Jewellery News Asia (JNA) organisers of the JNA Awards  today released   the list of finalists – known as Honourees -- across 10 categories.

The JNA Awards “recognises and celebrates excellence and achievement in the jewellery and gemstone industry, with a focus on the advancement of the trade in Asia”, the organisers said.

In this, the fifth edition of the awards, 39 Honourees representing 28 companies from 10 countries/regions have been named. The countries represented are Mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam. One-third of these finalists are either new entrants or named on the Honourees list for the first time.

"This year marks the fifth anniversary of the JNA Awards, and we're extremely proud of what has been achieved thus far in terms of creating awareness and promoting excellence in innovation, leadership and sustainable business models in the jewellery and gemstone industry," said Wolfram Diener, Senior Vice President of UBM Asia.

Letitia Chow, Founder of JNA, Director of Business Development -- Jewellery Group at UBM Asia, and Chair of the JNA Awards judging panel, commented: "This year, we saw the submission of more than 100 quality entries, and reached more regions and companies than before.”

 The independent  panel of judges comprising  esteemed industry experts included: Albert Cheng, Advisor to the World Gold Council, Far East; James Courage, former Chief Executive of Platinum Guild International and former Chairman of the Responsible Jewellery Council; Lin Qiang, President and Managing Director of the Shanghai Diamond Exchange; Nirupa Bhatt, Managing Director of the Gemological Institute of America in India and the Middle East; and Yasukazu Suwa, Chairman of Suwa & Son, Inc of Japan.

The award winners will be announced at the JNA Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner, which will be held on Wednesday, 14 September, at the InterContinental Hong Kong during the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, the organisers announced.

JNA Awards 2016 Honourees List

Brand of the Year – Retail

Beijing Cai Shi Kou Department Store Co Ltd, China
DeGem Masterpiece Sdn Bhd, Malaysia
Hiersun Industrial Co Ltd, China
Pranda Jewelry Pcl, Thailand
Shenzhen Sunfeel Jewelry Co Ltd, China
SK Jewellery Pte Ltd, Singapore

Industry Innovation/Sustainability Initiative of the Year
Beijing Cai Shi Kou Department Store Co Ltd, China
Gübelin Gem Lab Ltd, Switzerland
Shenzhen Batar Investment Holding Group Co Ltd, China
Shenzhen Bofook Jewellery Co Ltd, China
Shenzhen Foreway Jewellery Group Co Ltd, China
Shenzhen Ganlu jewellery Co Ltd, China
Shenzhen Xingguangda Jewelry Industrial Co Ltd, China
Shenzhen Y&M Jewelry Co Ltd, China

Manufacturer of the Year – Cutting & Polishing
Hari Krishna Exports Pvt Ltd, India
Kiran Gems Pvt Ltd, India
RMC Gems India Ltd, India
Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt Ltd, India

Manufacturer of the Year – Jewellery
KGK Jewellery Manufacturing Ltd, Hong Kong
PANDORA Production Co Ltd, Thailand
Shenzhen Batar Investment Holding Group Co Ltd, China

Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – ASEAN
Phu Nhuan Jewelry Joint Stock Co, Vietnam
Soo Kee Group, Singapore

Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – India
Kapu Gems, India
Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt Ltd, India

Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – Greater China
KGK Jewellery Manufacturing Ltd, Hong Kong
KELA, China
Shenzhen Bofook Jewellery Co Ltd, China
Shenzhen Ideal Jewellery Co Ltd, China

Retailer of the Year (450 outlets and below)
Beijing Cai Shi Kou Department Store Co Ltd           ChinaChii Lih Coral Co Ltd, Taiwan

Phu Nhuan Jewelry Joint Stock Co, Vietnam
Shenzhen Ideal Jewellery Co Ltd, China
SK Jewellery Pte Ltd, Singapore

E-tailer of the Year
China Stone Co Ltd, Thailand
Hattons (HK) Ltd, Hong Kong

Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Age 40 and below)
Mr Tsan Kwan Chau - Shenzhen Batar Investment Holding Group Co Ltd, China     
Mr Karim Merchant - Pure Gold Jewellers LLC, United Arab Emirates   
Ms Zhuo Wang - Shenzhen Sunfeel Jewelry Co Ltd, China