Leung Sik Wah - Jewellery News Asia

Lifetime Achievement Award:
Leung Sik Wah
Leung Sik Wah has played a major role in the growth and development of
Asia’s jewellery and gemstone industry
In 1985, Leung initiated the establishment of the Hong Kong Diamond Bourse, which helped solidify Hong
Kong’s position as one of the top five diamond trading centres in the world. He served as chairman of the
bourse from 1985 to 1991. Leung was also elected president of the DFHK, where he currently holds the title
Honorary Life President. The DFHK is a non-profit umbrella diamond trade organisation that aims to protect
the integrity of diamond trade and promote Hong Kong as Asia’s diamond trading hub by ensuring ethical
and professional trading practices. Leung advocated DFHK’s Integrity Pledge Scheme, which promotes
honesty, transparency and accountability in the sale of diamonds and diamond jewellery.
Leung’s vision and guidance has been vital to DFHK’s success. For decades, he initiated projects and
schemes that promoted unity, business opportunities and integrity in the industry. To further strengthen
Hong Kong as a trading hub, Leung collaborated with various organisations and actively participated
in the advisory boards of major trade fairs. From 1989 to 2004, he was appointed chairman of the Hong
Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Jewellery Advisory Committee. He took on a leading role and
spearheaded promotional strategies for the development of Hong Kong’s jewellery industry.
Trade and retail initiatives
Leung Sik Wah stands tall in the global jewellery and gemstone industry
Industry veteran Leung Sik Wah is being awarded JNA’s highest accolade, the Lifetime Achievement Award,
for his exceptional contribution to the jewellery and gemstone industry. Over his illustrious career, the Hong
Kong-based visionary has received numerous awards for his active role in the growth and development of
the industry. These awards include the Badge of Honour in 1979, the Justice of Peace in 1989, the Knight of
the Crown of Belgium in 1992 and the Silver Bauhinia Star in 2009.
“It is such an honour to be recognised as a major contributor to the global gem and jewellery industry. The award
is not for me alone, but also for those who have dedicated their lives to the growth of the sector, especially those
who contributed their valuable ideas and helped me in the past,” Leung said. “The JNA Awards has a positive
impact on the industry and I feel blessed to be a part of such a prestigious endeavour.”
Industry pillar
Leung is an industry pillar who was instrumental in promoting the jewellery and gemstone industry. He is the Honorary
Life President of the Diamond Federation of Hong Kong, China (DFHK) and Chairman of the Hong Kong Jewellers’ &
Goldsmiths’ Association. He actively supported and acted as a sub-committee member of the Hong Kong Tourism
Board’s Quality Tourism Services Scheme, which promotes integrity and transparency in jewellery retail.
“Throughout my career, I have witnessed the growth of the industry, particularly the Hong Kong market. Hong
Kong has not only become a shoppers’ paradise for jewellery retail, but also a manufacturing and trading
powerhouse. It is also one of Asia’s brightest diamond and pearl trading centres,” Leung remarked.
Chairman of the Hong Kong Jewellers’ & Goldsmiths’ Association since 1971, Leung works closely with
various government departments in developing trade-regulated and ethical business practices to protect
consumer interest. His accomplishments included the creation and successful implementation of the Gold
Quality Mark and the Fei Cui Quality Mark label schemes in 1989 and 2007, respectively.
Leung is thankful to have overcome the many challenges during his career. “In the beginning, it was easy
for many jewellery companies to deceive others with fake goods, so when I initiated label schemes which
promoted honest business practices, I met strong resistance from some industry members,” he shared.
“Under the Gold Quality Mark Scheme, we wanted to carry out irregular samples testing throughout the
industry. At first, many did not want to participate in the scheme. Customs turned out to be very important.
With their help and the Hong Kong government’s aid, we implemented ways to better regulate gold. The
Hong Kong government implemented the Trade Descriptions (Marking) (Gold or Gold Alloy) Ordinance in
1984. Many other companies used gold of 0.999 (Level 3) but we used 0.9999 (Level 4), which was purer
but too soft for jewellery making. Many in the industry didn’t accept our Level 4 gold, thus providing us with
another challenge,” Leung explained.
Leung is also active in the pearl trade, and was instrumental in turning Hong Kong into a pearl auction hub.
One of his proudest achievements was moving the South Sea pearl auction to Hong Kong from Japan in
1994, and the Tahiti pearl auction in 1998 through the HKTDC. “Both of these auctions are very successful
and well attended now,” he noted.
Leung is thankful for the continued support of his peers in the industry. “I could not have done it without the
support from the industry and the government. The ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award affirms my strong belief
that one must always do the right thing. I hope to serve as a role model to the younger generation,” he said.
“Let me be an example that hard work and honesty reap rewards.”
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JNA AWARDS 2013
JNA AWARDS 2013
Outstanding Contribution of the Year Award:
Wallace Chan
1.
2.
3.
1. ‘Le Cygne’ necklace
2. ‘Inheritance’ brooch
3. ‘A Drop in the Ocean’ necklace
4. ‘Metamorphoses’ sculpture
and techniques, and Western lapidary art. In 1987, he invented the “Wallace Cut” – a crystal-carving
technique that includes elements of cameo, intaglio and gem-faceting. Following eight years of research
in titanium and metal alloy, casting and smelting techniques, he unveiled his revolutionary mastery of
titanium in jewellery-making in Europe in 2007. Such pioneering work earned him industry accolades, which
culminated with a Hong Kong Jewelry Design Grand Award.
Chan is also credited for bringing jadeite jewellery to the 21st century. In 2003, he was commissioned to
design a one-of-a-kind timepiece using jadeite and 18-karat gold. Employing a patented jadeite thinning
and luminosity-enhancing technology, Chan crafted the Corum Buckingham Vision 18K Jadeite Wristwatch,
which was later auctioned for a record price at Christie’s Hong Kong.
In 2008, Chan was the first Asian jewellery designer invited to exhibit at the Moscow World Fine Art Fair. “My
works attracted the attention of a CEO of an international jewellery brand. This encounter opened up a
number of opportunities for me,” Chan shared.
In 2009, Chan’s dedicated counters opened in New York City’s prestigious Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman
Marcus stores across the US. In 2010, he became the first contemporary jewellery artist ever to be invited by
the Capital Museum in Beijing to hold a solo exhibition.
Jewellery master and sculptor Wallace Chan
JNA Awards is bestowing the “Outstanding Contribution” award to master sculptor Wallace Chan, who carved
his success into the global jewellery and gemstone industry with an outstanding body of work that exhibited
an exceptional level of creativity and craftsmanship. A celebrated artist and jewellery designer, Chan has a
distinguished career that spans four decades. Globally recognised as one of several fine jewellery artists of
Chinese origin, Chan constantly pushes the creative boundaries of design and jewellery-making.
“I am delighted and honoured to have been selected for the prestigious ‘Outstanding Contribution’ award. This
recognition serves as a reminder of my glorious journey in the industry. This also serves as a motivation for me
to excel in the field I truly love the most. I am sharing this award with all those who have supported me during
my four-decade-long adventures in the field of jewellery design,” Chan commented. “To be successful in any
industry, you have to be brave and creative enough to innovate. This award recognises my efforts through the
years, and serves as an encouragement for me to further push my creative limits.”
Chan made a significant impact on the global haute joaillerie scene following his remarkable debut at the
26th Biennale des Antiquaires in Paris in 2012. The master jeweller wowed Paris with his collection of one-ofa-kind luxury pieces set with Imperial jade, diamonds and coloured gemstones. To date, Chan is the only
Asian artist invited to the Biennale. As a master jeweller of Chinese origin, Chan brought to the Biennale the
essence of Oriental philosophy and Chinese culture.
One of the many highlights of his jewellery collections at the Biennale is a spectacular scorpion-inspired
“Eyes of Infinity” parure consisting of a necklace, a ring and two brooches. The centre stone of the necklace
is a 45.51-carat alexandrite cat’s-eye named “The Wallace.” The piece is embellished with rubies, tsavorites,
fancy coloured diamonds and yellow sapphires. Another stunner is a cicada-inspired “Stilled Life” brooch
made of Imperial jadeite. A piece of lavender jade is cleverly set on the underside. Chan also unveiled a
butterfly-inspired “Whimsical Blue” jewellery piece, which features a 16.17-carat tanzanite centre stone and
embellished with Kashmir sapphire, lapis lazuli, jadeite, diamonds and sapphires.
Key attributes
Global appeal
Chan’s nature-inspired jewellery pieces tell stories through a playful mix of stone sizes, colours and patterns.
“Precious stones fascinate me with their brilliant colours, interesting textures, and diverse shapes and sizes,”
he said. “I don’t want to just create jewellery that features expensive stones set in an appealing way. I want
dramatic pieces that amaze not just the wearer.”
Chan’s creative force goes beyond jewellery and his iconic works of art showcase masterful techniques that defy
categorisation. Born in China and raised in Hong Kong, Chan spent his youth mastering Eastern sculptural designs
The seasoned jewellery designer looks back at his numerous accomplishments with great pride. “Being able to
contribute to a greater audience while doing what you love to do the most is a rewarding experience,” Chan said.
“Rome wasn’t built in a day, and so was my company. There were many turning points that led me to where I
am now,” Chan commented, adding that it was sheer dedication and his ongoing quest to innovate that led
him to success. Chan advises aspiring designers to “be both passionate and compassionate, and to make the
most out of every moment.” He also urges them “to constantly challenge themselves, to work hard and be
persistent without forgetting the importance of culture and humanity.”
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JNA AWARDS 2013
JNA AWARDS 2013
4.
Chow Tai Fook
Jewellery Group Limited
other world renowned luxury jewellers can offer. The Group is also a
recognised brand in its private high jewellery auctions. At an exclusive
gala dinner in May 2013, more than 300 guests took part in an auction
of 15 sets of high jewellery, which were part of the jeweller’s “Ombre di
Milano” Collection.
Bridal jewellery is another growing category and Chow Tai Fook’s various
wedding collections and jewellery products aim to capture a bigger
share of this market.
Categories:
Employer of the Year
E-tailer of the Year
Retailer of the Year
Country/Region: Hong Kong
Chow Tai Fook boasts an extensive retail network of more than 1,850 points
of sale in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore and Malaysia.
Its retail strength is further underpinned by a rapidly growing presence in
e-commerce. The Group was listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange
of Hong Kong in December 2011 and has become the world’s largest pureplay jeweller by market capitalisation. It is also a constituent stock of the
Hang Seng China 50 Index and Hang Seng Mainland 100 Index.
Founded in 1929, Chow Tai Fook is one of the leading jewellers in
the world today, and has become a byword for product quality,
authenticity and value. Its principal products are mass luxury and
high-end luxury jewellery products including gem-set jewellery;
gold, platinum and karat gold products; and watches.
Chow Tai Fook was among the first jewellery companies to invest in
mainland China in the 1990s, capturing opportunities of opening
stores in lower-tier inland cities, a strategy that laid the foundation
for the jeweller’s further success.
“While many of our local and international peers have just begun
to tap the potential of smaller cities in mainland China, our early
strategic investments in these cities are now paying off,” said the
Group. “Our plan to reach 2,000 points of sale by the end of financial
year 2014 is on track. Our new points of sale are opened mostly in Tier III
and lower-tier cities.”
Business strategy
Product and market diversification play a big part in the Group’s growth
strategy. The jeweller plans to continue expanding its product range by
introducing more gem-set collections and items in contemporary designs.
It is also beefing up its e-commerce business to consolidate its gains in
China’s youth market.
‘Blooming Spring’ necklace
At the same time, the Group is promoting its high-end capabilities by
introducing ultra-luxurious, one-of-a-kind jewellery pieces that rival anything
As sightholders of the Diamond Trading Company (DTC), Chow Tai
Fook’s subsidiaries comply with the best practice principles, which cover
business, social and environmental responsibilities, together with the
mining standards, that DTC advocates. Through another subsidiary, Chow
Tai Fook is a member of the industry-run Responsible Jewellery Council,
which advances responsible business practices throughout the diamond
and gold jewellery supply chain.
Kent Wong, Managing Director of
Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited
Chow Tai Fook only sells diamonds from conflict-free sources. “We believe
the polished diamonds we procure are cut from rough diamonds, which are
compliant with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme,” said the Group.
Professional workforce
Chow Tai Fook considers its employees as its best assets. As such, it puts
emphasis on their personal and skills development. “The Group aims to
create a strong sense of community and a motivating environment for
our employees. We motivate them with a clear career path and ample
advancement opportunities,” the company said.
With approximately 31,700 employees as of March 2013, the jeweller has
put in place a multitude of training programmes both for new members
and experienced staff. Chow Tai Fook ensures that its frontline staff are
knowledgeable professionals and trained to respond to customers’
questions and concerns.
Professional trainers provided by Rio Tinto Diamonds and Forevermark, and
other seasonal training consultants are brought in to hone the staff’s sales
and managerial skills, while the watch sales teams receive specialised
training from watchmakers.
‘Golden Savannah’ bracelet
Eight specialised jewellery training centres are located across mainland
China, Hong Kong and Macau. A mentor scheme has also been set up for
the mainland Chinese workforce, where experienced employees guide
newcomers on job-related skills, workflows and the company culture to
help them adapt quickly during probation.
A performance measurement system has been introduced companywide. To reward top performers, Chow Tai Fook regularly gives out awards
to outstanding staff and long-serving employees.
Staff members are invited to contribute suggestions on the design of
development programmes. Newsletters keep employees abreast of
company news, and there are specified channels in Weibo and email that
enable staff to speak directly to the management. Since 2008, counselling
has been offered to employees looking for psychological advice.
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JNA AWARDS 2013
‘Verdant Hover’ headpiece
Chow Tai Fook
Jewellery Group Limited
through leading Chinese e-tailers such as Tmall
and 360buy. The Group has been ranked the
“Best-selling Jewellery Brand” on Tmall for a few
years running. It has more than 750,000 “fans”
on Sina Weibo, Tencent Weibo and WeChat as
of March 2013.
The Group believes that its e-commerce
channels will continue to extend its customer
reach, especially to the younger customers,
which will enable the Group to enjoy the onlineto-offline synergy beneficial to its bricks and mortar
POS business. The Group also targets to attract
more online traffic by introducing certain special
collections and products principally sold on its
e-commerce platforms.
“As a jeweller, we are concerned about the quality
of our product. Tiny mistakes could affect customer
confidence. To embed our corporate values into our
operations, the Group has gradually built a sophisticated
vertically integrated business model, which allows us to
have effective, tight control over the entire value chain,
from raw material procurement, design, production, to marketing and
sales through an extensive retail network,” the Group explained. “Full
integration of e-commerce with our offline business gives us a strong base
to offer superior service to both online and offline customers.”
One of Chow Tai Fook’s flagship stores in Hong Kong
Growing customer base
‘Azure Plunge’ necklace
Repeat purchases from Chow Tai Fook members contributed
approximately 22 percent and 15 percent to the jeweller’s retail sales
in mainland China, and in Hong Kong and Macau, respectively,
in the 2013 financial year. Thus, the Group is aggressively looking
to boost this component of its business further. The jeweller’s
newly revamped membership programmes in China and Hong
Kong have attracted approximately 880,000 members. Repeat
customers are rewarded with perks ranging from cash coupons
and movie screenings to high jewellery auction invitations and
overseas trips to destinations such as Paris.
A Member Service Centre opened in January 2013 in Hong
Kong offering guests concierge services, a conferencing facility,
Wi-Fi internet access, luggage storage, hotel and transportation
arrangements and travel planning.
Tapping potentials
Launched in 2010, Chow Tai Fook’s e-commerce business is gaining
traction. The operation runs on its own Chow Tai Fook e-Shop and
‘Mystic Night’ necklace
The Group attributes the success of the online business to three factors.
“A talented team, a high brand value and an independent operation
management system together play a big role in the growth of our online
business,” the Group said. “In the past year, we have launched a couple
of exciting e-commerce initiatives such as the pre-order, which allows
us to allocate our inventory more efficiently, and social media, which
attracts significant traffic not only to our own e-Shop but also to our e-tail
partner sites.”
“Flexibility is a decisive success factor we’ve come to realised since we
launched our online business,” the Group continued. “To excel, we work
toward shortened lead times on new product development, optimise
service flows through fast logistics and online customer service, and indepth data mining to better understand customer segmentation.”
The Group highlights its market leadership and strength with three
nominations at the second edition of the JNA Awards: Employer of the
Year, E-tailer of the Year and Retailer of the Year. Last year, Chow Tai Fook
received the 3 Decades of Excellence and Brand of the Year awards at
the inaugural JNA Awards. It was also an Honouree for Employer of the
Year and Retailer of the Year.
“The JNA Awards is the most revered recognition of its kind in the world
of gems and jewellery. Being recognised here further underscores our
market leadership,” the Group said.
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JNA AWARDS 2013
‘Carmine Flight’ necklace
Shenzhen Xingguangda
Jewellery Industrial Co Ltd
Categories:
Industry Innovation of the Year
— Manufacturing - Technology
Manufacturer of the Year
— Gem-set Jewellery
Outstanding Enterprise of the Year
— Mainland China
Country/Region: China
Shenzhen Xingguangda Jewellery Industrial Co Ltd specialises
in gemstone jewellery set in 18-karat gold and platinum.
Established in 1997, Xingguangda has grown to become one
of the largest jewellery manufacturers in mainland China,
with annual sales increasing by an average of 15 percent.
Over the years, the company has remained committed to
sustainable development in jewellery production, ensuring
strict adherence to established operational standards such
as IS09001 Quality Management System, ISO14001 Environment
Management System, IS010012 Testing Management System,
and OHSAS18001 Staff Health & Security Management System.
Xingguangda has a 1,000-person-strong workforce, 100 of which are
involved in handmade and computer-aided design.
Xingguangda’s effective management systems have laid a solid foundation for
its business. In 2013, orders for fabrication increased 23 percent, the company
said. Currently, its sales network serves top jewellery retailers across China. While
it strengthens its long-term partnerships with domestic retailers, it is also actively
seeking opportunities in the international market, the company added.
Watermelon tourmaline
necklace by Shenzhen
Xingguangda Jewellery
Industrial Co Ltd
Xingguangda takes pride not only in the quality of its products but also in
its professional affiliations. The mainland China-based company has earned
numerous international recognitions and partners with key industry groups
such as Platinum Guild International (PGI), DTC, WDG and EFD. On the
domestic front, Xingguangda is actively involved in developing and setting
the standards for jewellery production by working closely with local groups
such as the Shenzhen Precious Metal Standard Alliance and the National
Jewellery Standard Committee.
Xingguangda enjoys an excellent reputation for its innovative designs
and creative manufacturing techniques. Part of its company-wide
initiatives is offering its designers various training platforms for improvement.
Xingguangda fosters a spirit of innovation within the company, and also
regularly participates in national design competitions. Some of its pieces
such as “Peerless,” “The Song of Life” and “Lily in Midsummer” have won
awards for their craftsmanship and beauty.
Continuing innovation
“We have always focused on two things: quality and creativity,” said company
chairman Lin Changwei. One testament to such creativity is Xingguangda’s
patented spring metal technique which allows for better scalability for
precious metals, thus making jewellery more comfortable to wear. In addition,
Xingguangda’s R&D efforts have resulted in the development of a special Pt/
Ru alloy formula — one that ensures zero limitations in gem-set design and
diamond cutting technique. Pieces made from this special alloy were those
done in collaboration with PGI China. One example is “Dreams of Butterfly,”
which features an intricate variety of diamonds, coloured gemstones and
pearls. The company’s “My Platinum Wedding Dress” line likewise utilises this Pt/
Ru alloy, for which Xingguangda applied for a national patent in 2012.
Lin Changwei, chairman of Shenzhen
Xingguangda Jewellery Industrial Co Ltd
The company is constantly undertaking improvements to its platinum
jewellery production by investing in high-grade equipment and
technology, including machinery imported from Israel and
Germany. For example, its advanced casting equipment
functions to guarantee the safety of its manufacturing
workforce. Furthermore, the Chinese firm supports recycling by
reducing wastage from 3.5 percent to 1.8 percent.
‘Designed in China’
Xingguangda has been quick to take advantage of the
industry’s shift from “Made in China” to “Designed in China.”
Since then, its R&D efforts have centred on new product
development in order to remain competitive. One example
is the “Exquisite Setting,” which enhances the look of the
diamond. Lin said: “The hexagonal design of the ‘Exquisite
Setting’ can make the diamond look bigger than it actually is and
make it look more brilliant. We have applied for several national
patents for this design.” Pieces showcasing this technique
have already won numerous design awards, both locally and
internationally. The ‘Kite in the Flower Return’ item was named the
‘Best Production Piece’ in the second National Jewellery Design and
Craftsmanship Competition.
The company’s showroom has more than 100,000 designs, many of which bear
patents. Thus far, Xingguangda holds patents for about 50 properties, 14 of
which carry the national patent, seven the practical innovation patent, and 32
the design patent.
Xingguangda is promoting the use of coloured gemstones in China. However,
despite the great potential for coloured gemstones, the company believes
that awareness among local consumers is still relatively low. To increase
exposure, Xingguangda is investing in a vigorous marketing campaign and
promotion, from branding to enhanced media coverage. Additionally,
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JNA AWARDS 2013
Coloured gemstone jewellery by Shenzhen
Xingguangda Jewellery Industrial Co Ltd
Shenzhen Xingguangda
Jewellery Industrial Co Ltd
In the years ahead, Xingguangda will continue to
invest in modern equipment in order to keep up with
the advances in technology, the company said.
“We will always strive to upgrade our production
processes and improve production efficiency,”
explained Lin. The company will strengthen
its own standardisation system, especially in
the areas of new product development and
production management. Product quality will
remain at the top of its priorities, said Lin, as the
company continues its initiatives for sustained
customer satisfaction.
Overall, Xingguangda is upbeat about its future. “Consumption
of luxury products in China is accelerating, and because of this
we expect more opportunities for jewellery manufacturers and
retailers,” said Lin. “On our end, we will continue to focus on
the local market. We will endeavour to help upgrade industry
standards and raise local jewellery consumption through
innovations in design, technique, and customer service. In this way, we
are hoping to make inroads more effectively in the international market
and establish a solid presence.”
Shenzhen Xingguangda has a thousand-strong workforce
it works with high-end partner stores and industry associations to further
promote market awareness.
Lin believes the future of coloured gemstones remains bright: the market is
rapidly expanding, with the development and demand for tourmalines on the
rise especially in the Chinese market. “Tourmaline jewellery is the new darling of
domestic consumers,” he said.
Xingguangda is poised to meet the demand for tourmaline jewellery with its
line of multi-coloured mosaic pieces, which infuse Western design elements
with traditional Chinese artistry. One of its most notable items is the “Seduction”
necklace which features a square-cut 60.24-carat watermelon tourmaline with
diamonds in a prong setting. “It combines a rare coloured tourmaline and
diamond, and is most suitable for weddings,” said Lin. Other exquisite offerings
are “Aromatic,” an elegant pink tourmaline necklace, and the award-winning
“Lily in Midsummer,” which features diamonds with gold lily vine petals.
Eyes to the future
Coloured gemstone, diamond and pearl
ring by Shenzhen Xingguangda Jewellery
Industrial Co Ltd
production. It helps uplift the standards of the Chinese
jewellery industry while promoting Chinese culture and
artistry to a greater audience.
Adhering to the principle that customer satisfaction is fundamental,
Xingguangda launched an online showroom, which helped increase brand
visibility and improve order placements and communication with customers.
“Our company newsletter Xing Shang Zhi is another communication platform
between our company and our customers,” said Lin. The results have been
gratifying: enhanced access to the company helped increase orders and
solidify Xingguangda’s reputation as a leading jewellery manufacturer on
the mainland.
Xingguangda values integrity, dedication, harmony and innovation. It
contributes to the jewellery industry through its innovative designs and quality
Countless recognition
The many awards thus conferred on Xingguangda are not limited to design.
The company has received numerous recognitions both as a brand and
an enterprise. In the 2012 Annual Conference of Chinese Jewelry Industry
Awards, Xingguangda was named one of China’s Top Ten Jewellery Brands.
In the China First Gold and Jewelry Annual Competitiveness Awards, the
company and its brand “Xingguangda” were given the Chinese Gold
and Jewelry Industry Social Responsibility Enterprise award and the China
Gold and Jewelry Industry Influential Brand award, respectively. Other
recognitions include awards for Famous Chinese Trademark, China No.1
Gem-set Company and Shenzhen Leading Enterprise.
Xingguangda’s recognition at the second annual JNA Awards validates
the countless accolades it has received through the years. The company
has been shortlisted for Industry Innovation of the Year – Manufacturing –
Technology, Manufacturer of the Year – Gem-set Jewellery, and Outstanding
Enterprise of the Year – Mainland China.
“The JNA Awards is an important platform that recognises outstanding
enterprises and professionals. Being recognised not only in one but three
awards categories is truly a big honour for us. We are grateful that our
creativity, expertise and strict adherence to international manufacturing
standards are being noticed. We will continue our quest to become a leading
brand in China’s growing jewellery market,”said Lin. “JNA Awards brings
together only the brightest players in the gem and jewellery industry. The
Asian focus of this year’s Awards will encourage companies in Asia to further
enrich their expertise and capabilities. The Awards also opens up numerous
opportunities for Asian players to communicate with a wider audience.”
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JNA AWARDS 2013
Coloured gemstone and diamond jewellery
collections by Shenzhen Xingguangda
Jewellery Industrial Co Ltd
Shree Ramkrishna
Exports Pvt Ltd
Categories:
Employer of the Year
Manufacturer of the Year
— Diamond Cutting & Polishing
Sustainability Initiative of the Year
Country/Region: India
DTC Sightholder Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt Ltd (SRK) is a leading
manufacturer of cut and polished diamonds and diamond jewellery.
Established 50 years ago by Govind Dholakia, the India-based
company offers virtually every sparkler in all sizes, shapes, clarities
and colours. It has affiliates across the US and Hong Kong, and
maintains a well-equipped, eco-friendly facility in Surat where
it manufactures more than 720,000 carats of rough diamonds
annually. The company is ISO9001-certified and is known among its
clients in India and around the world for its dedication to quality,
reliability, consistency and precision in diamond production.
Uncompromising quality from
Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt Ltd
“SRK offers diamonds between 0.30 and 20 carats, colours from
D to Z, and in almost all clarities and shapes, from round to fancy
shapes,” said company director Shreyansh Dholakia, adding
that rough diamonds are sourced directly from the mines to
help guarantee stable intake in returns. Prices range from $2,000 to
$30,000 per carat. The company observes a fixed price policy to ensure
transparency, not only in the physical trading environment but also when
selling its goods through its e-commerce site, srkexport.com. To better assist
its customers who are marketing fancy-shaped stones, SRK has produced
a guide that introduces fancy cuts in great detail and features a valuefor-money comparison between classic rounds and fancy-shaped goods.
SRK also offers the SRK Grading System (SGS), a proprietary system that
employs 16 parameters in diamond grading, to ensure in-depth detail
and transparency in diamond pricing. The SGS chart explains the grading
parameters down to the smallest detail and is listed under Remarks on
Rapnet and IDEX Online. To augment its digital marketing strategies
worldwide and assist its customers around the world, SRK has launched
a set of features such as “Twin Diamonds,” “Quick Search” and “Single
Stone Search,” among many others, on srkexport.com.
SRK’s fully integrated production facility in Surat is home to skilled diamond
cutters and polishers that use advanced equipment to deliver top-quality
goods. “Having the latest technology helps ensure that we always produce
impeccable diamonds,” Dholakia said.
Built in 2011 with a capital investment of more than $15 million, the 250,000
square-foot Surat facility is equipped with the latest processors and
machinery, including laser and planner machines, auto bruters, maxi bruters
and auto sliders.
SRK is the first company in India to be recognised by Israel-based Sarin
Technology Ltd for owning more than a hundred planner machines. “Today,
we own the highest number of rough planners in the world, assuring maximum
yields and the best possible cut grade for every stone. We are one of the two
companies in the world that owns two Galaxy planner machines, which cost
more than $2.5 million,” Dholakia noted.
Govind Dholakia, Founder and Chairman of
Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt Ltd
The company is known for its craftsmanship, strict adherence to international
standards and ability to tailor solutions to every customer’s needs. “We have
a network of sales offices across the US, China and Hong Kong. We have
a vast channel of distribution for our finished products all over the globe.
Amazingly, 40 percent of sales are from our website. Twenty-five percent
comes through our sales offices in China and Hong Kong, and the rest from
our sales office in India,” Dholakia said.
Reliable workforce
SRK maintains a workforce numbering more than 5,000. “We treat our staff
equally like diamonds; after all, it’s people who make diamonds out of
stones. We share with them our vision, which we instil in them through our
induction and training programme,” Dholakia explained.
To encourage transparency within the company, SRK sponsored an
Employee Satisfaction Survey, conducted in May 2013. “SRK is getting
bigger and we need great leaders. Our HR initiatives focus on rewards
and recognition – tagging star performers as PWMD or people who make
a difference – and planning their place in the organisation through our
career advancement and succession programme,” said Dholakia. Other
initiatives include putting people on job rotations, short-term assignments,
mentorships and education sponsorships.
Rahul Dholakia, managing director of
Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt Ltd
Uncompromising quality
SRK’s diamonds are characterised by a high degree of shine. This level
of quality is achieved through the use of the company’s computerised
Performance Management System to monitor the manufacturing process.
“Our lead time is only around 25 working days, which is the shortest across
the whole diamond manufacturing industry. We are able to polish diamonds
ranging from 0.12 carat to 10 carats and higher, all done within one roof,
without compromising our quality standards,” Dholakia said.
All processes at SRK are evaluated and updated to enhance performance
and efficiency. “We were among the first to own three Sarin Galaxy Machines.
With the use of high efficiency computers, we are able to keep pace with
the machines, allowing us to scan around 140 rough diamonds in a day,”
said Dholakia.
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Shreyansh Dholakia, marketing director of
Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt Ltd
Shree Ramkrishna
Exports Pvt Ltd
Sustainable initiatives
SRK is an advocate of sustainable manufacturing practices and ensures that
its facility is eco-friendly. Its building infrastructure supports heat and light
pollution reduction, storm water management, refrigerant management to
help reduce ozone depletion, integrated pest management, and erosion
control and landscape management.
SRK has received certification to ISO 50001:2011 Energy Management
System through the British Standard Institute; as well as the minimum energy
efficiency performance with an energy star rating by US-based Energy
Star Module. It is awaiting official recognition from the United States Green
Building Council (USGBC), and to be certified in the Green Building Platinum
Category, which is the highest achievement in Green Building certification.
“We are likewise conducting management review meetings over energy
conservation,” Dholakia said.
Diamond polishing facility
Everyone at SRK is involved in ensuring that sustainable practices are
observed. “A single person can start a revolution; however, several are
required for implementation. We believe it takes a community to make a
difference,” the director continued.
Growing markets
SRK’s fastest-growing markets are the US and China, said Dholakia, adding
that, in the rest of the world, diamond sales have increased and have been
experiencing close to 5 percent annual growth in the last decade.
“Diamond sales in the US have been on the rise for the last 10 years and the
trend is not likely to change soon, which means that the US still remains the
largest market for polished diamonds. Sales in the US posted a 7 percent
gain as the country’s economy rebounded in 2012 with a 1.7 percent
increase in GDP. Consumer confidence continues to strengthen,” Dholakia
said. “China’s diamond market, on the other hand, is propelled by its overall
economic growth. Domestically, diamond jewellery is the fastest-growing
segment in the jewellery industry, with shares rising from 10 percent in 2005 to
almost 15 percent in 2013.”
Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt Ltd’s head office
Currently underway is a pilot project on a machine similar to Galaxy,
but expected to be better and more efficient, and based on a different
technology. “We developed a system where planners of rough diamonds
can each access Sarin’s Galaxy 3D model images on their desktops. It
helps users formulate the best plan for the rough diamonds using Sarin’s
software,” said Dholakia. To save on the cost of these high-priced desktop
computers, SRK has come up with a new technology called “Aster,”
which enables planners to use two different screens for planning but only
using one CPU. “This technology was developed by our IT team. After
implementation, we presented it to the inventor of the Galaxy 3D planner
technology,” said Dholakia.
Staff cafeteria
Moving forward
SRK is optimistic about the future, and takes pride in adapting well to market
developments. “We shall carry on with our expertise, and indeed, we are
looking forward to our 50th year in 2014,” Dholakia said.
A three-category Honouree – Employer of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year
– Diamond Cutting & Polishing, and Sustainability Initiative of the Year – at the
2013 JNA Awards, SRK is thankful for the recognition and continuous support
from industry partners. “The JNA Awards has verified our growth track. In the
next five years, we expect to make people’s lives shine all the more through
our diamonds,” said Dholakia.
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Shree Ramkrishna Exports prides itself on its
reliable and committed workforce