The future of coloured gemstones is not just evolving, it’s being actively shaped by a new generation of innovators who are collectively redefining the industry. These young leaders, all under the age of 45, have been recognised by Informa Markets as recipients of the NextGen Coloured Gem Excellence Awards by JWA, for their significant contributions in driving positive change within the coloured gemstone sector.
Honouring Tradition and Adopting Change: A Global Collective
This global collective comprises gemstone specialists, jewellery designers, educators, and market innovators hailing from diverse regions across the globe. From the coastal town of Beruwala in Sri Lanka, to the gemstone hub of Idar-Oberstein in Germany, and the mineral-rich state of Minas Gerais in Brazil, these professionals are breathing new life into the industry. They are joined by their counterparts from New York, the lively jewellery market of Jaipur, the busy cities of Ho Chi Minh and Bangkok, the technology-driven regions of Taipei and Xinjiang, the innovative city of Montreal, and the global financial hub of Hong Kong.
At the core of their work is a shared mission to connect gemstone buyers with the complete story behind each stone. They strive to preserve the romance and mystique that has long captivated gemstone enthusiasts, while also ensuring that the journey of these stones from mine to market is as transparent and ethical as it is beautiful. This balance between honouring tradition and adopting change is encapsulated in the words of Celine Lau, Director of Jewellery Fairs at Informa Markets, who noted, “The coloured gemstone industry is moving towards a future built on heritage, trust, and integrity. Today’s new leaders understand that honouring these values means evolving with the times, and that innovation and tradition can − and must − coexist.”
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The Awards: Recognising and Inspiring Change
The NextGen Coloured Gem Excellence Awards by JWA serve a dual purpose: firstly, to celebrate the remarkable achievements of these 18 individuals, and secondly, to signal to the trade and rising talent that fresh thinking, diverse perspectives, and entrepreneurial ambition are valued and encouraged. Lau emphasised, “These 18 individuals are part of a broader movement. By shining a light on their journey, we are not only recognising their contributions but also building a visible network of changemakers who can inspire collaboration, share knowledge, and collectively strengthen the future of coloured gemstones.”
The awards presentation ceremony, scheduled for 16 September at the JGW September reception, promises to be an inspiring event. The following day, some of the recipients will participate in panel discussions at the GEM+ Conference. This event, which gathers key stakeholders from the coloured gemstone world, will provide a platform for these young leaders to share their vision for the future of the industry and engage in discussions that can shape its trajectory.
By investing in education, championing transparency and traceability, and leveraging digital innovation, these NextGen leaders are not just ensuring the longevity of the coloured gemstone industry, but also redefining its narrative. They are connecting the past to the future, ensuring that the coloured gemstone industry continues to sparkle and evolve in the years to come.
