Press Releases

Leaders Honored at JNA Awards 2019

16 were honored as recipients across 11 award categories.

Published

5 years ago

September 19, 2019

INSTORE Staff

(PRESS RELEASE) HONG KONG – The eighth annual JNA Awards ended on a high note and was well attended by industry dignitaries and trade leaders in Hong Kong on 17 September.

Organized by Informa Markets, the awards celebrates and recognizes entrepreneurs and companies that set high standards for excellence, innovation, and outstanding business performance. A total of 45 Honorees were feted this evening for their notable accomplishments in the past year. Among them, 16 were honored as recipients across 11 award categories by a highly-respected and experienced panel of judges.

Jimmy Degroot

Smith and DeGroot Release ‘A Vendor Perspective’ Podcast Episode

Jimmy Degroot

Video: Split Sales Require Effort

Jimmy Degroot

The Business of Jewelry Podcast Special Edition (Part 2)

Three outstanding leaders from the retail sector, Cao Thi Ngoc Dung, Hung Ming Li and Wang Chun Li are the recipients of this year’s highest accolade, the Lifetime Achievement Award. These are exceptional leaders well-known for their instrumental roles in transforming and shaping the retail landscape in their respective field and region.

The 16 Award Recipients across 11 categories are:

Brand of the Year – Retail
Shenzhen Sunfeel Jewelry Co Ltd – China

Supplier of the Year
Kapu Gems – India

Industry Innovation of the Year
3a. Industry Innovation of the Year – Diamond Identification
Diamond Services Ltd – Hong Kong

3b. Industry Innovation of the Year – Jewelry Manufacturing Technology
3D Kaiente Jewelry Co Ltd – China

3c. Industry Innovation of the Year – Production Technology
Sahajanand Technologies Pvt Ltd – India
Shenzhen Future Wisdom Jewelry Co Ltd – China

Manufacturer of the Year – Cutting & Polishing – Creativity & Innovation
China Stone Co Ltd – Thailand

Manufacturer of the Year – Jewelry
Chow Tai Fook Jewelry Group Ltd – Hong Kong

Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – China
DECENT Gold Group Co Ltd – China

Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – Countries/Regions outside of China and India
FRANK & co – Indonesia

Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – India
H.K. Designs – India

Retailer of the Year
Luk Fook Holdings (International) Limited – Hong Kong
Phu Nhuan Jewelry Joint Stock Company – Vietnam

Sustainability Initiative of the Year
Shenzhen Xingguangda Jewelry Industrial Co Ltd – China

Young Entrepreneur of the Year (age 40 and below)
Abhay Chordia, Ashok Jewels – India
Angelina Lau, SK Jewelry Group – Singapore

Letitia Chow, chairperson of the JNA Awards, and director of business development – Jewelry Group at Informa Markets, said, “Tonight, we are celebrating a milestone in the jewelry and gemstone trade. These companies have demonstrated that with perseverance and forward-thinking, even in times of challenges, our industry can adapt, transform and continue to make positive impacts to the growth of the business. For that, they truly deserve our sincere congratulations and applause.”

Commented on the 2019 JNA Awards, James Courage, one of the principal judges of the awards remarked, “With increased interest in the Awards, the quality and scope of the entries have increased; hence the judges endeavor to follow up with submissions and clarify, where appropriate, on paper and in-person to ensure comprehension and understanding of the joint judging process and a clear insight into each entry.”

Albert Cheng, one of the principal judges of the awards shared, “It was proven to me, during this year’s due diligence visits to the Awards’ entrants, that the passion of the founders and the way they communicate their visions to their customers via their staff and products or services determine the successes of the brands and companies. I am very proud to honor and recognize these successful entrepreneurs through the JNA Awards.”

Kent Wong, managing director of Chow Tai Fook Jewelry Group remarked, “This year marks the 90th anniversary of Chow Tai Fook Jewelry Group, as well as our eighth consecutive year as a Headline Partner of the JNA Awards. Throughout these years, we are honored to have grown with the JNA Awards and witnessed the continuous breakthroughs in the industry.”

Lin Qiang, president & managing director of the Shanghai Diamond Exchange and one of the awards judges shared, “With the JNA Awards gaining increasing recognition and influence since its inception, the 2019 JNA Awards has reached an unprecedented high. To be able to stand out as an Honoree among the entrants is no easy feat, and to eventually become a Recipient shows that one is indeed the cream of the crop. All of them have achieved great accomplishments and I am sincerely happy for them.”

Kenneth Scarratt, CEO of DANAT concluded, “It is a tremendous honor for DANAT to be involved with the JNA Awards once again in 2019; a celebration of all that is great with our amazing gem and jewelry industry. Indeed, we are at awe, once again, with the organization that goes into the preparations, the determination that goes into the judging, and the extraordinary quality of the Recipients.”

In addition to Headline Partners Chow Tai Fook, Shanghai Diamond Exchange and DANAT, the JNA Awards is supported by Honored Partners KGK Group, China Gems & Jade Exchange, and Guangdong Land Holdings Limited.

You Wouldn’t Cut Your Own Hair. Why Run Your Own Retirement Sale?

After being in business for over a quarter of a century, Wayne Reid, owner of Wayne Jewelers in Wayne, Pennsylvania, decided it was time for a little “me time.” He says, “I’ve reached a point in my life where it’s time to slow down, enjoy a lot of things outside of the jewelry industry. It just seemed to be the right time.” He chose Wilkerson to handle his retirement sale because of their reputation and results. With financial goals exceeded, Reid says he made the right choice selecting Wilkerson to handle the sale. “They made every effort to push our jewelry to the forefront of the showcases,” he says, lauding Wilkerson for their finesse and expertise. Would he recommend them to other jewelers who want to make room for new merchandise, expand their business or like him, decide to call it a day? Absolutely he says, equating trying to do this kind of sale with cutting your own hair. “The results are going to happen but not as well as if you have a professional like Wilkerson do the job for you.”