The shortlisted applicants of the JNA Awards are referred to as Honourees. The chosen leading company or individual of a category among the “Honourees” is referred to as Recipient.
About Professor Mimi Ou Yang Chiu Mei: Acknowledged as the world’s foremost authority on jade studies and research, Professor Ou Yang Chiu Mei is an internationally acclaimed gemmologist and mineralogist whose tireless research, scientific discoveries and knowledge application contributed significantly to the growth of the jade trade. Her contributions to the sector helped pull it out of the doldrums in the 1980s, inspiring consumer confidence and building trust in the market for jadeite jade or “Fei Cui” Jade. Ou Yang’s long list of accomplishments includes many “firsts,” including identifying a new mineral in the Burmese jadeite jade group; defining the official terminology for jade; identifying the presence of enhancement and treatment of jade in Hong Kong; and producing a set of criteria for identifying and grading different jade types.
About Hong Kong Jewellery Jade Manufacturers Association: Over the past 50 years, HKJJA grew from strength to strength, demonstrating tremendous leadership in the industry, nurturing and promoting Hong Kong’s jewellery and jade industry both at home and overseas, and propelling Hong Kong to its current position of undisputed leader in the global jade jewellery business. As early as 1968, HKJJA took the lead to organise the first jewellery exhibition in Hong Kong. In successive decades, HKJJA grew into this role, organising annual Hong Kong Pavilions at 12 world-class international jewellery exhibitions and successfully promoting growth and prosperity for the industry.
About Jewelmer Joaillerie: Established in 1979, Philippines-based Jewelmer International Corporation virtually created the golden South Sea pearl category and has become of one of the top three pearl producers in the world in value terms. They take pride as an environmentally-sustainable company by growing their pearls via ecologically friendly practices in its farms in Palawan. It has also grown its staff from only 150 in the 1980s to over 1,000 skilled individuals, some of whom are second-generation employees. Jewelmer over the years expanded into a fully integrated enterprise that embraces the entire supply chain, from pearl production and jewellery design and production to a dynamic wholesale and retail operation that positions Jewelmer Joaillerie as a luxury brand.
About Paspaley: Being in the market for more than 75 years, Paspaley has been a luxury Australian brand dedicated to providing highest-quality Australian South Sea pearls. It has and remains its commitment in protecting the pristine and natural oceans of Northern Australia. Moreover, through a specialised invisible knotting technique, a Paspaley finished strand is unsullied by visible knots.
About Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt Ltd: Shree Ramkrishna Exports’ emphasis on quality has earned the diamond manufacturer numerous awards and accolades, among them the prestigious distinction as a De Beers Sightholder. This Indian-based company is also a recognised Forevermark diamond manufacturer and exporter. At present, SRK is a leading manufacturer of polished goods weighing 3 carats or higher, thanks to the company’s superior craftsmanship and expertise in producing a consistent supply of quality polished diamonds in all shapes and sizes. Customer satisfaction and retention are important factors in SRK’s success, which is why maintaining long-term relationships with its existing clientele as well as its new customers has always been one of its main priorities through the years.
About Chii Lih Coral Co Ltd: Established in 1973 as a wholesaler of semi-finished coral products, Chii Lih expanded over the years to embrace vertical integration. It set up its own coral jewellery production operations before taking the bold leap into retailing in 2007, positioning coral and its jewellery products as “must-haves” for the millions of visitors to Taiwan annually. A key factor in its strategy was to position the brand as accessible to customers from all economic backgrounds, offering fashion accessory items with prices as low as US$20 as well as fine jewellery pieces with a million-dollar price tag.
About Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Ltd: Founded in 1929, the iconic brand “Chow Tai Fook” of the Group has been widely recognised for its trustworthiness and authenticity, and renowned for product design, quality and value. The legacy of the Group and its iconic brand is rooted in innovation, craftsmanship and heritage. Chow Tai Fook has spread its presence in more than 500 cities across Greater China, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, Japan and the US. Decades have passed and generations have come and gone; still, Chow Tai Fook, with its current roster of 30,000 employees, continues to stand the test of time.
About Gemporia: Established just a little over a decade ago, this family owned, UK-based company has raced ahead to the front of the jewellery retail business, creating an outstanding brand presence and exceptional consumer reach via dedicated websites and two TV channels that sell thousands of pieces of genuine gemstone jewellery each month.
About Hari Krishna Exports Pvt Ltd: Hari Krishna Exports Pvt Ltd became one of the most trusted suppliers of polished diamonds in India for many reasons. Since its founding in 1992, the company has been offering a fixed- and fair-price policy for all its customers – the first diamond manufacturer in India to do so, according to the company. Hari Krishna has more than 6,000 employees, with US$875 million in revenue in 2015.
About Phu Nhuan Jewelry Joint Stock Company: Phu Nhuan Jewelry Joint Stock Co, more popularly known as PNJ, was established in 1988 in Ho Chi Minh City. This pioneering jewellery manufacturer and retailer has grown into an industry-leading business, setting standards and practices that have a wide-ranging positive impact on the Asian region’s jewellery sector. Employing 3,000 people including hundreds of goldsmiths that have been trained in-house and a thousand-plus-strong sales team, the jeweller is one of Vietnam’s largest employers. Its advanced manufacturing infrastructure and fine mass-production capability, especially for diamond jewellery, mean that PNJ is producing jewellery on par with the quality of imported products but at much lower prices.
About Pranda Group: The Pranda Group is Thailand’s leading fine jewellery manufacturer, renowned worldwide for top-quality jewellery craftsmanship that has won it multiple global accolades. Since its start in 1973, the Group has grown from strength to strength and now has three distinct core businesses: jewellery production, distribution and retail. The Group has also ventured into new market and trade venues such as the Travel Retail and Duty Free business.
About China Stone Co Ltd: China Stone Co Ltd is well known in the global jewellery and luxury watch industry as a trusted supplier that provides instant and consistent access to over 20 million melee-sized, natural coloured gemstones in a strictly uniformed and perfectly calibrated array of colours, proportions and sizes. In 1999, China Stone launched its first e-commerce website, becoming a pioneer in electronic retailing of loose gemstones. The company developed its own sophisticated e-commerce system to enhance customer experience. China Stone‘s believes that offering products and services that are customized according to their clients’ individual needs and preferences increase trust and strengthens brand loyalty. The company is constantly upgrading its technologies and systems to provide its customer fast, reliable and quality services.
About Shenzhen United BlueOcean Technology Development Co Ltd: Shenzhen United BlueOcean Technology Development Co Ltd has found a creative way to break into China’s trendy gold jewellery market. Capturing the attention of fashion-conscious consumers who are looking for gold jewellery collections that are elegant and simple but with a contemporary feel, Shenzhen United BlueOcean relies on its human-centred approach to innovation to design and produce fine-quality lightweight 24-karat gold jewellery. Established in 2010, the company knew that its research and development capabilities would make it a game changer in China’s gold jewellery market. It built a fully-fledged R&D centre, and invested in manufacturing processes for 24-karat gold that will resolve issues related to producing pieces with high customer appeal. To achieve this goal, the company instilled a culture of innovation throughout its business. Staff were motivated and offered incentives to innovate while a core team of talented technicians under the leadership of company chairman Tong Wang developed manufacturing techniques and products “with the style and appeal of 18-karat gold jewellery.”
About Shenzhen Xingguangda Jewelry Industrial Co Ltd: Shenzhen Xingguangda Jewelry Industrial Co Ltd is acclaimed as one of China’s leading jewellery manufacturers specialising in gem-set 18-karat gold and platinum jewellery production for major wholesalers and retailers in China and overseas. Established in 1997, the company has developed strategic strengths including design, research and development, production and processing, as well as wholesaling and brand franchising.
About RMC Gems India Ltd: RMC Gems India Ltd operates from Jaipur, India and the company has been in the industry since 2001, powered by more than 600 well-trained professionals. RMC manufactures coloured gemstones in its state of-the-art facilities in Jaipur. All finished gemstones are regularly shipped from this manufacturing unit for export to various destinations around the world, including the US, Japan, Hong Kong and Thailand. The gemstone expert is well-known for its wide array of facetted and fine selections of goods. Coloured gemstones like blue topaz, tourmaline (Paraiba, indigolite and rubellite), tanzanite, aquamarine, morganite, amethyst and citrine, among others, are offered at competitive prices.
About Lorenzo Jewelry Ltd: Lorenzo Jewelry Ltd is a vertically integrated company that excels in virtually all aspects of the coloured gemstone industry including mining, gemstone cutting and polishing, jewellery design and production, and branding and marketing through its extensive retail and wholesale platforms. Established in 1987 in Hong Kong, the company has grown immensely in the last 28 years and carved out leadership positions in the market, not only as a producer of fine polished gemstones but as a designer and manufacturer of gem-set jewellery including collections and bespoke pieces sold under its own brand.
About J. B. And Brothers Pvt Ltd: Renowned as a manufacturer and exporter of cut and polished diamonds, and a top rough diamond importer, J. B. And Brothers Pvt Ltd has its global headquarters in the Bharat Diamond Bourse in Mumbai and operates state-of-the-art diamond polishing factory in Surat, India. Together with its corporate offices in Belgium, Hong Kong, Dubai and Israel, and affiliates in the US and Canada, the company has built an exemplary global business with sales concentrated in the Asia-Pacific region.
About KGK Group: KGK Group, a multinational corporation founded in 1905 involving in the mining, sourcing, manufacturing and distribution of coloured gemstones, diamonds and jewellery, has mastered the art of balancing its business. One of the main reasons behind KGK’s success is its implementation of guidelines that promote good business ethics and best practices. The group makes it a point to work with responsible parties, making it the preferred buyer of three of the world’s leading diamond miners – De Beers, Alrosa and Rio Tinto. KGK is Best Practice Principles-compliant and Responsible Jewellery Council-certified. The company also places importance on data privacy with most of the computer data for inventory and logistics maintained through software that was developed in-house by its IT teams in China and India. All information exchanges are monitored carefully at regular intervals.
About MKS Jewelry International Co Ltd: One of Thailand’s oldest coloured gemstone jewellery manufacturers, MKS Jewelry International Co Ltd is known for its mastery of the invisible setting technique and signature collections that have raised the bar for fine jewellery production in Thailand and across the region. Today, the brand is enjoying prime retail space in large and independent stores in the US, Japan, China, Russia and more recently, India.
About Shenzhen Ganlu Jewelry Co Ltd: Shenzhen Ganlu Jewelry continues to make inroads in the global jewellery market. To date, more than a hundred top jewellery retail brands from China have given their trust in the company by recognising it as their appointed supplier. It is now well on its way to worldwide acclaim as it is supplying jewellery to customers and partners from more than 30 countries and regions. Wholesalers and consignment stores have also formed strategic partnerships with the manufacturer in creating a win-win business model. Shenzhen Ganlu prides itself for employing the “one-to-one” model for its VIP customers both locally and abroad. Through this personalisation process, the company prepares its design, production and marketing tools according to customers’ specific preferences – be it 18-karat gold, platinum, diamond or jade.
About Shenzhen Batar Investment Holding Group Co Ltd: Founded 15 years ago, Shenzhen Batar Investment Holding Group Co Ltd is recognised as an innovative leader in the production of gold jewellery in China, with several pioneering initiatives to its credit. The company is relentless in its pursuit of innovation and manufacturing excellence and has vigorously developed technology and products with independent intellectual property rights.
About Shenzhen Cuilu Jewellery Co Ltd: Shenzhen Cuilu Jewellery Co Ltd has carved out a niche in China’s karat-gold jewellery with its distinctive collections infused with cultural elements and artistic inspiration. Founded in Shenzhen in 1996, the jewellery maker applies advanced manufacturing techniques, including karat-gold technology, in the production of 24-karat gold jewellery. The company counts China’s leading gold jewellery retailers including Laomiao, Laofengxiang and Caishikou Department Store among its top customers. It also supplies gold jewellery to major domestic brands and wholesalers.
About PANDORA PRODUCTION CO LTD: Over the years, leading international jewellery brand PANDORA has successfully evolved into more than just a company offering charming handcrafted and contemporary pieces of jewellery. PANDORA counts business ethics as its driving force. Inspired by its stature in the jewellery industry as a reliable global brand, the company established its own Business Integrity Policy. For its own employees, the company regularly holds a Code of Ethics training where relevant topics such as human rights, working conditions, data privacy, information security and anti-bribery are tackled. In 2016, over 600,000 online Code of Ethics training sessions have been conducted company-wide.
About Phu Nhuan Jewelry Joint Stock Company: Any company that has already achieved market dominance can easily fall into the trap of complacency, but not Phu Nhuan Jewelry Joint Stock Company (PNJ), which is practically present all over Vietnam, covering over 50 provinces and 63 cities as of June 2015. The jewellery manufacturer is working even harder to become the leading processor and retailer of gemstones in Asia, and maintains its top position in the medium and high-end categories of jewellery in Vietnam. PNJ knows that the market is getting younger, which is why it has been consistent and aggressive in adopting innovative retail strategies that will attract the NextGen consumer. A key part of this strategic retail plan is the investment on the e-commerce aspect of the business.
About Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt Ltd: Kashi Jewellers has over the past 60 years built up a fully integrated jewellery company with loyal customers all over India and across the world. Established in 1955 as a jewellery retailer in the populous city of Kanpur in the state of Uttar Pradesh in India by the late Shri Keshav Nath Kapoor, the company evolved into a jewellery manufacturer, exporter and distributor and in this process, became an undisputed leader in India’s competitive jewellery sector.
About Shenzhen Bofook Jewellery Co Ltd: Since the establishment of Shenzhen Bofook Jewellery Co Ltd in 1989, innovation has been part of its core and culture. Under the leadership of Sit Kwan, CEO of Shenzhen Bohengda Group Co Ltd and chairman of Shenzhen Bofook Jewellery Co Ltd, every employee is encouraged to innovate and develop solutions that will benefit not only themselves, but also the whole community.
About Goldendew Co Ltd: Golden dew Co Ltd is South Korea’s top jeweller, positioned as a premium national brand with a range of differentiated, high-quality products that are sought after by a broad spectrum of consumers throughout the country. The company started out as a dealer in gold coins in 1973 and, in 1989, started to retail jewellery to consumers in Korea who had begun to appreciate and buy jewellery as fashionable accessories and not as investment collateral. Over the years, Golden dew opened shops in major department stores in Korea and now has a total of 67 shops, 40 of which are directly operated by the company and the rest by commission agents.
About Kela: As one of the first e-commerce sites in China, Kela is a pioneer in deploying the O2O or online-to-offline business model in jewellery sales. As it celebrates its 10th year in the jewellery business, Kela continues to grow as a fixture on the e-commerce field, especially when it comes to diamonds, coloured gemstones, precious metals and more. It has been a leading seller of wedding and engagement rings in the Greater China market. This company of 600 employees has reported an annual sales income in 2015 of US$247 million, mainly from its markets in Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou. Customer satisfaction is also close to perfect, registering an impressive 99 percent rating.
About Vaibhav Global Ltd: Vaibhav Global Ltd (VGL) is an international electronic retailing company that has developed a distinctive selling proposition on discount fashion jewellery and lifestyle accessories. These products are offered online and through VGL’s TV home shopping channels that reach about 100 million households across the US, Canada, the UK and Ireland.
About Kiran Gems Pvt Ltd: One of India’s major diamond manufacturers, Kiran Gems is a company that constantly evolves and allows itself to adjust to changes, resulting in robust performance figures. With a global customer base, Kiran Gems anchors its operations on its own five Ps – principle, passion, partnership, progress and performance. From its headquarters in Mumbai, it extends its presence to Dubai, with access to major markets including Hong Kong, China, Belgium, Australia and the US.
About Shenzhen 3D Kaiente Jewellery Co Ltd: Planting its roots in Shenzhen, China in 2008, Shenzhen 3D Kaiente Jewellery Co Ltd has made a name for itself as a trailblazer in lightweight 24-karat gold jewellery production. Using electroforming technology, the company produces lightweight 24-karat gold jewellery that is harder and more durable. The gold jewellery specialist manufactures the full range of 24-karat gold jewellery products including rings, pendants, necklaces and bangles.
About Shenzhen Xingguangda Jewelry Industrial Co Ltd: Founded in 1997, Shenzhen Xingguangda Jewelry Industrial Co Ltd is exploring ways of expanding into international markets. Thus far, it has maintained strategic partnerships with global promotional agencies including the Asia Fancy Color Diamond Association, Platinum Guild International and the World Gold Council. Xingguangda has developed strategic strengths including design, research and development, production and processing, as well as wholesaling and brand franchising. Each and every employee espouses the culture of innovation that made the company a frontrunner for innovation and sustainability within the industry. At Xingguangda, employees are encouraged and nurtured to participate in all aspects of the company’s operations, to actively contribute to the innovation of the business. The management continues to focus in bringing innovation in all phases of the business, including the manufacturing process, operations, product research and development, and service.
About Sit Kwan: Six years ago, a young man, fresh from his graduate studies in the US, returned to China and took over the leadership of his family’s business. Driven by a spirit of pioneering entrepreneurship, he instantly set to work to implement revolutionary practices into the 20–year–old company, propelling it to outstanding success while at the same time pushing China’s jewellery industry to a new level of innovation, design and practice. The young man is Sit Kwan and the company he chartered to new heights is Shenzhen Bofook Jewellery Co Ltd, China’s top platinum jewellery manufacturer. His efforts bore fruit in August 2014 when he initiated and founded the China Youth Jewellery Entrepreneur Association. Sit is also a founding director of the Overseas Chinese Young Merchants Association of Longgang District, Shenzhen which is focused on modernising the sector’s distribution methods.
About Xu Lei: The year was 2002 and online retailing in China was still a business of the future. Xu Lei, a young entrepreneur who had just qualified as a gemmologist and diamond grading expert, decided to use his specialist diamond knowledge to sell diamonds online. Today, Zbird is acclaimed as “the favourite wedding ring brand,” and has served more than 1 million customers in the past 13 years.