This year’s Sustainability Awards by JWA (Jewellery World Awards) will be presented to seven champions, two special recognition awardees and 13 finalists whose actions – both big and small – exemplify the principles of being good for business, good for the community and good for the planet.

Organised by Informa Markets Jewellery, the Awards programme celebrates outstanding sustainability efforts implemented by enterprises in the fine jewellery, gemstone and related industries. The awardees and finalists represent a diverse range of countries and regions, namely, Australia, Brazil, China, Hong Kong, India, the Philippines, the US and Vietnam.

"Each of our Sustainability Award winners and finalists has a unique story to tell. However, they share one thing in common – their actions, regardless of scale or scope, contribute to making a real difference in the future of our planet," said Celine Lau, director of Jewellery Fairs at Informa Markets Jewellery. "Our awardees vary from companies with thousands of employees to a gemstone dealer with just five workers, demonstrating that the fundamental principles of sustainable development are achievable for businesses of all sizes."

Sustainability champions

Here are the winners of the Sustainability Awards 2024 by JWA.

Environmental Stewardship: VGL & Shop LC Global Inc
VGL, a vertically integrated retailer with a strong multi-channel presence, has demonstrated a robust strategy in transitioning to renewable energy. The company’s solar power capacity now stands at 3.23 MW, achieved through a combination of ground-mounted and rooftop installations that not only meets operational energy needs but also contributes to substantial reductions in carbon emissions. Additionally, VGL’s facility in Jaipur, India achieved the “Net Zero Energy Building” certification by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), a testament to its sustainable design and operation. The company also launched conservation programmes focusing on rainwater harvesting, waste management, tree cultivation and the Miyawaki forestry method, among others.

Social Empowerment – Phu Nhuan Jewelry Joint Stock Company (PNJ)
Vietnam-based jewellery manufacturer and retailer Phu Nhuan Jewelry Joint Stock Company (PNJ) embraces an organisational culture of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Proudly championing gender equality and representation, PNJ’s workforce is predominantly composed of female employees at 61.3 per cent, with 40 per cent occupying leadership roles. Additionally, the board exemplifies this commitment, with five out of nine members being female. Engaging actively with community organisations and stakeholders, the company implements initiatives aimed at empowering marginalised groups, bridging social disparities and offering support to individuals facing economic challenges.

Manufacturing Innovation – Shenzhen Shangshan Intelligence Co Ltd
Shenzhen Shangshan Intelligence Co Ltd of China stands out for its pioneering Gold Recycle Smart Terminal. The self-service station, which functions like a vending machine, leverages artificial intelligence technologies to automate the gold recycling and recovery process. Customers only need to place their jewellery items into the unit, which identifies and evaluates the gold’s fineness and weight. The terminal will then melt the gold for recycling, with instant payment deposited into customers’ bank accounts or digital wallets. While there is limited evidence linking increased recycled volumes to a reduction in primary mining, the terminal impresses by cutting the environmental footprints associated with the gold recovery process, according to the jury. Furthermore, this advancement holds significant implications for promoting smarter and cleaner circularity, as well as improving efficiencies, particularly within the Chinese market.

Community Engagement – Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group
Hong Kong-based Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group is committed to fostering communities through sponsored initiatives and volunteer work, including education and talent development programmes. Noteworthy collaborations include partnering with The Chinese University of Hong Kong for the Ancient Gold Techniques Research project since 2014, hosting the “Boutique of Mine” Competition and the Next Producers Inheritance Challenge since 2020, and establishing Loupe – a design and craftsmanship incubation hub from 2018 to 2024 that nurtured 62 global designers-in-residence. The iconic jeweller also drives community projects like “Do Good – Caring Action,” extending support to underprivileged families by offering essential services such as home maintenance, pest control, household cleaning and furniture assistance. What sets this endeavour apart is Chow Tai Fook’s capability to mobilise volunteer support within 24 hours.

Community Engagement – Smiling Rocks Ltd
Smiling Rocks Limited has allocated 3 per cent of its jewellery and 1 per cent of its loose diamond B2B business revenues to support four key areas: Animal/Wildlife Protection, Medical Support, Education Support and Environmental Protection. An outstanding initiative by Smiling Rocks is the Digital Library project, which successfully established eight digital libraries since 2022, benefiting over 1,500 students in rural areas and underdeveloped cities in India. Additionally, the company empowered approximately 100 women by offering them opportunities to learn essential skills for employment. Furthermore, through collaboration with the Smile Network, Smiling Rocks played an essential role in providing life-changing cleft lip surgery to children in disadvantaged communities worldwide.

Sustainability Leadership – Fine Jewellery Manufacturing Ltd
Fine Jewellery Manufacturing Ltd of India prioritises ethical practices every step of the way, guided by the principles of the 3Rs – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle – and the 3Ps – Planet, People and Product. The company is committed to sourcing 100 per cent recycled precious metals through Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC)-certified metal refineries, has transitioned to 100 per cent green electricity directly from the grid (not by purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates), has shifted from traditional packaging materials to eco-friendly alternatives such as cardboard boxes, biodegradable plastic and eco-friendly adhesive tapes, and has reduced its operational carbon footprint from 793 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide-equivalent (MTCO2e) to 40 MTCO2e (compared to the base year 2020 – 2021) by using renewable energy. By 2027, Fine Jewellery aims to achieve carbon neutrality across all aspects of its operations.

Sustainability Leadership – Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt Ltd (SRK)
Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt Ltd (SRK) is the first diamond company to embrace the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) as a core component of its sustainability strategy. This commitment involves setting science-backed emission reduction targets and striving to achieve net-zero emissions for its diamond crafting facilities by the end of 2024. SRK’s focus on reducing carbon emissions is at the heart of its ongoing efforts. Of particular note are SRK’s flagship facilities, SRK Empire and SRK House, both holding LEED Platinum certifications. Through continuous enhancements and real-time monitoring of energy usage, water consumption, waste management, transportation practices and occupant satisfaction, these buildings consistently rank among the world’s highest-performing LEED-certified structures, surpassing thousands of certified buildings globally.

Special recognition

Two outstanding entries that also received high marks during the judging process have likewise earned the newly introduced Jury’s Special Recognition Award. 

Hari Krishna Exports Pvt Ltd for Environmental Stewardship
Hari Krishna has intensified its environmental conservation efforts through Mission 102030, aiming to plant 10 million trees in India by 2030. By February 2024, the initiative already saw over 2.8 million trees planted, yielding tangible benefits such as improved air quality, healthier soils and enhanced biodiversity in the region. This success was a result of community outreach, educational programmes and hands-on planting activities. Another exceptional project, Mission 100x, saw Hari Krishna helping alleviate water scarcity in drought-prone Gujarat. With the help of 400 volunteers, the company constructed close to 150 lakes, benefiting 300,000+ farmers. The project also increased water storage capacity by 15 billion litres across 20 villages, and transformed 250 acres of arid land into a beautiful lake, forming a Panch Ganga Triveni – Sangam.

Vector Trading from Hong Kong for Community Engagement
Vector Trading, a Hong Kong-based gemstone company powered by a five-member team, took on a unique mission in Myanmar during the pandemic. They adopted a hands-on approach, going “door-to-door” to provide vital support to gemstone cutters and polishers in the townships of Mogok and Mong Hsu. This initiative ensured that the workers and their families had access to adequate food, education and stable livelihoods throughout the challenges of the COVID years. Given the absence of established community organisations at that time, the company adapted by assessing and addressing the most urgent needs of these families, collaborating closely with the local population. “Our project was entirely based on stakeholder participation and cooperation. Without the direction of community leaders, we would not have been effective enough in our outreach,” the gemstone company said. The “team leadership” comprised three full-time employed cutters, bolstered by supportive friends who provided assistance as required.

The Award Recipients will be honoured during the Fair Reception of the industry’s biggest B2B marketplace – Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong (JGW) – on September 18, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Additionally, the winners and finalists will be invited to participate in the Sustainability Heroes Panel Series at the September fair, where they will share their inspiring sustainability journeys.

Judges' feedback

The awardees were selected by accomplished experts from diverse fields, both within and beyond the jewellery industry. The jury consisted of John Mulligan, Director of Market Relations and Climate Change Lead at the World Gold Council (WGC) and President of the Sustainable Development Commission of the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO); Nirupa Bhatt, Business Leadership Coach & Adviser and gem and jewellery industry expert; Hayley A. Henning, Coloured Gemstone Business Strategist; Andrew Lau, Director of ESG Advisory for Colliers Asia, and Jan Porter, Head of Sustainability at Meiyume, a B2B provider of beauty packaging solutions.

“I thank the award organisers for this opportunity to help identify and acknowledge those jewellery companies who are clearly committed to positive progress and impacts in advancing our shared sustainability goals. It has been a rewarding experience and very gratifying to learn of so many projects and initiatives striving to protect the environment and drive social development,” Mulligan said. “I heartily congratulate the award winners, but also commend many of the companies that have just embarked on their sustainability journeys. If others across the jewellery sector take inspiration from both the leaders and recent starters, we will hopefully have even more to celebrate next year.”

Henning shared that being part of the judging process was both an eye-opening and a heartwarming experience. “I found each nominee to be outstanding in their own way, requiring careful evaluation and consideration. It is encouraging to see so many companies in our industry going above and beyond standard business practices to support their staff, communities and the environment. I commend and congratulate you all!” she said.

Bhatt was pleasantly surprised by the range of entries received from both small and large organisations. “Sustainability is becoming a way of life and a way of doing business, encompassing various facets such as economic and environmental considerations. The Awards provide an excellent platform to acknowledge efforts and leaders in this field,” she emphasised. “My compliments to all participants. Congratulations to the winners, and may you lead the way!”

Reflecting on the challenging task of selecting winners from the exceptional entries, Lau said he found the lively debates and discussions with his fellow judges on the merits and impact of the participants’ sustainability initiatives profoundly rewarding. “While winners were selected, I want to congratulate all the participants on their dedication to creating a better world through their business practices. This is a testament that everyone can contribute to climate and nature resilience,” he continued.

Porter said he was impressed by the level of commitment and innovation put forward by all the participants in helping address the environmental and social challenges within their businesses and the communities where they operate. “I hope these organisations can serve as examples to other companies; not just implement programmes working towards a more sustainable future, but to also share their initiatives and experiences for others to learn from,” he noted.

Additional details about the Winners, the Jury’s Special Recognition Awardees and the Finalists can be found at JWAwards.com.