The JNA Awards 2018 announced that it is now open to entries for this year’s edition. It invited entries from “qualified companies and individuals”, for the Awards, which the organisers said, “recognises and celebrates best business practices, and excellence and innovation in the global jewellery and gemstone industry”. 

Those interested in participating can self-nominate or nominate other parties. The organisers have announced the categories as under:

1.    Lifetime Achievement Award (nominated by the organiser)
2.    Brand of the Year – Retail     
3.    eSupplier of the Year
4.    Industry Innovation of the Year (business model, management process, marketing or     branding initiatives, manufacturing process, product development, technology and gemmological research, among others)
5.    Manufacturer of the Year – Jewellery 
6.    Manufacturer of the Year – Cutting & Polishing
7.    Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – ASEAN, Japan & Korea
8.    Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – Greater China          
9.    Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – India
10.    Retailer of the Year (500 outlets and below)
11.    Retailer of the Year (501 outlets and above)  
12.    Sustainability Initiative of the Year
13.    Young Entrepreneur of the Year (age 40 and below)  

The   panel of judges this year comprising six international industry experts, include: 

•    Albert Cheng, advisor to the World Gold Council and former Managing Director, Far East (WGC)
•    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
•    Nirupa Bhatt, Managing Director of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in India and the Middle East
•    Yasukazu Suwa, Chairman of Suwa & Son, Inc

Letitia Chow, Chairperson of the JNA Awards, founder of JNA, and director of Business Development – Jewellery Group at UBM Asia, commented, “Stepping into its seventh year, the JNA Awards constantly updates its programme according to industry trends to serve the trade better. We are privileged to provide a powerful platform for honourees and recipients to spread their success stories by actively showcasing and promoting best practices and advancements in the industry. Through the JNA Awards, we hope to inspire a whole new generation of jewellery professionals who will drive the industry forward.”

JNA Awards 2018 is supported by Headline Partners Chow Tai Fook (CTF) and the Shanghai Diamond Exchange (SDE), together with the KGK Group, Guangdong Gems & Jade Exchange and Guangdong Land Holdings Limited (GDLAND) serving as Honoured Partners.

Pic Cap: The panel of judges for JNA Awards 2018