2021 Jewellery World Awards names Honourees

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 27 October 2021 – Organised by Informa Markets Jewellery since 2012, the
Jewellery World Awards (JWA), formerly known as JNA Awards, unveiled its highly
anticipated roster of Honourees for its 2021
edition. Following this announcement, the 2021 JWA also staged its three-part
webinar series under “Leading Through Changes and Uncertainty,” sponsored by
Phu Nhuan Jewelry Joint Stock Company (PNJ).

The esteemed panel of independent
judges spent the last few weeks reviewing and assessing entries from 10
countries and regions, across five continents. In the end, 33 entries were shortlisted
as Honourees from a highly-qualified pool of entries.

Letitia Chow, Chairperson and founder
of JWA at Informa Markets Jewellery, said, “Despite the ongoing challenges
brought by the pandemic, we are encouraged by the responses and number of participants
this year, with a third being first-time entrants. Through this programme, we
hope to highlight and bring out the positives of the trade, as we continue to
promote the core values of innovation and excellence.”

The judging panel includes James
Courage, former Chief Executive of Platinum Guild International and former
Chairman of the Responsible Jewellery Council; Albert Cheng, CEO of Singapore
Bullion Market Association and International Advisor of Shanghai Gold Exchange;
Lin Qiang, President and Managing Director of the Shanghai Diamond Exchange;
Dr. Mark Lee, Research Director of Asia Pacific Institute for Strategy; and
Nirupa Bhatt, Senior Advisor to the Gemological Institute of America India.

 “Entrants this year
have showcased the industry’s ability to protect and support the workforce in
the time of COVID-19. Their innovative approach in utilising online channels to
reach out to customers also has helped them navigate these challenging times,”
Courage shared.

Cheng said, “I am happy to see that most participants
reported steady sales revenues in the past three years, except for a slight dip
in 2019. Indeed, the jewellery industry has demonstrated resilience in the time
of the pandemic. I am also pleasantly surprised with their prompt and creative
responses in tackling obstacles, as well as with their ability to identify and
pursue new opportunities.”

“As one of the judges, I noticed how
important the JWA is to the international jewellery industry. Whether they’re
startups or large enterprises, those who participated made each category highly
competitive with their unique strategies and breakthroughs – making it very
difficult for the panel to choose this year’s Honouree,” Lin remarked.

Dr. Lee noted that “COVID-19 further
accelerated the industry’s digital transformation, and proved itself essential,
not just for growth, but also for survival. I was impressed to see the
candidates’ passion, innovative approach and their contributions despite the
challenging conditions before them. Innovation and sustainable strategies are
very important in this rapidly changing world, and this year’s entrants brought
these to the forefront at JWA.”

Bhatt also commended the entrants’
efforts in engaging customers and their use of technology. “Not only is the
industry resilient, it is also unstoppable when it comes to reaching out to its
customers. As seen in this year’s entries, technology is a big enabler,
especially in the last two years when manufacturers in the jewellery business
continued to engage consumers by incorporating technology into their marketing
strategies,” she said.

The
2021 JWA Ceremony and Gala Dinner will be held at JGT Dubai
(Jewellery Gem Technology Dubai) on 21 February 2022, Monday. The 2021 JWA is
supported by Headline Partners Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group and Shanghai
Diamond Exchange, alongside Honoured Partners KGK Group and Guangdong Land
(Shenzhen) Ltd.

For full list of JWA
2021 Honourees: please visit www.JWAwards.com/results.

#JewelleryWorldAwards