Five of the winners at the JNA Awards 2014 which were distributed at a gala event held in Hong Kong yesterday were from India with Bharat Diamond Bourse President Anoop Mehta receiving the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. Three Indian companies – Kiran Gems, Shree Ramkrishna Exports and Hari Krishna Exports – received awards in different categories, while ShreyanshKapoorvice president of India-based Kashi Jewellers, was one of the two winners in the Young Entrepreneur of the Year category.

Mehta was conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award that “recognises visionary leaders who have made significant contributions to the jewellery industry, particularly in Asia”, and particularly for his “great leadership and courage” to “lead and steer the Bharat Diamond Bourse to a successful launch”. It also recognised his “significant contributions (that) have ensured that the diamond trade between India and the rest of the world is fair, efficient and robust.”

Kiran Gems Pvt Ltd was honoured as Manufacturer of the Year – Diamond Cutting & Polishing, Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt Ltd for Sustainability Initiative of the Year and Hari Krishna Exports Pvt Ltd as Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – India.

Two other Indian companies were among the shortlisted Honouress – Dharmanandan Diamonds Pvt Ltd and J.B. and Brothers Pvt Ltd. Kiran Gems and Hari Krishna were also honourees in other categories.

The complete list of winners is:

• Lifetime Achievement Award: Anoop Mehta
• Outstanding Contribution Award: Ahmed Bin Sulayem
• Brand of the Year– Retail: Paspaley
• Employer of the Year: Pandora Production Co Ltd
• Retailer of the Year: Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Ltd
• E-tailer of the Year: Shanghai Wisdom Jewelry Trading Co Ltd (Zbird)
• Industry Innovation of the Year – Manufacturing – Business: Frank Wu Design
• Industry Innovation of the Year – Manufacturing – Technology: China Stone Co Ltd; Fukui Shell Nucleus Factory; Diamond Services Ltd and Shenzhen United BlueOcean Technology Development Co Ltd
• Manufacturer of the Year – Diamond Cutting & Polishing: Kiran Gems Pvt Ltd
• Manufacturer of the Year – Gem-Set Jewellery: Shenzhen XingguangdaJewelry Industry Co Ltd
• Manufacturer of the Year – Precious Metals-Only Jewellery: Shenzhen Bofook Jewellery Co Ltd
• Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Age 40 or below): ZhengHuanjian
• Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – ASEAN Countries: JewelmerJoaillerie
• Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – India: HariKishna Exports Pvt Ltd
• Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – Mainland China: Shenzhen Ganlu Jewellery Co Ltd

The JNA Awards held alongside the HK Jewellery Show are now in their third year and honour outstanding individuals and companies in the gem and jewellery industry. This year the winners were selected by a distinguished panel of judges – Nirupa Bhatt, MD, GIA India and the Middle East; Bill Boyajian, Founder and President of Bill Boyajian and Associates, Inc., and former GIA president; Albert Cheng, MD, World Gold Council - Far East; James Courage, CEO of Platinum Guild International; and Lin Qiang, President and MD, Shanghai Diamond Exchange.