| Recipient Name | Country / Region |
Dhamani Jewels | United Arab Emirates |
Amit Dhamani, Managing Director of Dhamani Jewels
Dhamani 1969 boutique
Dusoul boutique
Brand of the Year – Retail: Dhamani Jewels
Dhamani Jewels has proven that it has what it takes to unlock new opportunities even through the turbulence of the last three years. The Dubai-based jewellery retailer strengthened its sustainability credentials, expanded its distribution network and successfully increased its customer base in spite of the unparalleled disruption caused by the pandemic.
In February 2022, Dhamani Jewels became the first retailer in the UAE to be certified by the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC). “RJC certification enables us to build client confidence in the region and reaffirms our responsibility to people and the planet. We have always procured from trusted and certified sources, and now our operations are even more aligned with RJC guidelines,” shared Amit Dhamani, Managing Director of Dhamani Jewels.
Established by L. N. Dhamani in 1969, Dhamani Jewels evolved from a gemstone and diamond wholesale business to a vertically integrated enterprise by entering the retail sector in 2000 with Dhamani stores. Dhamani 1969, a brand specialising in beautifully crafted high jewellery with rare coloured gemstones and diamonds, was launched in 2014. Four years later, Dusoul by Dhamani was developed to tap millennials seeking aspirational jewellery.
| Recipient Name | Country / Region |
Pure Gold Jewellers | United Arab Emirates |
Karim Merchant, CEO and Managing Director of Pure Gold Group
Pure Gold Jewellers boutique
Diamond necklace from the
Bella Collection
Outstanding Enterprise of the Year: Pure Gold Jewellers
Leveraging expertise gained through more than 30 years of experience in the jewellery sector, Pure Gold Jewellers is cementing its market position through a customer-centric strategy. The Outstanding Enterprise of the Year Honouree consistently offers a wide range of jewellery products that is in tune with the diverse lifestyle needs of its clients.
“We dedicate this Award to our customers. Without them, we would not be where we are now. This is also a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team to meet the demands of an ever-evolving market,” Karim Merchant, CEO and Managing Director of Pure Gold Group, said of the JWA Dubai Special Edition accolade.
In 2022, Pure Gold Jewellers implemented an action plan that was designed to improve its operations, including a more engaging loyalty programme that helps it better understand its market, connect with customers and enhance the shopping experience. More importantly, each of its store has customised offers based on distinct customer profiles.
Founded in Dubai in 1989 by Firoz Merchant, Pure Gold Jewellers now operates 80 stores spread across the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Jordan.
| Recipient Name | Country / Region |
Belmont Emeralds | Brazil |
Belmont Group President Marcelo Ribeiro, right, inspects a batch of rough emeralds
Brazilian emerald from Belmont
Belmont mine
Outstanding Coloured Gemstone Enterprise of the Year: Belmont Emeralds
A name that is synonymous with the world of emeralds, Belmont has been the industry benchmark for responsible, state-of-the-art mining as well as technological advancements in emerald production for more than four decades. One of the few gemstone companies that can guarantee a mine-to-market chain of custody for its emeralds, Belmont is adding another feather to its cap this year as a JWA Dubai Special Edition Honouree.
“The pandemic was surely challenging but, for Belmont, it also brought new frontiers and opportunities. Receiving such a prestigious endorsement makes all the hard work worthwhile and inspires us to continue on this path of innovation and continuous improvement in 2023 and beyond,” shared Belmont Group President Marcelo Ribeiro, the third-generation leader of the family corporation.
This year, Belmont will be the first to use laser sorting in its mining operations – a new technology that boosts productivity and accuracy, and allows for better recovery of material, according to Ribeiro.
The emerald producer will also start operating its own 1.5MW photovoltaic power plant this year. This pioneering enterprise will generate clean energy from the sun, allowing its mine to operate on renewable energy.
| Recipient Name | Country / Region |
Kobi Sevdermish of Advanced Quality ACC Ltd | Israel |
Kobi Sevdermish, President of Advanced Quality ACC Ltd
Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Kobi Sevdermish
Kobi Sevdermish is steadily making his mark as one of the most dynamic leaders in the coloured gemstone trade. As president of Advanced Quality ACC Ltd, the Israel-based entrepreneur has launched projects aimed at modernising operations and carrying forward the company’s legacy. A mine-to-market enterprise, Advanced Quality was founded in 2001 by Kobi’s father, Menahem, the force behind “Gemewizard,” a digital colour communication tool, and grading and trading system for coloured gemstones and diamonds.
Kobi is also a member of the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) where he leads the Eyes on The Future Committee.
“I am honoured to receive this Award and flattered by the recognition of my hard work,” Kobi said.
“We lost important people in our trade in 2022 who helped build the business that we are in. I recognise and thank them from the bottom of my heart. I placed a great deal of effort in promoting gemstones because of my passion for natural colours. We have a wonderful trade, amazing people, and interesting stories that must be told and documented for the years to come. This is also something I would like to achieve through ICA.”
| Recipient Name | Country / Region |
Tawhid Abdullah |
United Arab Emirates |
| Recipient Name | Country / Region |
Malabar Gold & Diamonds |
United Arab Emirates |
| Recipient Name | Country / Region |
Devji Aurum |
Bahrain |
Joyalukkas Jewellery LLC |
United Arab Emirates |
| Recipient Name | Country / Region |
Chirag Vora, Bafleh Jewellery LLC |
United Arab Emirates |
| Recipient Name | Country / Region |
Tawhid Abdullah |
United Arab Emirates |
| Recipient Name | Country / Region |
Malabar Gold & Diamonds |
United Arab Emirates |
| Recipient Name | Country / Region |
Devji Aurum |
Bahrain |
Joyalukkas Jewellery LLC |
United Arab Emirates |
| Recipient Name | Country / Region |
Chirag Vora, Bafleh Jewellery LLC |
United Arab Emirates |
