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| Landmark dates |
Established in 1965, the past 38 years have been fruitful for HKJJA, starting from the united efforts to remove the US sanction on Hong Kong's jadeite export to active exploration of overseas market via group participation in trade fairs and setting up a jade laboratory to promote professionalism within the industry - all making Hong Kong a major player in the international jewellery arena. |
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Major events (1965 - 2008)
1965
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The Hong Kong Jade & Stone Manufacturers Association (HKJSA) was established. The Association was born as a reaction to the embargo imposed by the United States on Hong Kong's jadeite goods, and to present a united front for lobbying the US government to lift the embargo.
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The Association was officially registered under the name of "The Hong Kong Jade & Stone Manufacturers Association".
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In the first Board meeting attended by all the founders of the HKJSA, who had made a name for themselves in the jade trade, Mr. Robert Lee was elected the first Chairman by the Council of Management.
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In the first Board meeting attended by all the founders of the HKJSA, who had made a name for themselves in the jade trade, Mr. Robert Lee was elected the first Chairman by the Council of Management.
1967
- As a result of lobbying efforts of the founders, jadeite goods manufactured in Hong Kong and provided with the Certificate of Origin could be exported to the US. Founders' efforts laid the foundation for HKJSA's future services for the local jade, gemstone and jewellery industry.
1968
- The Association purchased its office site on Hong Kong Island. The office was inaugurated with Mr. Jimmy McGregor as the guest of honour.
- The first ever local Jade & Jewellery Show, organised by HKJSA, was held in City Hall.
1969
- HKJSA joined the international market; seven member-companies participated in the JA New York International Jewelry Show.
1970
- The second local Jade & Jewellery Show was held in City Hall. A delegation from the Burmese government paid an official visit to the show.
1971
- HKJSA was appointed as the organiser of Hong Kong jeweller's delegation in the JA Show.
1974
- A delegation from the British Jewellers' Association was received by HKTDC, Diamond Importers' Association, Hong Kong Jewellers' Association and HKJSA, with a series of welcoming events.
- Another delegation from the Swedish Gold Ornaments Traders Association was received by HKJSA.
- Lobbying with the U.S. Consulate and the Industry & Commerce Department for recognition of karat gold and polished jadestones as raw material of Hong Kong origin to be entitled for preferential export duty.
1976
- Regular seminars on anti-corruption issues were given by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) to the directors of HKJSA as a way to instill a sense of clean practice into the trade.
- First participation of the Hong Kong delegation in the Chicago International Expo (USA) and the Munich Watch, Clock & Jewellery Exhibition (West Germany).
1981
- As a way to foster better ties between each other, a proposal was made by the Taiwan Jewelry Industry Association to form a brotherhood with HKJSA on their visit to Hong Kong.
- Six directors from HKJSA were invited to sit on the Committee of the Jewellery Industry Training Authority.
1983
- Founding Chairman Mr. Robert Lee died and Mr. Cheung Yui took over Mr. Lee's work as Chairman.
1985
- Mr. Fong Hung You succeeded Mr. Cheung Yui as HKJSA Chairman.
1989
- The Association responded to greater demand for participation in the JA Show when the exhibition venue was relocated to Jacob K Javits Convention Centre.
1990
- HKJSA marked its 25th Anniversary with "Hong Kong Sparkles in New York". A gala extravaganza displaying Hong Kong-made jewellery at Jacob K Javits Convention Centre during the July JA International Jewelry Show.
- The Galleria, occupying the whole 4th floor of Jacob K Javits Convention Centre, was allotted exclusively to the Hong Kong delegation.
1991
- HKJSA organized the "Preventative Education Workshop for Jewellery Manufacturing and Related Industries/Firms" with the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and three other associations.
1992
- Together with three other leading jewellery associations, HKJSA supported the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) in organizing a new Hong Kong International Jewellery Show at the Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel from 18 to 22 September 1992.
- A delegation from HKJSA's Jade Committee visited Japan to study the Japanese application of infra-red spectrometer in jadeite identification.
1993
- The Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory Ltd. was established in September to render certification services to all jewellers within the trade and the public at large.
- HKJSA extended its market exploration efforts to Europe by participating in the Iberjoya Fair in Spain.
- To help promote a favorable trading environment, HKJSA served in the Jewellery Advisory Committee of HKTDC and the Jewellery Industry Training Board of the Vocational Training Council.
1994
- HKJSA participated in the Vicenza Fair in Italy.
1995
- The Association marked its 30th year with an Anniversary Dinner at JW Marriott Hotel.
1996
- HKJSA participated in the first Las Vegas Winter Show in the US and the Bangkok Gems, Jewelry, Watch & Clock Fair in Thailand.
1997
- The Association's name was changed to "Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association" (HKJJA) in a motion passed during an extraordinary general meeting of all the members. The new name was announced to the public in a 32nd Anniversary cocktail and dinner reception.
- HKJJA Chairman Mr. Charles S.C. Chan, JP became the honorary president of the Guangzhou Gold & Silver Jewellery Manufacturers Association by invitation.
- HKJJA Chairman Mr. Charles S.C. Chan, JP became the honorary president of the Guangzhou Gold & Silver Jewellery Manufacturers Association by invitation.
1998
- HKJJA organized a delegation to attend the "Beijing International Jewelry Academics Exchange Forum" in Beijing.
- HKJJA launched the Jewel CAD Course.
- The Association concluded a deal with the Vicenza Trade Fair Board (Italy) on the exclusive agencyship of the Hong Kong Pavilion for VicenzaOro I, VicenzaOro II and Orogemma Shows.
- HKJJA moved its premises from Hang Lung House in Central to Kaiser Estate in Hunghom.
- Take-over of the "Hong Kong Jewellery" Magazine, a 20-year trade publication representing the jewellery industry, and it's publishing house.
1999
- HKJJA launched the ATA Carnet Service and Rapid Prototype Service .
- The Association was awarded the exclusive agency of the Hong Kong Pavilion for the G.L.D.A. Las Vegas Gems & Jewelry Show.
- HKJJA sponsored the Jade Laboratory's Gemmologist to attend the "Advanced Hands-on Training Course on Scientific Methods in Gemology" in Basel, Switzerland.
- The Association enhanced its Infra-Red Service with its acquisition of the latest infra-red spectrometer.
- HKJJA co-organized the "Taipei-Hong Kong Jade Design Contest" with the Republic of China Gemmological Association. Mr. Charles Chan (Chairman) and Mr. Wai Wing Lung (Vice-Chairman) attended the Award Presentation Ceremony in Taipei. Six designers from Hong Kong were among the awardees.
- The Association was appointed the exclusive agent of the China-Hong Kong Pavilion for the Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Show in Thailand and the China-Hong Kong Pavilion for the Las Vegas Professional Jeweler's Primetime Show in the US.
- The signing of an Agreement between Thai Gem & Jewelry Traders Association and HKJJA in which HKJJA was appointed the co-organizer of the Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair for China and Hong Kong region.
- The passing away of Mr. Fong Hung You, past Chairman (1985 - 1995) of HKJJA.
2000
- The appointment of Mr. Philip W.T. Hung (Senior Manager of Tax Services at PriceWaterHouseCoopers) as the Honorary Tax Advisor of HKJJA.
- A co-operation scheme was launched with the Hong Kong Jewellery Technology & Management Association (HKJTMA) in organizing a number of related courses for trade fellows, who reacted with overwhelming support.
- HKJJA became the organizer of the Hong Kong Pavilion for International Jewellery Dubai, which went off with resounding success.
- Acted as mediator between HSBC and member companies and successfully fulfilled the group headcount requirement set out by HSBC to entitle participants for the best MPF preferential terms such as waiving and/or reduction of certain fees, service charge and interest rate etc.
- The "Jade Gallery" made its debut in the Hong Kong Pavilion of the JA International Jewelry Show. Mr. Charles Chan, Chairman of HKJJA, was invited to give a keynote address on "Platinum Manufacturing Technology" at the APEC 2000 International Jewellery Conference in Melbourne, Australia, under the auspices of the Jewellers Association of Australia.
- Organized the Hong Kong Pavilion of the Japan Jewellery Fair for the first time .
- A Press Conference was held to make announcements on the various events for celebration of the HKJJA's 35th Anniversary.
- Announcement of result on the "Grand Competition of 2000 Hong Kong & Taiwan Jade Jewellery Design", with HKJJA being the co-organizer.
- The staging of the 35th Anniversary Charity Ball at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, with proceeds from donations going to the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals as the beneficiary institution.
2001
- Association members visited the Shenzhen Gold Jewellery Building and Jewellery Manufacturing Centre in the Shenzhen free Trade Zone.
- HKJJA hosted a gala evening at the VicenzaOro Fair.
- Directors Mr. King Li and Mr. Sam Gin attended Cibjo International Jewellery Conference in Paris.
- HKJJA Directors visited HKPC to exchange information on new technologies applied in the Jewellery industry.
- Two experts from the USA conducted a training course on "Model Master-CNC 500" at the HKJJA.
- HKJJA Directors visited Shenzhen on a fact finding mission and participated in a numbers of functions during the Shenzhen International Jewellery Exhibition.
- Mr. Charles Chan (Chairman) and Mr. King Li (Director) participated in the HK Jewellery Industry Study Mission to Beijing, arranged by HKTDC.
- A second Jade and Gemstone Testing Laboratory was established in Canton Road, Kowloon to cater for the many jade traders in the Kowloon area.
2002
- Representatives of the South African Consulate General visited the Association, and an HKJJA delegation to South Africa is expected in 2003.
- Directors of HKJJA attended the 12th World Productivity Congress and the HK Gem - related Jewellery Technology Conference.
- A delegation attended the 10th anniversary functions of the Guangzhou Panyu Jewellery Manufacturers Association.
- Mr. Charles Chan, chairman of HKJJA, performed the ribbon - cutting ceremony for the inauguration of Shanghaimart during the Shanghai International Jewellery Fair.
- The Association applied to the government "SME Development Fund" for two projects:
- Six Sigma Management
- Professional best practice for the jewellery industry.
- Five directors (Ms. Jane Chan, Mr. Mark Ho, Mr. Billy Lau, Mr. King Li and Mr. Ken Lo)were accorded Associateship Awards by the Professional Validation Council of HK Industries.
- The 1st Greater China Trophy for International Jewellery Design Competition was organised by HKJJA and the winners received their awards during the September HK Jewellery and Watch Fair.
- The Association celebrated it's 37th anniversary at an International Jewellers' Gala Evening jointly organised with the HK Jewelry Manufacturers Association.
- An agreement was signed with the Korea International Trade Association in which HKJJA would organise the HK Pavilion at Jewel Fair Korea 2003.
2003
- To better reflect the strategic development of the Association, changes were made the Association Structure. Mr Charles CHAN, JP was elected to the new post of President and Mr LI King Hi was elected Chairman.
- As part of our policy of assessing the potential of new markets, HKJJA arranged a delegation of HK Jewellery manufacturers to participate in the Print'or Show in Lyon, France.
- Under strong protest, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council has withdrawn all its exhibitors from the World Jewellery & Watch Fair Basel/Zurich 2003 in Switzerland.
- HKJJA participated in the Jewel Fair Korea in the Seoul.
- HKJJA relocated to a two-storied building at Orogemma in September, making HK the first exhibiting city to have its own pavilion at Vicenza Fair.
- Jointly organised by two leading jewellery association in Hong Kong - HKJJA & HKJMA, the International Jewellers' Gala Evening was celebrated on 18 Sept 2003.
2004
- The long-awaited premiere JANY Special Delivery Show in October was expected to help boost orders prior to the Christmas season.
- To maintain Hong Kong’s position as an international jadeite centre, the HKJJA, supported by CMP Asia Ltd, launched the “A Jade-only” Jadeite Gallery at the world-renowned Hong Kong Jewellery & Watch Fair. Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory offered jadeite testing service on-the-spot.
- The HKJJA successfully applied for a fund from Innovative and Technology Commission for the Development of Pulse Tube Refrigerating (PTR) Cryogenic Technology for Fine Gold and High Karat Gold Jewellery.
- The HKJJA took part in the SME’s Mentorship Programme assisting the SMEs in meeting the market demand for good management.
- In July the HKJJA led a mission to India ; and thanks to the liaison of the Hong Kong Productivity Council, the delegates could view the PTR cooling system and accessories.
- The International Design Competition for Trendy Jadeite Jewellery came to a successful end in December.
- Mr. Charles Chan, president of the HKJJA, was appointed chairman of HKTDC Jewellery Advisory Committee.
- The 27th election on the Council of Management was held in November. Mr. Charles Chan and Mr. King Li were re-elected president and chairman respectively.
2005
- The HKJJA led observation groups to Shanghai and South Africa .
- Chariman Mr. King Li became the appointed head of Committee of Skills Upgrading Scheme-Jewellery Task Group.
- In order to raise jewellery designers’ standard, the HKJJA subsidized members to enroll the “Jewellery & the Body” seminar and design workshop, organized by Vocational Training Council’s Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Sha Tin), in January. The workshop took the first move to invite significant designers from Italy . In June the HKJJA once again gave support to the event -- IVE Jewellery Symposium and Jewellery Design Workshop.
- In August the HKJJA organized its first pavilion exhibiting at a jewellery fair in Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia.
- A 40th anniversary charity dinner was held on 24 September at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong. Celebration events of the anniversary included a charity golf tournament on 16 September, and charity sale of lucky draw coupon. Proceeds would go to the Charity Fund for the Poor, ORBIS and The Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs Association of Hong Kong.
2006
- Supporting the 'Adopt-A-School' project initiated by the Commission on Poverty (COP), member companies of HKJJA, including Kings Mark Designer & Manufactory Ltd., East Arts Jewelry Manufactory Ltd., Octagon Jewellery Co. Ltd., and Elegance Jewellery International Limited, paired up with Buddhist Ho Nam Kam College, Wai Kiu College and YLPMSAA Tang Siu Tong Secondary School and helped students develop their careers through a series of jewelley-related workshops and seminars. Henry Tang, financial secretary, visited Tang Siu Tong Secondary School during his Yuen Long tour in July.
- HKJJA took part in Skills Upgrading Scheme (SUS) and related activities organized by EMB.
- Jiangmen municipal government officials and industry heavyweights came to visit HKJJA during their delegation tour in March.
- In March HKJJA organized a factory visit, 'A journey to manufacturing craftsmanship', introducing to members the production processes and updated technology of other manufacturing industries in China.
- HKJJA gave full support of the Joint Committee of Chairmen of Jewellery Associations in Hong Kong*.
- Funded by the SME Funding Schemes of the Trade and Industry Department, 'Jewellery manufacturing guide and ISO9001 quality management manual' was jointly developed by HKJJA and the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC). Complimentary copies were dispatched to members and industry organizations. A seminar was held end of April to brief members on the manual contents.
- HKJJA participated in the 'Anti-Money Laundering' focus group held by Hong Kong Customs.
- HKJJA sponsored 'Professional Development for Jewellery Designers & Executives', a course co-organized by Hong Kong Design Centre and the School of Jewellery under the Birmingham Institute of Art and Design of the University of Central England (UCE). Hong Kong's Vocational Training Council (VTC) is the major supporting organization of the course. Syllabus included elementary studies on culture and trends, as well as design concepts and techniques.
- 'The Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association Trophy', organized by the Hong Kong Jeweller Golf Association (HKJGA) and title-sponsored by HKJJA, was held in April in Dongguan, China.
- Subsidized by the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) and developed by HKJJA and HKPC, 'Pulse Tube Refrigerating (PTR) Cryogenic Technology' was completed and a seminar on 'Heat and cool treatments on precious metal (karat gold and fine gold)' was organized in June.
- A successful charity sale on donated jewellery from Tung Wah Group of Hospitals was held during the June Hong Kong Jewellery & Watch Fair.
- HKJJA visited an exhibition venue in Surabaya, Indonesia, in July and figured out I/E clearance procedures for jewellery products. A briefing and recruitment session was organized afterwards.
- In August, the Kowloon branch office of the Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory (HKJSL) was moved to Chow Sang Sang Building in Jordan.
- HKJJA took part in the panel meeting organized by Hong Kong Police New Territories South and eight jewellery trade organizations in August. In view of the expanding Hong Kong September fair which will be held at both Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) and AsiaWorld-Expo, panel members planned to launch a large-scale 'Security Network*' at both venues.
- HKJJA participated in 'Say no to GST' march initiated by No GST Union.
- Exhibited at 'Career Exhibition for VTC Students 2006' held by Vocational Training Council to help students on career development in the industry, HKJJA also fully supported '2006 Hong Kong Youth Skills Competition (Gold Jewellery)' and 'Scholarship for Outstanding Entry Students Year 2006'.
- HKJJA made donation to the 'PolyU Development Foundation Scholarship' of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
- Together with HKPC, HKJJA developed the application of 'Feasibility Study of Instant Synthesis of Gemstone-graded Colored Corundum using a Powder Sintering Approach' with the funding approved by the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) in August.
- *Name translated by HKJJA
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