The Jewellery World Awards (JWA), formerly the JNA Awards, is now accepting entries for 2021. JWA also launched three new categories aimed at covering a wider scope of companies in the global jewellery and gemstone industry. 

Organised by Informa Markets Jewellery, JWA was founded in 2012 to promote innovation and excellence in the international jewellery and gemstone trade. Originally designed to recognise achievements mainly within the Asian region, the Awards has grown tremendously over the years and now covers a more expansive range of global industry players. All interested parties can register on www.JWAwards.com until April 20, 2021.

The 2021 JWA categories are:
1.    Brand of the Year – Retail
2.    Industry Innovation of the Year
3.    Manufacturer of the Year
4.    Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – APAC
5.    Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – EMEA & Americas
6.    Outstanding ESG Performance of the Year
7.    Outstanding Small Enterprise of the Year (50 full-time employees and below)
8.    Young Entrepreneur of the Year (age 40 and below)
9.    Lifetime Achievement Award (nominated by the organiser)

“To create an even more diverse and inclusive awards programme, we have expanded the Outstanding Enterprise category to include the Americas and added Outstanding Small Enterprise of the Year to the list. In that way, more companies from all over the world can be recognised for their outstanding achievements, regardless of the scale of their operations,” revealed Letitia Chow, chairperson and founder of JWA.

The new Outstanding ESG Performance of the Year category meanwhile will highlight the importance of sustainability in every aspect of the business, she continued. 

Kent Wong, managing director of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, commented, “Chow Tai Fook takes pride in being a Headline Partner for a decade now, especially as the JWA marks a milestone with the new branding. We are privileged to witness its continuous pursuit of innovations and breakthroughs.” 

Lin Qiang, president and managing director of Shanghai Diamond Exchange, remarked, “The new JWA provides encouragement to the global trade by setting the stage for more outstanding enterprises and entrepreneurs to demonstrate their brilliance, and tireless pursuit of excellence and innovation, and their unwavering perseverance."

“The JWA entered its 10th year with a wider global footprint and updated categories that highlight the jewellery and gemstone industry’s increasing geographical scope. Enter and be part of the ongoing focus on technology, enterprise, environment, social responsibility and good governance,” added James Courage, former CEO of Platinum Guild International and a principal judge of the JWA.

Albert Cheng, CEO of Singapore Bullion Market Association and another JWA principal judge, noted, “The year 2020 may have been a difficult year for many individuals and companies, but there are those who have proven themselves strong and resilient in times of crisis. Aside from congratulating them, we also encourage them to share their stories on innovation, technological breakthroughs and other ideas that helped them weather the year that was.”

The 2021 JWA Ceremony and Gala Dinner will debut in a hybrid format during Jewellery and Gem WORLD Hong Kong (JGW) in September, with the support of Headline Partners Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group and Shanghai Diamond Exchange, alongside Honoured Partners KGK Group and Guangdong Land (Shenzhen) Ltd.

JNA, the flagship jewellery trade publication of Informa Markets Jewellery, is the official media partner of JWA. Key JWA events will also be held during Asia’s No. 1 mid-year fine jewellery sourcing event, Jewellery & Gem ASIA Hong Kong in June, and JGW in September.