British Hallmarking Council appoints three new members

The Secretary of State for Business and Trade has appointed Kerry Gregory, Sally Leonard and Frederick Toye as the three new members to the British Hallmarking Council from January 2025 for a period of three years.

They will work with the chair Noel Hunter, OBE and existing members of council to ensure the organisation achieves its strategic objectives.

Gregory has been in the UK jewellery and pawnbroking industry for over 25 years. She started her business ‘Gemmology Rocks’ after a varied career of retail jewellery, valuing, pawnbroking and gemmology.

She holds qualifications in diamonds and gemstones from Gem-A, GIA, AIGS, and FEEG. As well as a certificate in Valuation Practice from NAJ. Gregory also holds a level 6 diploma in Education and Training specialising in teaching adults.

She is an active member in both the UK and US industry, and has delivered presentations, and written articles, to critical acclaim, to many organisations and associations. A past long term tutor and head of ATC for Gem-A, she served on the board of Gem-A, and ran one of the UK branches.

Gregory is currently on the Board of Trustees for the Silversmiths and Jewellers Charity (UK), and a key contributor to the National Association of Jewellers Professional Trade Standards Committee.

Meanwhile, Leonard is a jeweller and consultant with over two decades of experience supporting the jewellery industry. Through her consultancy, she has guided hundreds of businesses, offering practical advice on strategy, market positioning, and sustainability.

As the founder of Leonard of London, her work is rooted in “inclusion and collaboration”.

Additionally, Toye is chairman and a director of the celebrated British manufacturing firm Toye, Kenning and Spencer. Through the company, he has collaborated with a wide variety of contemporary and well-known designers and brands creating precious metal jewellery, accessories and other items.

The company uses several techniques at its diverse range of in-house workshops in the UK, including but not limited to stamping, polishing, plating, gold and silversmithing, engraving, toolmaking, enameling, woodwork, weaving, machine and hand-embroidery, gold and silver wire drawing and millinery.

In addition, Toye is one of the “leading” figures in the creation of state insignia, medals and regalia in the UK and holds a Royal Warrant from HM King Charles III for the supply of gold and silver laces, insignia and embroidery.

Hunter, chair of the British Hallmarking Council, said: “I am delighted to welcome our three new members to council. Their expertise in the precious metal, gemmology and jewellery trades will be invaluable as the council continues its work to protect consumers, ensure the integrity and adequacy of hallmarking, and support growth in the sector.

“I would also like to express my thanks to our outgoing Secretary of State appointed Council members Joanna Hardy, Patrick Fuller, and Rachel Holloway for their invaluable contributions over the years.”