The future of jewellery takes
the stage at JGW September
|
Recipients of NextGen Coloured Gem Excellence Awards,
Design Challenge winners honoured at world’s No.1 jewellery show
|
|
|
|
HONG KONG, 17 September 2026 − Last night, JGW September lit up with energy as some of the jewellery industry’s brightest minds gathered for an evening that was equal parts celebration and inspiration.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The NextGen Awards recognised 18 rising leaders who represent the future of the industry. With a collective footprint spanning the globe, they balance respect for tradition with a drive for change, championing ethical sourcing, investing in knowledge-sharing and leveraging technology to build a more transparent and connected industry.
|
|
|
|
|
The 2026 Awardees: Alexander F. Arnoldi (Arnoldi International e.K.), Amira Hatta (ICA GemLab), Bénédicte Lavoie (Pierres de Charme Inc), Carl-Philip Arnoldi (HC Arnoldi e.K.), Cedrik Wild (Wild Gems LLC), Chomphol Phornchindarak (Gemports), Dave Bindra (B & B Fine Gems), E. Billie Hughes (Lotus Gemology Co Ltd), George Lu (Chii Lih Coral Co Ltd), Jaimeen Shah (Prima Gems USA LLC), Le Yen (LEYEN Co), Mahima Bardiya (RMC Gems India Ltd), Mushir Munas (Sri Gems), Naftali Gad (Michael Gad Emerald), Wang Fei (Xinjiang Wude Jade Co Ltd) and William Wong (Wills Jewellery)
Also honoured (not pictured): Anurak Sinchawla (Sant Enterprises Co Ltd), Dave Bindra (B & B Fine Gems) and Manuela Soares (ArtOuro and Gemas)
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Gender-Fluid Coloured Gem Jewellery Design Challenge invited designers to break the mould and let creativity lead. The brief was clear and compelling: Produce designs that speak to everyone − jewellery that celebrates individuality over convention.
Eighteen winners split equally across two tracks, Students and Professionals, rose to the challenge with exceptional work. Through coloured gemstones, they developed designs that speak a universal language − one of emotion, identity and personal expression.
The competition was powered by Principal Sponsor EJI, coloured gemstone partner RMC Gems HK Co, Professional Track Collaborator Taotian Group – Gold & Fashion Jewellery Industry and the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA).
|
|
Student Track Winners: Liu Yutong, Hsu Ya-tang (represented by Informa), Zhang Yutong, Du Zesheng, Thet Htar Ceesar, Wang Yang (represented by Liang Huiying), Ki Tae Kim, Seongyun Hong and Zhang Ke brought fresh perspectives and fearless innovation to the table.
Professional Track Winners: Linda Liu (Eternelle), Linda Hu (FELLALA), Zhang Zhe/Ye JianHua (ZIVGREY), Peiming (KHEMIA), Li Mu (daartemis), Zhang Shoupin (OF HUNGER), Jane Meng (YANDAO), Qinghe (Timax) and Tang Wen (Wens) proved that professional prowess and boundary-pushing design make the perfect pairing.
Want to relive the magic? View the full gallery of images from last night’s fair reception and awards presentation ceremony.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Its portfolio comprises more than 550 international B2B events and brands across sectors including healthcare & pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, construction & real estate, fashion & apparel, hospitality, food & beverage, and health & nutrition. Informa Markets offers customers and partners worldwide opportunities to connect, exchange and do business – through in-person events, specialist digital content and actionable data solutions. As the world's leading events organiser, Informa Markets brings a diverse range of specialist markets to life, opens up opportunities and supports them in succeeding 365 days a year. Further information at www.informamarkets.com
|
About Informa Markets Jewellery
|
The global jewellery division of Informa Markets, Informa Markets Jewellery, offers in-person and web-based sourcing experiences, digital solutions and dedicated B2B platforms that connect international buyers with high-quality suppliers in fine jewellery, gemstones, fashion jewellery and accessories. Its portfolio includes trade fairs and events in key cities worldwide, the powerful digital platform JewelleryNet, a dedicated Jewellery Media Team with flagship publication JNA, the education programme Jewellery & Gem Knowledge Community, and the industry's most prestigious awards programme – the Jewellery World Awards (JWA).
|
|
|
For media enquiries, please contact：
|
Ronny Pang
T +852 3187 5743
Marie Feliciano
T +852 3752 8340
|
Copyright © 2026. All rights reserved.
Informa Markets, a trading division of Informa PLC |
|
|
|
|
|
|
