Thursday, June 21, 2012


Rio Tinto promotes innovation and expansion in the diamond jewellery industry

21 June 2012

As premier sponsor of the Jewellery News Asia (JNA) Awards, Rio Tinto today congratulated the shortlisted finalists announced at a press conference in Hong Kong. The inaugural JNA Awards recognises innovators and leaders in the jewellery industry focusing on areas such as manufacturing, branding, retail, sustainability and outstanding contribution. According to Rita Maltez, Manager of Rio Tinto Diamonds, Greater China Representative Office, 

“We’re extremely pleased to see such an international flavour in the finalist list, which together with the large number of entries, positions the JNA Awards as an important milestone for the global jewellery industry.”

Rio Tinto established its sales and marketing representative office in Hong Kong in March 2010 in recognition of the growing importance of the Chinese diamond jewellery market. Since that time it has successfully partnered with premier retailer Chow Tai Fook to develop a new market for diamond fashion jewellery, that is complementary to the existing bridal market. Innovative designers, manufacturers and retailers can readily embrace the fashion jewellery opportunity in Greater China and according to Rita Maltez, the message is very clear,

“From mining to manufacturing, marketing and retail, there must be a collaborative effort to deliver on changing consumer needs. As established and emerging leaders of innovation in the gem and jewellery industry, the recipients of the JNA Awards are well placed to capture the opportunities.”

Winners of the JNA Awards will be announced in September during the Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair.

About Rio Tinto Diamonds

Rio Tinto has been in the diamonds industry for more than 30 years and operates a fully integrated diamond exploration, mining and sales and marketing business. Rio Tinto is one of the world’s major diamond producers through its 100 per cent control of the Argyle mine in Australia, 60 per cent of the Diavik mine in Canada, a 78 per cent interest in the Murowa mine in Africa and 100% interest in an advanced diamond project in India.

Rio Tinto’s diamonds are sold through its sales and marketing headquarters in Antwerp, with representative offices in New York, Mumbai and Hong Kong and a stand- alone pink diamond business in Perth, Western Australia. The production from Rio Tinto’s Argyle Diamond Mine is characterised by smaller, affordable diamonds ideally suited to creating fashion jewellery – affordable, daily wear diamond jewellery.

Rio Tinto Diamonds is a leading supporter of the Kimberley Process as well as a founding member of the Council for Responsible Jewellery Practices.

About Rio Tinto Diamonds in China

Rio Tinto Diamonds has a long history of being “first movers” in establishing new markets and new categories of diamonds. Rio Tinto Diamonds objective is to channel a larger share of its diamond production to China by being present on the ground and investing in market development initiatives in partnership with customers and key players at all stages of the diamond jewellery value-chain.

Rio Tinto Diamonds has forged a strategic partnership with China’s premier diamond jewellery retailer, Chow Tai Fook focused on developing the diamond fashion jewellery market in Greater China.

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