JNA Awards 2020 is now accepting entries

HONG KONG, March 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The JNA Awards, one of the most prestigious and renowned awards programmes in the global jewellery and gemstone trade, is now accepting entries for its ninth edition. Interested companies and individuals may submit their entries until 29 April 2020.

Organised by Informa Markets, the JNA Awards has recognised, honoured and celebrated best business practices, excellence and innovation demonstrated by individuals and companies in the international jewellery and gemstone industry, since its inception in 2012.

To expand its influence and sustain momentum, the JNA Awards 2020 has updated its awards categories. This year's eight categories pave the way for a consolidated structure that better responds to the current landscape of the markets and industry. The competition also covers a far wider range of geographic locations.

Qualified enterprises and individuals may self-nominate or nominate others in the following  categories:

• Industry Innovation of the Year (digital platform, gemmological research, management process, manufacturing process, marketing or branding initiative, online business, product development, strategy and business model, technology)
• Manufacturer of the Year
• Outstanding Enterprise of the Year -- APAC
• Outstanding Enterprise of the Year -- EMEA
• Retailer of the Year
• Sustainability Initiative of the Year
• Young Entrepreneur of the Year (age 40 and below)
• Lifetime Achievement Award (nominated by the organiser)

Entries for this year will be evaluated by an esteemed panel of judges comprised of five international industry experts, namely:

• Albert Cheng, Advisor to the World Gold Council and former Managing Director, Far East (WGC)
• James Courage, former Chief Executive Officer 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)
• Dr. Mark Lee, Research Director of Asia Pacific Institute for Strategy
• Nirupa Bhatt, Managing Director of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in India and the Middle East

Commenting on JNA Awards 2020, Albert Cheng remarked, "The jewellery industry is facing a huge challenge this year, mainly due to the COVID-19 outbreak. In this emotionally taxing period, I urge owners and senior managers within our industry to consider participating at the JNA Awards 2020. Not only will this help sharpen and fine-tune your business processes, but, perhaps, also gain you the most prestigious award in our industry."

James Courage added, "Having been a judge for many years, I have seen how the JNA Awards has been viewed as a recognition of outstanding companies and individuals in the global jewellery industry. Take this opportunity to enter these unique business awards to show your commitment and confirm your place as an outstanding company by becoming an Honouree or a Recipient."

Letitia Chow, Chairperson of the JNA Awards and Director of Business Development -- Jewellery Group at Informa Markets, shared, "With innovation at its core, the JNA Awards continues to serve as a platform for the international jewellery and gemstone industry to share best business practices and promote excellence in the trade. We have refined the categories to examine and recognise creative solutions in different segments of the business. We have also introduced a new category --Outstanding Enterprise EMEA -- which honours companies specifically outside of Asia for their achievements and contribution in the industry. With these changes, we hope to bring forth more positive messages and inspiration to the trade."

JNA Awards 2020 is supported by Headline Partners Chow Tai Fook, Shanghai Diamond Exchange, and DANAT, together with Honoured Partners KGK Group, China Gems and Jade Exchange and Guangdong Land (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.

Kent Wong, Managing Director of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, expressed, "Being an industry pioneer, Chow Tai Fook takes pride in supporting the JNA Awards as a Headline Partner, since its inauguration in 2012. Through collaborating with fellow partners and peers with shared missions, we firmly believe that we are able to move toward a more sustainable development for the industry."

Lin Qiang, President and Managing Director of SDE, shared, "Spring has come, and it's time for the annual JNA Awards to continue on its journey towards new glory. The stage has been set and the curtain, raised. Those who have made progress are encouraged to come up to share their experiences and continue to bring vitality and hope to our industry."

Noora Jamsheer, CEO of DANAT, noted, "Innovation and progress are driven by the collaboration of creative minds that help individual companies and industries to meet new levels of excellence. DANAT shares with the JNA Awards the same passion for innovation and imaginative thinking, as well as understanding the importance of recognising, promoting and celebrating contributions that have enhanced the gem and jewellery industry. We invite our peers in the jewellery and gemstone industry to share this vision by entering the JNA Awards 2020."

To enter the JNA Awards, applicants must complete and submit their entry forms no later than midnight (Hong Kong time) of 29 April 2020. Honourees or shortlisted entrants will be announced in June 2020 during the Jewellery & Gem ASIA Hong Kong.

For more information, visit http://www.JNAawards.com/ or contact:
JNA Awards Marketing
Informa Markets  
+852 2516-2184
[email protected]

Notes for Editors:

1.      About the Headline Partner

1.1 Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited (www.chowtaifook.com)

Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited (the "Group"; SEHK stock code: 1929) listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong in December 2011. The Group's vision is to become the most trusted jewellery group in the world.

Founded in 1929, the Group's iconic brand "CHOW TAI FOOK" is widely recognised for its trustworthiness and authenticity, and is renowned for its product design, quality and value. A long-standing commitment to innovation and craftsmanship has contributed to the Group's success, along with that of its iconic retail brand, and has been embodied in its rich 90 year heritage. Underpinning this success are our long held core values of "Sincerity - Eternity".

The Group's multi-brand strategy comprises the ARTRIUM, JEWELRIA and CTF WATCH brands that are endorsed by the CHOW TAI FOOK master brand, in addition to other brands including HEARTS ON FIRE, T MARK, ENZO, SOINLOVE and MONOLOGUE.

The Group's commitment to sustainable growth is anchored in its "Smart+" strategy, which is in place to promote long term innovation in the business, in people and in culture. Another asset underpinning sustainable growth is a sophisticated and agile business model. This supports the Group by fostering excellence and extending opportunities along the entire value chain to communities and industry partners across the world.

With an extensive retail network in Greater China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia and the United States, and a fast-growing e-commerce business, the Group is implementing effective online-to-offline ("O2O") strategies to succeed in today's omni-channel retail environment.

1.2 Shanghai Diamond Exchange (www.cnsde.com)

Authorised by the State Council, the Shanghai Diamond Exchange (SDE) is the only diamond exchange body in China; and provides diamond dealers a fair and safe transaction venue under close supervision. It also enjoys a favourable taxation policy and is operated in accordance with international best practices of the diamond industry.

Established in 2000, the SDE is a non-profit, self-regulating membership organisation and a member of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses.

1.3 Bahrain Institute for Pearls and Gemstones -- DANAT (www.danat.bh)

The Bahrain Institute for Pearls and Gemstones (DANAT) was established in 2017, as an initiative of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain. DANAT was formed as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company (Mumtalakat), the sovereign wealth fund of the Kingdom. DANAT evolved from the Pearl & Gem Testing Laboratory of Bahrain (the first laboratory of its kind in the region), which was established in 1990. It was formed to expand upon and enhance the excellent work of the laboratory, with the vision of becoming the world's preferred institute for natural pearl and gemstone third-party verification services and scientific research.

Currently, DANAT plays a vital role in protecting and enhancing the public's trust in pearls, gemstones and jewellery. With its offices located at the iconic Bahrain World Trade Centre, the facility aims to establish itself as the window into international markets, serving local and global clients, and bolstering the reputation of the Kingdom as a leading centre for pearl and gemstone expertise.

DANAT is an authority on industry standards, scientific knowledge and education, and is committed to the highest standards of professional and personal ethics. It is dedicated to supporting the pearl and gemstone industry and offers training programmes locally, regionally and internationally to a new generation of gemmologists, industry professionals and gemmology enthusiasts.

2.      About the Honoured Partners

2.1 KGK Group (www.kgkgroup.com)

The KGK Group was founded in 1905 by Kesrimal Kothari and Ghisilal Kothari of Jaipur (India), to trade gemstones between India and Burma. With a global presence across 19 countries today, the privately held group has evolved into one of the most preferred brands in the gemstone and jewellery industry, with a vertically integrated operation. KGK is one of the few conglomerates covering the entire spectrum of mining, sourcing, manufacturing and distribution of coloured gemstones, diamonds and jewellery for over a century. KGK Group has a resilient team of 12,000 employees with operations and offices in Asia, Australia, North and South America, Europe and Africa. Having achieved an impeccable reputation in the gemstone, diamond and jewellery trade, the group has recently diversified into real estate.

2.2 China Gems & Jade Exchange (www.csgje.com)

China Gems & Jade Exchange (CGJE) is a national gem and jade trading platform approved by the State Council.

China Gems & Jade Exchange adheres to the principle of "Led by Technology, Develop with Innovation", and using the latest real-time traceability, big data, block chains, high-end intelligent technology to solve various bottlenecks in the development of the gemstone industry. At present, two platforms have been built, namely, gemstone trading service platform and intelligent supply chain service platform. CGJE has become the only international gemstone trading service platform with full process tracking service in the industry.

In line with the basic principles of " fairness, impartiality and openness", China Gems & Jade Exchange combines the concepts of "innovation, advancement and compliance" to provide high-quality and professional third-party supporting trade services for jewelry enterprises at home and abroad.

3.      About Informa Markets (www.informamarkets.com)

Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Our portfolio is comprised of more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets including Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition, among others. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content and actionable data solutions. As the world's leading exhibitions organiser, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.

SOURCE JNA Awards

Related Links

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