Rio Tinto, headline sponsor of the inaugural Jewellery News Asia Awards has congratulated the 2012 JNA Awards recipients and confirmed its ongoing sponsorship in 2013. %% In 2012 Rio Tinto joined industry leaders Chow Tai Fook, Robert Wan Tahiti, Israel Diamond Institute and the Shanghai Diamond Exchange as partners for the inaugural JNA Awards. According to Jean-Marc Lieberherr, Chief Commercial Officer for Rio Tinto Diamonds, “The JNA award recipients are a perfect example of the innovation and excellence that is possible in our industry. It was a pleasure to see such a diverse range of organizations and individuals being recognized for their focus on delivering the very best in their field.” %% At the inaugural awards ceremony Jean-Marc Lieberherr presented the Brand of the Year award and acknowledged the importance of branding and market development in the Chinese market which has the potential to be the largest market for diamonds in the world within the next decade. %% Letitia Chow, Founder of Jewellery News Asia and Director of Business Development – Jewellery Group at UBM Asia, and the Chair of the judging panel said: “Rio Tinto’s support for this event is extremely important. As a leading global supplier of diamonds they play an important role in promoting best practices in our industry. We are delighted to continue our partnership with Rio Tinto Diamonds.”