Five experts, representing a diverse range of knowledge and experience from within and outside the jewellery industry, have been chosen to select the winners of the Sustainability Awards 2025 by JWA (Jewellery World Awards), according to events organiser Informa Markets Jewellery.

The judging panel consists of John Mulligan, head of Sustainability Strategy at the World Gold Council (WGC) and president of the Sustainable Development Commission of the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO); Brandee Dallow, president of Ethical Metalsmiths and chief sustainability officer of Grandview Klein Diamonds; Caroline Yuan, vice president of the Shanghai Diamond Exchange (SDE); Andrew Lau, director of ESG Advisory for Colliers Asia; and Jan Porter, director of ESG at Meiyume, a B2B provider of beauty solutions. 

"We are honoured to welcome these five incredible individuals to our panel, each of whom is bringing a wealth of experience, expertise and passion to the judging process. Without our judges, the Awards would simply not be possible," said Celine Lau, director of Jewellery Fairs at Informa Markets Jewellery. "Purposefully assembled, our panel embodies a diverse spectrum of knowledge – from our very own jewellery community to experts deeply engaged in sustainable business practices within their respective domains – all aimed at fortifying the objectivity and equity of the awards. Our primary objective is to guarantee that the most deserving entries receive the recognition they have rightfully earned."

2025 edition

The awards programme is returning with a redefined set of categories, namely Environmental Stewardship: Life Below Water & Life On Land; Community Catalyst; Tech For A Sustainable Future; Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; and Sustainability Leadership. 

To qualify for the awards, candidates must present evidence of the launch, implementation or completion, along with the tangible outcomes, of their sustainability initiatives in 2024. Eligible companies may enter up to two categories, with each submission to be completed individually through the online nomination forms. This year, a new requirement is in place for all nominees: They must submit a short video, lasting no more than 2 minutes, where a senior company representative explains why their organisation deserves the award. The deadline for the submission of all nomination materials is April 7 at 6pm, Hong Kong Time.

The judging process commences in April, with the finalists set to be revealed on June 19 at Jewellery & Gem ASIA Hong Kong’s (JGA) Media Gathering. The judges will reconvene in June to determine the ultimate category winners. The official announcement of the winners is planned for July. The Awards Presentation is slated for September 17 at the Fair Reception of Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong (JGW) in the Grand Foyer of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Award Recipients would also be invited to participate in JGW’s Sustainability Heroes Panel Series, tentatively scheduled for September 16 and 17 at the AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) and HKCEC, respectively.

The judges
  
John Mulligan
Head of Sustainability Strategy, World Gold Council (WGC)
President, Sustainable Development Commission, World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO)

John Mulligan is head of Sustainability Strategy at the London-based World Gold Council (WGC), leading its climate change and nature research programmes and associated engagement with investors, policy makers and stakeholder organisations. Furthermore, he contributes to the organisation’s wider insight and communications outputs to improve understanding of the whole gold supply chain, and the integration of ESG and sustainability considerations into strategic market perspectives.

Mulligan also serves as president of the Sustainable Development Commission of CIBJO (World Jewellery Confederation), chairs the climate programme of the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030 (WJI2030) and is the main convenor of the industry group backing the Gold Industry Declaration of Responsibility & Sustainability Principles. Additionally, he recently assumed the role of chairperson of the ISO (International Standardization Organisation) Technical Committee on Jewellery & Precious Metals.

“I am delighted to be invited back to help judge the Sustainability Awards 2025 by JWA. In a world facing unprecedented social and environmental challenges, against a backdrop of escalating tensions and increased fragmentation, we need to find platforms to communicate and celebrate our shared sustainability goals. We also need to come together to develop a clearer vision of what success might look like if jewellery industry practitioners focus on positive actions and outcomes beyond their direct markets and products,” Mulligan noted. “I hope these Awards will continue to foster that common understanding and convergence, while inspiring others in the industry to commit to embedding sustainability at the heart of their businesses.”

Brandee Dallow
President, Ethical Metalsmiths and Chief Sustainability Officer, Grandview Klein Diamonds

Recently elected president of the US-based non-profit Ethical Metalsmiths, Brandee Dallow is an award-winning, purpose-driven leader who expertly guides multinational organisations through every stage of their social impact journey. Her career in the jewellery industry began in 1999 when, as a partner at J. Walter Thompson, she worked in the Diamond Information Center on the De Beers’ diamond account. In 2014, Dallow transitioned to Rio Tinto Diamonds, where she led the company’s diamond sales and marketing activities across North America.

Beyond her professional roles are Dallow’s contributions to the industry. She was the past president of both the Women’s Jewelry Association and the Women’s Jewelry Association Foundation. Currently, she serves on the boards of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, Jewelers for Children and the U.S. Kimberley Process Authority, and is a board advisor to the Black in Jewelry Coalition. Presently, Dallow holds the role of chief communications and sustainability officer at Grandview Klein Diamonds.

“I am honoured to serve as a judge for the 2025 Jewellery World Awards, an event that transcends traditional notions of excellence by recognising the profound intersection of artistry, innovation and ethical responsibility. As our industry continues to evolve, it is imperative that we celebrate those who not only elevate craftsmanship and design but also champion sustainability, transparency and purposeful leadership,” Dallow said. “I look forward to engaging with the exceptional work of individuals and organisations who are redefining the future of jewellery with both creativity and conscience.”

Caroline Yuan
Vice President, Shanghai Diamond Exchange (SDE)

Caroline Yuan is one of the founding executives and current vice president of the Shanghai Diamond Exchange (SDE), the only official platform in China dedicated to diamond import and export. Established in 2000, the SDE is a non-profit, self-regulating membership organisation and a member of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses. Before joining SDE, Yuan developed her career at the China National Pearl Diamond Gem & Jewellery Imp./Exp. Corp. (Sinogem), where she held the position of deputy general manager overseeing the diamond business across China. Her background provided her with firsthand experience in witnessing the evolution of the diamond trade in the country, granting her valuable insights into this industry.

“I am honoured to serve as a judge for the Jewellery World Awards. The Shanghai Diamond Exchange (SDE) has been a loyal partner of JWA, whose ideals match our long-term commitment to promoting the healthy and sustainable growth of China’s diamond market,” Yuan said. “We are more than delighted to witness the evolution of the Awards, initially known as the JNA Awards since its launch in 2012, from a platform that recognises excellence, innovation and best practices within the jewellery industry into something even more profound.”

Andrew Lau
Director of ESG Advisory, Colliers Asia

Andrew Lau has a track record of driving ESG and Sustainability leadership for multinational companies in the Asia-Pacific region for over 20 years. As director of ESG Advisory at Hong Kong-based Colliers Asia, he covers a wide range of markets, including Greater China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia. Lau’s delivered projects have resulted in remarkable energy savings, exceeding 60 GWh of electricity to date. An engineer by training, he holds a Master of Science in Intelligent Building Technologies and Management from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, as well as a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto. 

“I am honoured to return as a judge for the Sustainability Awards 2025 by JWA. As a sustainability professional, it is fascinating to see the positive progress in sustainability within the jewellery industry. Despite a tougher market environment, investing in ESG consistently yields positive impacts on financial returns, the environment (our Earth) and social well-being (our community). Last year, I witnessed many great initiatives from the participating companies, and I am excited to see even more innovations this year,” Lau shared.

Jan Porter
Director – ESG, Meiyume

Having over 10 years of experience in legal compliance and business strategy across various industries in Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy and Consumer Goods, Jan Porter has led the Meiyume Sustainability department since 2019.

At Meiyume – “the beauty company behind the beauty industry” – Porter oversees the sustainability requirements of its operations in the manufacture and trade of its plastic, metals, glass, textile and formulations products across Asia, Europe and the Americas. This includes creating policies and driving actions related to decarbonisation, responsible water use, adoption of sustainable materials, product end-of-life, supply chain transparency, socially responsible supply chains and compliance with emerging legislation. 

“When I participated in the JWA Sustainability Awards for the first time in 2024, I was amazed by all the initiatives submitted by the companies. It served as a learning opportunity while at the same time giving recognition to the efforts placed by the participating companies. When offered the chance to do it again this year, I immediately jumped at the opportunity,” Porter said.

The Sustainability Awards 2025 by JWA is accepting entries until April 7 (6pm HKT). Interested parties may click here to fill out the online nomination forms.

To learn more about the Sustainability Awards 2025 by JWA, check out the FAQ page.