Twenty entries from 15 sustainability champions across the globe made it to the finals and will vie for recognition at the Sustainability Awards 2025 by JWA (Jewellery World Awards).

This year’s Awards saw outstanding submissions from 11 countries and regions, with the shortlisted organisations representing the broad spectrum of the jewellery industry, said Celine Lau, director of Jewellery Fairs at Informa Markets Jewellery.

“After a rigorous evaluation process, our judges have identified 20 exceptional entries showcasing powerful sustainability initiatives. These finalists demonstrate not only the critical importance of building a sustainable future but also prove that collective action can make this vision a reality,” revealed Lau at a media gathering kickstarting Jewellery & Gem ASIA Hong Kong (JGA) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).

The finalist list is comprehensive – and intentionally so, she continued.

“At the core of these Awards is our commitment to spotlight remarkable sustainability achievements across the industry. Each finalist brings forward unique insights and practical solutions that can guide others. By recognising this range of outstanding work, we create more opportunities to share their stories, ensuring they connect with diverse audiences and communities worldwide,” noted Lau.

Established in 2012 to recognise best business practices across the jewellery industry, JWA expanded its platform in 2024 with the introduction of the Sustainability Awards. These accolades honour companies demonstrating tangible commitments to environmental stewardship, climate action, social empowerment and resource-efficient innovations throughout their operations. 

The shortlisted nominees presented exceptional entries across five categories: Environmental Stewardship; Community Catalyst; Tech For A Sustainable Future; Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and Sustainability Leadership. Among them stands a small-scale miner whose water projects, educational initiatives and employment opportunities create gentle ripples of positive change throughout their community; a jeweller who “turns dust into silver, waste into art, students into changemakers and industrial zones into green sanctuaries;” a pearling company whose dedication to ocean conservation flows through every aspect of their work, and diamond and jewellery manufacturers who incorporate renewable energy sources and circular economy practices into their operations. These organisations hail from Australia, Belgium, China, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Kenya, the US and Vietnam.

Sustainability heroes

The submissions were assessed and scored by an independent five-member judging panel, comprising experts who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields, both from within and outside the jewellery world. They are 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 the Community for Ethical Jewelry (formerly 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 B2B beauty solutions provider, Meiyume.

The winners will be announced in July and feted at an Awards Presentation Ceremony on September 17 at the Fair Reception of Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong (JGW). Award Recipients would also be invited to participate in JGW’s Sustainability Heroes Panel Series.

Finalists for the Sustainability Awards 2025 by JWA
*In alphabetical order

Environmental Stewardship 
This award is presented to enterprises that prioritise nature conservation, regeneration and climate change mitigation. 

1. Fine Jewellery Manufacturing Ltd
2. Hari Krishna Exports Pvt Ltd
3. Saskia Shutt Designs
 
Community Catalyst 
This award recognises businesses that transcend traditional donation-based project support, which typically involves monetary or material contributions from start to finish. These businesses drive meaningful grassroots change by collaborating with communities to customise programmes to local contexts. Through this participatory approach, the community directly benefits in various areas like employment, volunteerism, cultural heritage preservation, education and environmental sustainability, among others.

1. Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group
2. Mimo Gem Traders Ltd
3. Phu Nhuan Jewelry Joint Stock Company (PNJ)
4. Shop LC
5. Smiling Rocks Ltd
 
Tech for a Sustainable Future 
This accolade shines the spotlight on the development and implementation of innovative processes, technologies and practices that prioritise both environmental sustainability and circularity. This encompasses initiatives focused on resource management, waste reduction, energy efficiency and emission reduction, all while increasing productivity.

1. Nanjing Baojie Technology Co Ltd
2. Shenzhen Kinghood Jewelry Manufacturing Co Ltd
 
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 
This award pays tribute to efforts that foster a welcoming and inclusive environment, promoting equitable opportunities for all individuals and empowering marginalised groups to thrive. Successful entries must demonstrate a commitment to social justice, fairness and the celebration of diverse perspectives, contributing to a more equitable and inclusive society.

1. Nanjing Baojie Technology Co Ltd
2. PICS Group Ltd
 
Sustainability Leadership 
This award honours companies that embody the gold standard in championing a greener, more equitable future. The recipient of this accolade would have shown exceptional commitment to advancing sustainability practices, promoting social responsibility and fostering ethical governance within and beyond their spheres of influence.

1. Fine Jewellery Manufacturing Ltd 
2. Hari Krishna Exports Pvt Ltd 
3. Legor Group SpA
4. Paspaley Pearling Company Pty Ltd
5. Phu Nhuan Jewelry Joint Stock Company (PNJ) 
6. Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt Ltd (SRK) 
7. Smiling Rocks Ltd
8. Valentine Silver International