Kym Hughes, owner of Symmetry Gemmological and Valuation Services
Australian valuer wins best website award
Posted November 08, 2011 | By Aaron Weinman
A Queensland-based jewellery valuer as won an international award for its website.
Symmetry Gemmological and Valuation Services has been named Website of the Year by the Association of Independent Jewellery Valuers (AIJV).
The Queensland-based Symmetry won the award ahead of jewellery valuation companies from Europe, New Zealand and the USA. Kym Hughes, owner of Symmetry, was surprised at the news of winning this award and appreciative of the recognition from the AIJV.
“I was surprised to be nominated in the first place and even more delighted that my website won,” Hughes said. “It’s comforting to know that my philosophy of employing professionals to handle everything outside of my area of expertise paid off.”
Hughes explained that the website reflects the professionalism of her business, so she hired the services of BMD Brands to construct her website.
“It was crucial that the website reflected the professionalism of my business,” Hughes said. “I am a firm believer that to achieve a professional outcome one must consult an expert.”
Established in 1998, Symmetry is registered and endorsed by the National Council of Jewellery Valuers (NCJV). With over 20 years experience, Hughes has diplomas in diamond technology and gemmology; and holds a position on the Queensland Gemmological Association Committee.
The award is open to all independent jewellery valuers worldwide, but entrants must adhere to the AIJV’s strict definition of independent.
Adrian Smith, coordinator for AIJV said Hughes’ site scored well in several judging categories.
“Kym’s site exemplifies good website design and presents both the owner and the profession in good light,” Smith said. “The judges’ findings were echoed by the AIJV membership who voted overwhelmingly for Symmetry in the final round of judging.”
A total of 20 websites belonging to independent jewellery valuers from six countries were nominated and then graded by a panel of judges. The final three websites were voted for by AIJV members.
Symmetry now has a feature on the AIJV Awards website.
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