On 26 September 2023, the second ‘Aurora Awards International Gem and Jewelry Competition’ hosted its gala ceremony at the IBC International Business Centre in Shenzhen, China.
The event was organised by GUILD Institute of Gemology, the first and only international gemmological institute in China, and Gemfields, a world-leading responsible gemstone miner. It featured participants from around the world, who came together to celebrate the future of innovation in the gem and jewellery sector.
The competition was divided into five major categories: loose coloured gemstones, pearls, jewellery, cutting and polishing, and designer awards. In just over two months, the Aurora Awards received thousands of entries from all over the world, and after rigorous review, 208 finalists were shortlisted. Over two million votes were cast online by an expert panel, industry leaders and the public to determine the final award recipients. The winners were announced at a glittering ceremony, attended by an in-person audience of 315 and a further 57,000 joining via livestream.
Gemfields – a world-leading responsible miner and marketer of coloured gemstones, specifically Zambian emeralds and Mozambican rubies – is proud to have been the platinum sponsor and co-host of the Aurora Awards.
Sean Gilbertson, CEO of Gemfields, who last month received one of the “Extraordinary 40” Awards – a Jewellery World Awards (JWA) accolade, symbolising excellence in the worldwide gem and jewellery industry – made his debut visit to China to witness and co-host the Aurora Awards presentation.
This collaboration underscores Gemfields’ commitment to advancing the coloured gemstone industry, enhancing responsible sourcing and promoting market demand.
Ruby Liu, founder of GUILD Gem Laboratories (Asia) and GUILD Institute of Gemology, president of GUILD Gem Laboratories said: “As one of the most distinguished leaders of the coloured gemstone industry, Gemfields has brought revolutionary improvements to the global supply chain, the highest ethical standards and an unwavering commitment to professionalism. All of us benefit from their great efforts”.
With consumer demand for coloured gemstones – notably rubies and emeralds – continuing to rise in China, Sean Gilbertson’s visit represented an opportunity for an exchange of ideas and trend-sharing in this growing market. He said: “This has been an eye-opening trip to Shenzhen. I am awed by the scale of the gem and jewellery sector in the Shubei area, having seen the thousands of points of sale - and the many experienced hands running them - with my own eyes. Thanks to GUILD’s kind introductions, I see tremendous opportunity for ruby engagement rings in particular, and Gemfields has set the wheels in motion to further support this segment.”
