Mumbai: On 25 September, responsible miner and marketer of coloured gemstones, Gemfields partnered with Guild – the first international gemmological institute in China – to host the gala ceremony of the third Aurora Awards International Gem and Jewelry Competition.
Held at the IBC International Business Centre in Shenzhen, China, the event brought together elite representatives from across the global jewellery industry to celebrate gemstone artistry and creative design.
After co-hosting the Aurora Awards with Guild in 2023, Gemfields has developed a profound appreciation of the Chinese market’s strategic importance and immense potential in the global jewellery industry.
Over the past year, Gemfields has deepened its engagement with the Chinese market, launching various initiatives – such as releasing a Chinese consumer research report in attitudes towards ruby, partnering with a Chinese jewellery designer, and collaborating for the first time with a virtual artist to enhance awareness and desirability for coloured gemstones among Chinese consumers.
This year, the continued participation of the third Aurora Awards further solidifies Gemfields’ commitment to advancing the coloured gemstone industry in China, enhancing awareness of responsible mining and promoting market demand.
As a global jewellery competition, the rigorous and authoritative judging system is the cornerstone of Aurora Awards.
This year’s distinguished jury and experts from renowned international brands and authoritative associations assessed the competition entries through diverse perspectives and global standards, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation and fair results.
Notably, Sean Gilbertson, CEO of Gemfields, lent his support again this year and was joined by Emily Dungey, Gemfields’ marketing and communications director and the managing director of the Gemfields Foundation.
On her role as part of the judging panel, Dungey said: “It is an honour to be invited as a judge for this prestigious event and to witness creative brilliance in the jewellery world.
“The exacting set of circumstances required for coloured gemstones to form is so rare, that each example we find is a piece to be treasured.
“The Aurora Awards highlights not only this inherent beauty gifted from Mother Earth, but it also celebrates the best of human skill, in bringing these vibrant treasures to life.”
In addition, Gemfields’ corporate responsibility director, Edward Johnson, delivered an in-person address on behalf of Gemfields at the award ceremony in Shenzhen.
Aiming to deepen consumer’s appreciation of gemstone beauty and artistry, Gemfields not only co-hosted the Aurora Awards International Gem and Jewelry Competition but has also recently introduced its “7Cs” guide to coloured gemstones.
This guide highlights the extraordinary beauty and rarity of coloured gemstones, offering a new aesthetic perspective and an informative reference for consumers looking to appreciate and purchase coloured gemstones.
Moving forwards, Gemfields aims to strengthen its close relationship with the Chinese market, playing a more active role in promoting the coloured gemstone industry both in China and globally.
