As JNA celebrates its fourth decade, we look back at 40 of its stories that kept the industry abreast of major developments in the international gemstone and jewellery trade. Here is the fourth instalment of this special series.
 

Reported by Jewellery News Asia: 2004 – 2022

31. IDI launches Israel Diamond Internet portal
JNA March 2004

The Israel diamond industry officially entered the digital era in 2004, with the launch of the Israel Diamond Institute’s new Internet portal, www.diamond-il.co.il. The business-to-business website had a host of features geared to making business dealings with Israel’s diamond industry as simple and accessible as possible, said IDI. At the time, stakeholders were starting to view the Internet as a critical business tool.

32.  Certification scheme for standardised gemstone testing in HK
JNA February 2005

To standardise the testing methods and nomenclature employed by various laboratories in Hong Kong, the Gemmological Association of Hong Kong Ltd and the Hong Kong Productivity Council introduced a certification and labelling scheme for laboratories, which provided gemstone grading and certification services.

33. GIA announces new identification reports for coloured stones
JNA May 2006

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) updated its coloured gemstone identification reports to indicate that rubies, sapphires and alexandrites were to join emeralds in receiving their own gem-specific reports. The move was aimed at combatting the growing number of increasingly sophisticated treatments for gemstones, which meant identification and analysis required more time and research. 

34. De Beers sells Cullinan Diamond Mine
JNA January 2008

De Beers sold the Cullinan Diamond Mine in South Africa, source of the world’s largest-ever diamond – the 106-carat Cullinan – to Petra Diamonds Cullinan Consortium for around US$147.4 million. The sale reflected De Beers’ continued realignment of its mining portfolio and a global business model that no longer focuses on maximising market share of production. De Beers was also planning to invest in other growth opportunities and initiatives in South Africa. 

35. CMP Asia renames its jewellery fairs in Hong Kong
JNA January 2009 

In 2009, CMP Asia Ltd, now Informa Markets Jewellery, renamed its flagship jewellery events as Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fairs. The shows, which eventually became known as September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair and June Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, were later rebranded as Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong and Jewellery & Gem ASIA Hong Kong, respectively, reflecting their progressive nature and increasing relevance in the global trade.

36. It's all systems go for JNA Awards
JNA April 2012

Founded in 2012, JNA Awards, now known as Jewellery World Awards (JWA), has become one of the most prestigious distinctions in the international jewellery and gem trade. Its maiden edition was held on September 20, 2012 during the 30^th September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair (now Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong). More than a decade into its inception, JWA continues to be a global platform where innovative minds and exceptional leaderships can share achievements and success in the international jewellery and gemstone industry. JWA is organised by Informa Markets Jewellery.

37. Lifting of US ban on Burmese rubies injects optimism into gemstone trade 
JNA January 2017

The US government’s decision to lift restrictions against the trade of ruby and jadeite from Burma (Myanmar) on October 7, 2016 was expected to further fuel global demand for these gems. JNA talked to major industry players who said they had observed interest in Burmese rubies from US clients gradually resuming. The US stopped the importation of gemstones from Myanmar in 2003 due to political issues.

38. Blockchain: Digital trail of diamonds    
JNA June 2018 

The rise of blockchain technology was a turning point in the diamond trade. By creating tamper-proof, permanent digital records for diamonds, blockchain technology was envisioned to transform the diamond trade by creating new efficiencies in the value chain and addressing consumer concerns over transparency, responsible sourcing and trust. 

39. Covid-19: Implications on the jewellery sector    
JNA May-June 2020

This special report, published at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, examined the outbreak’s impact on the international gem and jewellery industry and the measures adopted by the trade to sustain their operations during challenging times. Stakeholders in the diamond, coloured gemstone, pearl and finished jewellery sectors shared their insights on how Covid-19 essentially changed the jewellery trade landscape and ushered in innovative business practices.  

40. Branding for success in the LGD space
JNA September-October 2022

The latest in a series of features on lab-grown diamonds (LGDs) in JNA and its supplements, this story cast the spotlight on sparkling prospects in this sector. According to leading industry players, LGDs were increasingly finding favour in the market as their value-for-money proposition, relevant social narrative and attractive branded designs endear them to modern consumers.

View the first, second and third instalments of JNA’s top 40 stories in the last 40 years.

Click here for JNA’s 40^th Anniversary special features.