THE WORLD’S FIRST INTERNATIONAL GEM-CUTTING AND JEWELLERY DESIGN COMPETITION
Launched by the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) and UBM Asia Ltd, IU Awards is the first gem-cutting and jewellery design competition that is open to lapidaries and jewellery designers around the world.
"IU" stands for the initials of ICA and UBM Asia and symbolises the cooperation between the two entities. Realising the rapid growth of demand in coloured gemstones, the two entities first signed a cooperation agreement in early May 2011, to soft launch the design competition during the ICA Congress in Riode Janeiro Brazil. The "IU Awards" is officially announced at the press conference of the June Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair 2011.
Tanzanite One is the sponsor of the theme concept category of the Jewellery Design Competition this year. A number of industry organisations from different parts of the world have also confirmed their support and their plans to encourage members to participate in this international competition. Among these are: the Brazilian Gems & Jewellery Trade Association (IBGM), Federal Association of the Precious Stones and Diamond Industry, Hong Kong Gemstone Manufacturers’ Association (HKGMA), The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), Yamanashi Jewelry Association, Russian Faceters Guild, Thai Gem & Jewellery Traders Association (TGJTA) and the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA).
The main objectives of IU Awards are:
- spotlighting talents and recognising achievements in the field of lapidary arts
- encouraging the extensive utilization of coloured gemstones
- enhancing lapidary & jewellery designs in coloured gemstones to the highest standards
"We are delighted to be partnering with UBM Asia on this initiative since UBM Asia has long been supportive of ICA and the gemstone industry. I believe the contest will give members of the gemstone and jewellery community a platform to showcase their talents, as well as elevating gem-cutting standards worldwide through the promotion of categories for lapidary work."
- Wilson Yuen, President of ICA
"The increasing popularity of coloured gemstones in high-growth markets like China and other Asian markets only proves that ICA and UBM Asia could not have picked a better time to launch a global gemstone design contest. We are thrilled to be working with ICA on this endeavour. With ICA as our partner, we are confident that we will produce a world-class gemstone-cutting and jewellery design competition."
- Jimé Essink, President & CEO of UBM Asia
Owned by UBM listed on the London Stock Exchange, UBM Asia operates in 16 market sectors with headquarters in Hong Kong and subsidiary companies across Asia & in the USA. As Asia's leading exhibition organiser and the biggest commercial organiser in the two fastest growing markets: China and India, UBM Asia stages the leading jewellery events, with associated print and online media across Asia.
The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) is the only non-profit-organisation specifically created to benefit the global colored gemstone industry. It is comprised of over 600 gemstone dealers, cutters, and miners from 47 countries who are devoted to advancing and promoting the knowledge and appreciation of colored gemstones. ICA’s global network works to develop a common language for promotion and consistent business standards necessary to improve international communication and trade of colored gemstones. Over the years it has provided direct access to the source for colored gemstones and related information.