Indian diamantaires dominate JNA Awards’ “Manufacturer of the Year –
Diamond Cutting & Polishing” nominations
HONG KONG, 28 August, 2013 – Four India-based diamond companies have been shortlisted for JNA Awards’ “Manufacturer of the Year – Diamond Cutting & Polishing” category. They are Dharmanandan Diamonds Pvt Ltd, J. B. And Brothers Pvt Ltd, Kiran Gems Pvt Ltd and Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt Ltd, according to JNA, organiser of the JNA Awards, the most prestigious awards event in the jewellery and gemstone industry. JNA Awards honours and recognises excellence and achievement in the global jewellery trade with an Asian focus.
The Awards’ second edition drew an impressive number of entries this year. “The calibre of entries we received this year is remarkable, especially for the ‘Manufacturer of the Year – Diamond Cutting & Polishing’ category,” said Letitia Chow, Founder of JNA and Chair of the JNA Awards 2013 judging panel. “India has a significant role in the global diamond trade and this is reflected in the top Honourees for this category. The four shortlisted companies are based in Mumbai and have manufacturing facilities in Surat, the world’s biggest diamond cutting and polishing centre. We congratulate all four Honourees and look forward to seeing them in the awards ceremony and gala dinner in September.”
(Right) A diamond cutting factory in India, Kiran Gems, using diamond bruting equipment to raise productivity and quality
Dr. D Purandeswari, Minister of State for Commerce & Industry – Government of India, commented, “I am given to understand thatM/s Dharmanandan, J.B. And Brothers, Kiran Gems and Shree Ramkrishna Exports have been selected for JNA Awards as per the announcement made on 20 June 2013. I think that it is a great honour that the country’s strength as a diamond manufacturing hub is being recognised through these awards. The relentless efforts of these Honourees have put India on the global diamond trade map and have helped the global gem and jewellery industry to realise its growth potentials.
“With these words, I congratulate the Honourees and hope that they will continue to show the same excellence in future to raise the profile and reinforce the country’s leading position as a diamond centre so as to supply the world’s growing demand for top quality diamonds.” Dr. D Purandeswari added.
Piyush Patel, executive director of Dharmanandan Diamonds, commented: “Last year, we received the ‘Employer of the Year’ award at the inaugural JNA Awards. This new recognition means a lot to the entire Dharmanandan family. To be recognised as one of the world leaders in the diamond manufacturing sector by a prestigious judging panel inspires us to push the boundaries of excellence further and deliver unequalled quality service to our stakeholders.”
Dharmanandan Diamonds operates a 275,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Surat. It produces approximately 500,000 carats of polished diamonds annually, ranging from 0.01 carat to 5 carats in D to M colours and IF to I3 clarities. It also produces a broad range of diamond jewellery.
Jitubhai Shah, founder of J. B. And Brothers, said: “JNA Awards promotes our company in the international level in both B2B trade and consumer media. It’s a great honour to receive a prestigious international award that could enhance our brand value and increase customer confidence. We consider JNA Awards as a recognition of our group’s work and commitment towards the industry. The award further motivates our team to achieve greater success in the business.”
J. B. And Brothers has seven factories in Surat and is headquartered in the Bharat Diamond Bourse in Mumbai. The company supplies the global market with 0.20-carat to 15-carat round and fancy-shaped diamonds in all colours and clarities.
Dinesh Lakhani, director at Kiran Gems, reiterated the value of being recognised at the JNA Awards. “The JNA Awards helps create a benchmark for the industry in terms of production capabilities, marketing abilities, operational efficiencies, human resource management and corporate social responsibilities. The Awards gives extra dimension on how Kiran is perceived in the eyes of our customers and industry colleagues,” Lakhani said.
Kiran markets and sells polished diamonds globally to over 1,500 customers through its offices in Mumbai, Belgium, China, Hong Kong, the UAE and the US. It operates 132 specialised production units in Surat and Ahmedabad. In 2011, the company processed over 5.7 million carats of rough diamonds. The company employs more than 31,000 people.
Shree Ramkrishna Exports Founder and Chairman Govind Dholakia said: “The JNA Awards is a global platform that nourishes innovations and encourages excellence in the gemstone and jewellery industry. Being recognised here ensures us that our group is indeed on the right track in providing quality diamonds to the world. This honour gives us an additional reason to celebrate our 50 glorious years in the industry this year.”
Shree Ramkrishna Exports manufactures more than 720,000 carats of rough diamonds annually, offering varieties between 0.30 carat and 20 carats in D to Z colours and in almost all clarities and shapes. The company maintains a manufacturing facility in Surat and affiliates across the US, China and Hong Kong.
The JNA Awards judging panel is comprised of five industry experts namely Albert Cheng, managing director of the World Gold Council – Far East (WGC); James Courage, chief executive of Platinum Guild International (PGI); Lin Qiang, president and managing director of the Shanghai Diamond Exchange (SDE); Nirupa Bhatt, managing director of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in India and the Middle East; and Vichian Veerasaksri, director of the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) and advisor to the Thai Gem & Jewelry Traders Association (TGJTA).
The Award Recipients and Honourees will be feted at an awards ceremony and gala dinner scheduled for 12 September at The Grand Hyatt, Hong Kong. The event will be held on the sidelines of the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, which will run from September 11 to 17. The awards ceremony and gala dinner is a ticketed event by application only. Interested parties may submit their request by logging on to www.JNAawards.com.
