The 2018 independent judging panel consists of industry experts namely Albert Cheng, Advisor to the World Gold Council (WGC) and former Managing Director, Far East (WGC); James Courage, former Chief Executive of Platinum Guild International (PGI) and former Chairman of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC); Lin Qiang, President and Managing Director of the Shanghai Diamond Exchange (SDE); Mark Lee, Research Director of Asia Pacific Institute for Strategy (APIFS); Nirupa Bhatt, Managing Director of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in India and the Middle East; and Yasukazu Suwa, Chairman of Suwa & Son, Inc.

Cheng shared, "The JNA Awards is further gaining momentum, the judging panel went through the lively process of debate and discussion in selecting this year's Honourees again. We expect to engage in even more spirited discussions when?selecting the champions for each category."

Courage added, "The entries this year reflect an emphasis on innovation in design, manufacturing, finance and marketing. They recognise the challenges to the jewellery sector from other categories and the need to target millennials and younger consumers."

Lin remarked, "I continue to be inspired by the achievements and innovative spirit of all the entries. This year, the competition is particularly fierce that selecting the frontrunners from such a diverse and excellent pool of entries had been most?challenging."

"It's exciting to see the quality of entries for this year's JNA Awards, which?makes the process even more challenging. This is a testament to the innovations and disruptions that have been driving growth in Asia's gemstone and jewellery industry," Bhatt noted.

Lee added,?"Innovation?and sustainable strategies are very important in this rapidly changing world. The JNA Awards is an excellent platform to showcase the industry's development and successes, and exemplifies the efforts that the participants have put into their operations."

Suwa expressed, "Entrants to the JNA Awards vary greatly in terms of annual turnover, from a hundred thousand dollars to close to US$10 billion, and the size of the workforce, from a few employees to nearly 30,000 workers. The judging panel focuses on the quality of the work achieved."

The winners will be announced at the JNA Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner on 16 September during the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair.

The Lifetime Achievement Award recipient will be announced in July.