Hong Kong: Gemfields, the world’s emerald, ruby and amethyst miner, has joined the distinguished list of sponsors for the 2016 edition of the JNA Awards. The awards programme aims to promote and uphold excellence in innovation, creativity, leadership, sustainability and business practices.

The London-listed, multinational mining company joins Rio Tinto Diamonds and Chow Tai Fook as a JNA Awards Headline Partner. Diarough Group, the Israel Diamond Institute Group of Companies, Shanghai Diamond Exchange, and Guangdong Land Holdings Limited are also supporting the Awards as Honoured Partners.

Ian Harebottle, CEO of Gemfields, said, “As a leading supplier of responsibly sourced coloured gemstones, Gemfields consistently champions excellence and innovation within the industry. As a key stakeholder within this sector, we have been pioneering the cause of modernism and the importance of creativity and individual design in the creation of exceptional pieces of jewellery, and will continue to work with both young and established designers in the creation of jewellery featuring coloured gemstones. The JNA Awards is a fantastic platform from which to encourage the industry to innovate in the use of colour and something that we are very proud to be a part of.”

“We are truly delighted and excited to welcome Gemfields as our third Headline Partner on the fifth anniversary of the JNA Awards. Gemfields has long been recognized as a company that constantly strives to innovate and raise industry standards. There is a strong alignment between our organizations in terms of promoting business excellence in a sustainable and responsible manner,” added Letitia Chow, founder of JNA, Director of Business Development – Jewellery Group at UBM Asia, and Chair of the JNA Awards judging panel.

The annual JNA Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner will take place on Thursday, 14 September, during the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair 2016, where the winners of the Awards’ 11 categories will be announced.