Shenzhen XingGuangDa Jewelry Industrial Co Ltd
Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – APAC
- • CHJ JEWELLERY
- • DOJI GOLD & GEMS GROUP JSC
- • Luk Fook Holdings (International) Limited
- • Phu Nhuan Jewelry Joint Stock Company (PNJ)
- • Shenzhen XingGuangDa Jewelry Industrial Co Ltd
Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – EMEA
- • Dhamani Jewels
- • KGK Diamonds SA PTY Ltd
Retailer of the Year
- • KASHI JEWELLERS
- • MCLON JEWELLERY COMPANY LIMITED
- • SHANGHAI ZBIRD CO LTD
Sustainability Initiative of the Year
- • De Beers Group
- • Phu Nhuan Jewelry Joint Stock Company (PNJ)
- • The Muzo Companies
Young Entrepreneur of the Year (age 40 and below)
- • Chetan Kumar MEHTA, LAXMI DIAMONDS
- • Joyee ZHAO, BOJEM Jewelry
- • Nancy WONG, Luk Fook Holdings (International) Limited
- • Ridhi Sohil GALA, KASHI JEWELLERS
- • Tarun DANGAYACH, Color Jewels Inc
- • William CHU, HEIG LIMITED
JNA Awards 2020 is supported by Headline Partners Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, Shanghai Diamond Exchange, and DANAT, together with Honoured Partners KGK Group, China Gems and Jade Exchange and Guangdong Land (Shenzhen) Co Ltd.
