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 Firmin Robert Wan: Firmin Robert Wan is the seventh child from a Chinese family in Tahiti. He has been a hard-working, diligent and driven man since he was a child. However, no employment could fully quell the fire that burned within him. Robert was always looking for something to build, something to grow – something to call his own. In 1973, Firmin Robert Wan discovered the cultured Tahitian pearl. It was the beginning of a marvellous adventure. Within the decade, Robert would start introducing Tahitian pearls to the world, starting with joining pearl auctions in Hong Kong in 1998. He also built the Robert Wan Pearl Museum in Papeete, Tahiti, and later, created the jewellery brand “Robert Wan Tahiti.” One of Robert’s most incredible achievements was when his Tahitian pearls received the ultimate recognition of the GIA certificate. Such recognition elevates the pearls on the same plane as diamonds and other gems. Indeed, a new gem was born. On the fourth decade of his journey, Robert looks back at the entire experience with fondness – not only for the successes, but also for the failures. For him, both sides of the coin made him who he is today; with the successes giving him a source of pride, and the failures motivating him to do better and strive for greater heights.
About Jacques Brancellec: Like the pearls that he is now known for, Jacques Pol Branellec – the man behind the famed Jewelmer brand – is a product of time, trials and experience. In Polynesia, Jacques, along with a local business partner, was able to give birth to the black pearl – which has since grown into one of French Polynesia’s major export products, the queen of the Polynesian seabed. While the black pearl enjoyed worldwide attention, Jacques felt the need to look for more of the world’s only living gems – pearls. His quest took him to the “Pearl of the Orient” – the Philippines. Together with Filipino entrepreneur Manuel Cojuangco, Jacques established Jewelmer in 1979. It has since grown into a company recognised for one of the world’s most exquisite pearl variety, the South Sea Pearl. A decade later, his company would be able to produce the golden pearl, an elegantly unique version of the living treasure, which is often associated with the Jewelmer brand.
About Goldendew Co Ltd: Established in 1989 in Seoul, South Korea, Goldendew is considered one of the country’s top jewellery retail brands. Attracting more than 60,000 customers to its stores annually, Goldendew has marked its fine reputation as a retailer of fine-quality jewellery in timeless and contemporary designs. Its business model is structured in three parts: Sourcing, manufacturing and retail. Goldendew procures loose diamonds from sightholders and imports finished jewellery. It also manufactures its own lines through two local manufacturers, and distributes those in 115 retail outlets including 70 department stores. What the judges say: Goldendew is one of Korea’s leading jewellery retailers and premium bridal jewellery brands. In addition to achieving long-term success, Goldendew lives up to its potential as a catalyst for industry growth, initiating broader sector initiatives such as Korea’s “First Jewellery Day.” It has also been selected in the last two years as Korea’s premium jewellery brand by a leading fashion business journal. The retailer also values and demonstrates social consciousness. This is evident in its efforts to give back to society. One of its charity events was “LYA LOVE,” which won the support of Lee Young-ae, one of Korea’s most popular stars. The fundraiser benefitted the Korean National Federation of UNESCO Clubs & Associations for the education of underprivileged children, among others.
About Jewel Corner - Soft Touch Jewellers LLC: Established in 1997, Soft Touch Jewellers LLC through its blossoming chain of Jewel Corner stores and kiosks has successfully captured the market in the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain. With the Box of Happiness campaign brought from September 2015 to March 2017, the overall first time customer and the overall existing customer has registered an 18% and 29% growth respectively.
About Shenzhen Ideal Jewellery Co Ltd: Founded 15 years ago, this jewellery franchise aims to create, bequeath, spread and share jewellery, by maintaining a strong position in the high-end market. Its forte: Diamond jewellery, which accounts for more than 40 percent of its business transactions. A wholesaler, Shenzhen Ideal Jewellery also provides dealers with special services that include product packaging, promotion, series product customisation, marketing activity planning and implementation, shop training and other offerings. As for the consumers, Shenzhen Ideal Jewellery takes pride in providing excellent after-sales services, which range from addressing inquiries on goods, product exchange and maintenance to jewellery customisation, among other things.
About Tanaka Kikinzoku Jewelry K K: Tanaka Kikinzoku Jewelry K K’s legacy of excellence all began in 1885 when the Tanaka Kikinzoku Group opened its doors to offer gold bars, coins and bullions, as well as more refined pieces of jewellery, to the Japanese public. A few years later in 1892, the group created its own retail company – Tanaka Kikinzoku Jewelry K K, which celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2017. Tanaka Kikinzoku’s road from past to present is paved with golden accolades, many of which have placed its name in the annals of history. Tanaka Kikinzoku’s mission has grown from merely providing genuine platinum and gold articles to customers, to providing something even more precious – “Bouncy Heart Moments.” What the judges say: A retailer with 125 years of history, Tanaka Kikinzoku Jewelry K K is recognised as one of Japan’s industry leaders, offering the best selection of jewellery designs and precious metals that is produced by its very own guild of skilled artisans. With a proven track record and historical significance that many players in today’s industry cannot claim, there is no denying that Tanaka Kikinzoku is on a league of its own. And like many icons, it continues to speak to its followers by coming up with messages that reflect its brand aesthetics, as much as it resonates with the interests of the general public.
About Kashi Jewellers: 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 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 (PNJ) Joint Stock Company, which is practically present all over Vietnam, covering 40 out of 63 provinces. 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 SK Jewellery Pte Ltd: A company that knows how to engage and communicate with its customers will always win at all fronts, from brand love to actual sales. SK Jewellery Pte Ltd of Singapore, a retail brand of the Soo Kee Group, knows this too well, and it makes sure the success story continues for generations to come. Their story revolves around the tagline “You deserve to shine,” which is manifested in the company’s exquisite jewellery line of products that is marketed to perfectly fit every person in any occasion. Whether it is intended as a prized possession or as a loving gift to someone special, an SK Jewellery gemstone’s exceptional quality inspires the bearer to bring out their best. What the judges say: SK Jewellery has positioned itself as the “go-to jeweller for all occasions” and the “leader in 999 Pure Gold jewellery” – a clearly defined market strategy that resonates with its target audiences. With a carefully planned retail distribution in force, this retailer has the luxury to introduce innovative and enticing collections in an exciting store environment. The company also uses customer feedback to tailor-fit product designs, and determine what collections will click with consumers, when to launch these products, and how to inspire customers to make a repeat purchase. Because of the company’s commitment to best business practices and excellent customer service, the SK Jewellery brand commands unbridled respect from various trade organisations.
About Tomei Consolidated Berhad: As Tomei Consolidated Berhad celebrates its golden anniversary in 2018. The company dominates the share of the Malaysia jewellery market with 71 retail outlets under five different brands. It has further expanded their footprint to Asia, with a total of 13 retail stores in China and Vietnam.
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. What the judges say: The key here is synergy – the ability to create a bridge between the virtual and brick-and-mortar worlds through well-thought out marketing messages in all media. Kela offers consumers touchpoints across multiple channels, which are all brilliantly centred on its e-platform. Today, Kela has nearly 140 offline stores, spanning China’s second- and third-tier cities. This eSupplier also directly procures its diamonds, which benefits its customers through reduction in costs. Kela’s seven-day business and transaction cycle is also recognised as one of the shortest in the industry.
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 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. What the judges say: Shree Ramkrishna Exports has made a name for itself as a trusted company in the diamond industry for more than five decades. To further serve its expanding customer base, SRK knows that it has to move forward with the times by welcoming other avenues to showcase its services. One of them is going online. Although it still maintains its traditional business practices, SRK’s entry into e-commerce has brought the company even more success. Today, majority of SRK’s clients buy their diamonds online without even having to physically inspect the merchandise: 60 percent via e-touch and 13 percent via e-mails and calls. It just goes to show the kind of trust that is placed in the company, not to mention its sterling reputation in the industry.
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. What the judges say: Because of its vertically integrated mines-to-retail operations model, KGK has made a distinct mark in the gemstone and jewellery industry by offering competitive advantages. It invests heavily on technology and innovation to meet its promise of providing high quality and value, and fast-delivery cycles to customers. KGK’s fully digitised design and manufacturing processes have helped create a seamless flow of production from the use of 3D CAD/CAM tools and laser cutting, soldering and setting, to fire assay testing and pressure setting. Its creative team, composed of talented jewellers, follows a technical workflow that involves customised designs.
About Shenzhen Foreway Group Co Ltd: Established in 2005, Foreway currently has around 300 employees involved in the design, manufacturing and marketing of jewellery. Its product line includes plain gold, 18-karat gold inlay, fine and trendy jadeite jewellery. It has strong partnerships with first-class retailers such as Chow Tai Fook, Lukfook and 3D-Gold among others. Locally, it holds partnerships with popular retailers in the likes of CHJ and BAI. Foreway’s products are exported to Asian markets, with the brand gaining strong acceptance in Macau, Singapore and Malaysia.
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. What the judges say: Shenzhen Ganlu’s ambition to establish itself as a global jewellery supplier is borne out of Ganlu Group’s aspirations of expanding internationally. It believes that it can reinforce its world-class status by exploring various sales channels, forming a strong team to drive international design development, implementing multiple strategies, and instituting efficient marketing management and operations to drive sales. With its production line running like a well-oiled machine, Shenzhen Ganlu accelerated the development of new designs by 256 percent. Its average capita productivity grew by 85 percent. As a result, the manufacturer was able to launch in 2016 an impressive 12, 650 pieces in new designs.
About Shenzhen Gemhorn Jewelry Co Ltd: Shenzhen Gemhorn Jewelry Co Ltd introduced new technologies from Europe which help to expand production. The company also hired top foreign experts and professionals as part of its “Invite In, Step Out” Strategy to enhance the skills and knowledge of its staff. Overall, its production site was expanded from 7,000sqm to 10,000sqm, with more than US$500,000 invested on new designs and upgrades for workshops in 2017.
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 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 (PNJ) Joint Stock Company, which is practically present all over Vietnam, covering 40 out of 63 provinces. 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. What the judges say: Any company that has already achieved market dominance can easily fall into the trap of complacency, but not Phu Nhuan Jewelry (PNJ) Joint Stock Company, which is practically present all over Vietnam, covering 40 out of 63 provinces. 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 Dongguan Gold Dragon Jewelry Co Ltd: Founded in Dongguan, Dongguan Gold Dragon Jewelry Co Ltd has its headquarters in Hong Kong. The company has amassed a number of Chinese markets as it established its presence in Guangdong, Beijing, Hunan, Yunan, Hainan and Guizhou, etc., and opened two wholesale showrooms in Shenzhen and Beijing to establish a foothold in China. It also invested RMB 5 million to establish the ERP system, which synergises various aspects of operations through an online management system that covers the entire supply chain.
About HIERSUN: Founded in 1999, HIERSUN focuses on the design, production and sales of diamond, platinum, gold and other high-quality jewellery products. Its “I Do” brand continues to post positive results and is now present in the core business district of each target city. More importantly, it has given consumers a more convenient and intuitive shopping experience. By the end of 2016, HIERSUN’s customer base grew by 25 percent. Evident of its well-researched and studied “I Do” name, it has also become the brand of choice of consumers for occasions centred on love, marriage or anniversaries. What the judges say: Each HIERSUN creation carries a message of love and devotion, making every item priceless to anyone who wears its jewellery. To sustain its relationship with its customers, HIERSUN continues to evolve as a jewellery maker, retailer and distributor – ensuring that it stays passionately connected to the market at any given time. It is for this reason that HIERSUN has created brands that resonate with consumers in many important ways. Its first boutique, HIERSUN Diamond Palace, was Asia’s first large-scale diamond concept and experience store.
About Shenzhen Ideal Jewellery Co Ltd: Founded 15 years ago, this jewellery franchise aims to create, bequeath, spread and share jewellery, by maintaining a strong position in the high-end market. Its forte: Diamond jewellery, which accounts for more than 40 percent of its business transactions. A wholesaler, Shenzhen Ideal Jewellery also provides dealers with special services that include product packaging, promotion, series product customisation, marketing activity planning and implementation, shop training and other offerings. As for the consumers, Shenzhen Ideal Jewellery takes pride in providing excellent after-sales services, which range from addressing inquiries on goods, product exchange and maintenance to jewellery customisation, among other things. What the judges say: Established in 2002, Shenzhen Ideal Jewellery is a giant among its peers. It is a brand carried by 400 franchisees, 1,100 distributors and two direct sales outlets. It is also the first jewellery enterprise to launch an IPO offering in Shenzhen. Shenzhen Ideal follows visionary businessman Su Riming’s goal of operating a jewellery business that is up-to-date with trends, can exceed market demands, and is at par with international jewellers. With the enterprise soundly managed, the business also turns its sights on its branding practices. Among the most astounding breakthrough products of Ideal are the “Dazzling” series, which imbues diamonds with up to 10 times its normal sheen; and the “Moving Diamond,” which makes a 10-second flashing effect to pendants through a special in-lay technology.
About Shenzhen Xingguangda Jewelry Industrial Co Ltd: Founded in 1997, Xingguangda 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 800 employees and 3,000 sales outlets spread across China, which serve thousands of customers every day. 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 Zhejiang Angeperle Co Ltd: Based and headquartered in the “Pearl City” of Zhuji in Zhejiang, China, Zhejiang Angeperle is a company that specialises in freshwater pearl cultivation. The company expertly balances its strength with research, pearl cultivation, manufacturing, design and trade. The company created and developed the 3SLC quality evaluation system that checks size, shape, colour, lustre and surface perfection of a pearl to measure its quality has been proven to beneficial to the company as well as the whole pearl industry.
About KGK Diajewels India Pvt Ltd: 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 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. What the judges say: Kiran Gems maintains a well-balanced, effective and profitable product distribution strategy. In addition to direct sales to the world’s most well-known brands and manufacturers of jewellery and watches, the company’s sales operations are channelled through back offices, a website, the Kiran Gems mobile app, an e-commerce B2B portal for e-tailers and other trade platforms. The company’s principles of trust, integrity, value and ethical business practices are a way of life for both management and staff. Its partnerships with employees, customers and business associates are nurtured to last, and its progress as a company is driven by innovation.
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 3D Jewellery Company Ltd: In 2006, 3D Jewellery Co Ltd opened its doors in China as a business leader that traces its roots to electroplating technology. The company was originally geared towards two main market segments: The traditional Chinese market, aged 30 and above, that preferred Buddha- and other Chinese relic-motif products, and a younger market, aged 20 to 30, with a predilection for personalised and fashionable pieces. Fast-forward to 11 years later and it doesn’t take much to see that 3D Jewellery has achieved what it originally set out to do. It has stores all over China, including Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, and employs a total of 520 people. In 2015, it posted revenues of US$162 million. What the judges say: 3D Jewellery has distinguished itself in the market with “3D18K,” an innovative breakthrough that combines both 3D hard gold technology and the karat-gold technique. This innovation increases the potential of certain jewellery products in terms of cost, design and production. “3D18K” is 25 percent lighter than 3D hard gold, but the technology allows the metal to retain its tensile strength, since “3D18K” is 5 percent more rigid than regular karat gold. Compared to 3D hard gold, “3D18K” has a surprising production rate that could be up to 60 percent more efficient. The upgraded features also make “3D18K” less likely to crack, scratch or get seriously damaged during post-production or daily usage.
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. What the judges say: The jeweller launched an initiative that marries its vertically integrated business model and a patented nano-diamond marking technology together. The Group is the pioneer in introducing traceable diamonds. This breakthrough innovation is called Chow Tai Fook T MARK diamond brand – one of the many contributions the company has introduced to the jewellery industry. The “T MARK” innovation adheres to the four Ts: Diamonds that are nothing less than traceable, transparent, thoughtful and truthful. Each “T MARK” diamond pledges a truthful disclosure of a diamond’s journey, with records of procurement, cutting and polishing, marking, authentication, design and manufacturing – all conveniently showcased to customers.
About Gübelin Gem Lab Ltd: A neutral and independent organisation, Gübelin Gem Lab is the reason why there is mutual trust between gemstone buyers and sellers. The laboratory has been in the business of presenting unbiased and systematic observation and opinion on the nature and type of gemstones for over 90 years now, proving itself reliable in servicing its wide client base. Today, it has three laboratories in Switzerland, Hong Kong and the US that operate using state-of-the-art equipment and modern scientific methods in its gemstone analyses. What the judges say: Gübelin Gem Lab’s Emerald Paternity Test is a ground-breaking technology that uses DNA-based nanoparticles to trace the provenance of emeralds back to its exact mine. This innovation works by applying nanoparticles directly on the rough crystals at the mine, which can be retrieved and decoded at any stage along the supply chain. The technology itself is designed to survive the usual procedures an emerald is subjected to. The Emerald Paternity Test is only the first of a series of technologies and services created by Gübelin Gem Lab dedicated to bringing more transparency in the industry. The lab is collaborating with leading academic research institutions to learn more about the great potential nanoparticles has for the traceability of any type of material or product.
About Shenzhen Lingchengben Technology Co Ltd: One year may be too short or too long a time, depending on one’s objectives. But for Shenzhen Lingchengben Technology Co Ltd, one year is just the right amount of time to become a force to reckon with in China’s booming jewellery industry. After all, how many businesses can claim to post a net income of up to US$1.5 million, just a year into its operation? As a nationwide agent for some of the country’s most reputable jewellery retailers, Shenzhen Lingchengben supplies technology that helps usher its clients into the future. Among its most noteworthy products are the Smart Management System and Marketing System for Jewellery Retailers, both of which are designed to support offline services, and ultimately improve the operations of the businesses it serves. What the judges say: Shenzhen Lingchengben, as the company’s name implies, provides Smart Management and Retail Marketing systems for small- and medium-sized jewellery retailers at no upfront costs. This service targets independent retailers who could not afford to invest in a sophisticated POS system. Lingchengben’s goal is provide retail management support, including procurement, CRM, financing and marketing, among others, to more than 30,000 outlets in China. What sets Shenzhen Lingchengben apart is its ability to implement game-changing business models and cutting-edge technology that deliver results quickly and efficiently – not just for itself, but for the jewellery retailers that it caters to.
About Shenzhen Perfect Love Diamond Co Ltd: Shenzhen Perfect Love Diamond Co Ltd launched a new business model ALLOVE in May 2016 that capitalises on creative diamond-cutting techniques. This breakthrough technology enhances 4Cs of every diamond has resulted to the partnerships with 28 brands from Malaysia & Singapore, and brands from more than 20 provinces in China. Products under ALLOVE are now available in 273 outlets.
About Shenzhen Sunfeel Jewelry Co Ltd: Shenzhen Sunfeel Jewelry Co Ltd takes pride in being the first to bring the innovative non-soldering technology into the Chinese gold jewellery category. As a brand, Sunfeel is also known for its diamond, coloured gemstone, jadeite and gold inlaid with jadeite retail business. A market leader, Sunfeel has around 2,500 employees powering its more than 1,600 stores, five direct-sales exhibition galleries and 18 service centres across China.
About Voguegold Jewellery: Voguegold Jewellery was launched in China in 2012 and has maintained “mutual creativity, sharing, possessing and aiming for win-win situation”. The company has built a legitimate compliance platform which covers a range of creative services, research and development, production supply, wholesale and retail channels, and financial support. The company achieved an impressive US$100 million in revenue in 2015 alone.
About J Hunter Pearls Fiji (Ltd): Founded in the year 2000, J. Hunter Pearls operates in Savusava, Buca Bay and Wailevu of Fiji., with its modest workforce of no more than 50 people. J. Hunter Pearls has been a vivid supporter of sustainability tactics and eco-friendly initiatives, the company is a founding member of the Fiji Pearl Association (FPA), and the visionary behind the prosed Fiji Pearl Development Plan (FPDP).
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. What the judges say: PANDORA PRODUCTION CO LTD (PPT) has made its commitment to social responsibility and sustainability an integral part of its core business strategy. The company exclusively sources all raw materials used for production from certified suppliers and reputable refining companies only. Just as the company contributes to the Thai economy, it is also aware of its responsibility to minimise its environmental impact at every stage – from design to construction. At the centrepiece of PPT’s sustainability initiative is the construction and launch of a new LEED-certified crafting facility. The company is also lauded for its “My School” project, wherein PPT constructs a school building every year in rural areas where employees lived and studied during their childhood.
About Chau Tsankwan: Being a young top executive in a highly competitive global industry is definitely challenging, but the president and CEO of Shenzhen Batar Investment Holding Group Co Ltd finds it more like an adventure. Chau Tsankwan knows that he is constantly under the watchful eye, not only of the company’s board, but of his industry peers and customers as well. Mr. Chau has an exceptional ability to identify opportunities and use those to sharpen Batar’s competitive edge. Batar’s outstanding performance as an enterprise and its innovative nature as a gold jewellery manufacturer and retailer have set the standards in the industry. What the judges say: Having a young and energetic leader at the helm of a fast-rising jewellery empire is an advantage that rewards dynamic companies. Chau Tsankwan has been instrumental in Batar’s many achievements. Under his leadership, the Group has been acknowledged as an innovative leader with pioneering initiatives that helped raise the quality and excellence of China’s jewellery manufacturing industry. He empowers his team, recruits and retains the best talent, adapts new technologies and drives innovation. Mr. Chau’s goal is for Batar to enter new markets, and ultimately, cement its position as a global player.
About Qi Xiao Man: Under Vice President Qi Xiao Man’s guidance, Zhejiang Angeperle is focused on maintaining its position as a leader in the freshwater pearl supply chain, as well on the development of the fine pearl jewellery market. The company recorded a significant growth of 25 percent in profit under Qi’s leadership. She earned the respect of leading industry players and won the trust of business partners.
About Rihen Mehta: Chairman Rihen Mehta concedes that success is best achieved with the help of family, friends and colleagues. 7Cs employees are treated not only with respect, but with generosity. Under Mehta’s leadership, the group has become the first brand to have a jewellery retail shop-in-shop in hypermarkets and standalone kiosks in malls, and the first e-commerce website for fine jewellery in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
About Zhang Guo Tao: Under Zhang Guo Tao’s leadership, Shenzhen Darry Jewelry Co Ltd has become a force to reckon with in Hong Kong and China’s jewellery retail scene. The company’s impressive performance especially in the last two years proves this, as profits consistently increased at 100 percent rates. Mr. Zhang believes leadership is found in stimulating “positive energy” from every employee which totals at 710. Although the responsibilities of running a company and keeping customers satisfied can put tremendous pressure on such young shoulders, he considers these as positive challenges. After all, with success also comes great responsibility for the benefit and best interest of all stakeholders – from the customers and employees down to the industry and society as a whole. What the judges say: In just seven years since its establishment, Shenzhen Darry Jewelry Co Ltd has made its mark as a formidable player in the jewellery retail industry. At the heart of this successful venture is 32-year-old Zhang Guo Tao, the founder and chief executive officer who envisioned an “asset light” business model that would keep operating costs at a minimum while maximising profit levels. In just a relatively short time, Shenzhen Darry Jewelry has become a byword in the industry, primarily known for the Darry Ring brand of diamond-encrusted proposal and engagement rings. To date, Darry Ring has managed to attract seven million fans, leading the industry with 3.87 million followers on Weibo and 800,000 fans on WeChat.