Judges revealed for new jewellery industry awards

The independent group, consisting of four experts who hold a variety of roles within the trade, will adjudicate across three award categories. 

The panel will include GAA president Katrina Marchioni, Australian retail marketing specialist Deb Templar, OAM Diamonds International Award winner Ann Middleton and Jeweller editor Coleby Nicholson. 

Expertise Events, organisers of the Australian jewellery fairs, has launched the Jewellery Industry Awards (JIA) and its managing director, Gary Fitz-Roy, said the judging panel was an exciting group, made up of “non-traditional” members.

“We wanted to assemble a panel of people who are independent and neutral. They are all experts in their field, but come from different sectors of the industry to provide unique perspectives,” he explained.

This is particularly important, as the judging panel will decide three of the four categories. In categories one, two and four (see below), the industry is encouraged to nominate a worthy award recipient with the judging panel deciding the ultimate winner. Category three, however, is determined by popular vote.

The JIA recognise the people and businesses that make up the jewellery industry as opposed to many other award programs that focus on design and aesthetics. 

Fitz-Roy said the awards would help to raise the profiles of the winners and consequently increase business productivity for the year ahead, which he said was particularly important during uncertain economic trading periods.

“People gravitate towards winners, and with a prestigious, industry-respected 2014 ‘winner’ or ‘finalist’ award logo on your website, shop window, catalogue and newsletter, your professional profile will benefit,” he said. 

Nominations are still open, while registered industry members are now able to vote for the Retailer’s Choice Awards for Best Jewellery Supplier and Best Sales Rep.

Winners will be announced at a gala dinner held on Sunday 23 March 2014 during the Australian Jewellery Fair at the Gold Coast. The trade show will run from 23 to 24 March at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Best jewellery retailer – small, medium and large

Best retail merchandise display/window – general

Best retail merchandise display/window – Christmas 

Best enduring jewellery product 

Best new jewellery product

Best timepiece

Best after-sales customer service 

Best jewellery supplier/wholesaler – for Australia and New Zealand 

Best supplier rep of the year – for each state/territory of Australia & New Zealand

Jewellery product/service marketing award

Jewellery retail marketing award

Industry innovation award