NAJ unveils awards shortlist

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has unveiled the shortlist for its annual awards, which celebrate the contribution of itsmembers to the jewellery industry.

New to awards this year is the category ‘Workshop Employee of the Year’, which aims to recognise the importance of specialist skills in the industry and the “vital role” individuals craftsmen play.

There will also be new-look trophies, which have been designed in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter and will be presented to the winners at the Benevolent Ball, St John’s Hotel, in Birmingham on 1 December.

Michael Rawlinson, CEO of the NAJ, said “These awards provide the opportunity to shine the spotlight on excellent businesses providing excellent products, services and customer service.

“I am sure the voting will be intense, and the results will be close as every nominee is a worthy winner. I am really looking forward to a night of celebration when we announce the winners in each category.”

[box type=”shadow” align=”” class=”” width=””]

The eight categories and shortlisted companies are:

Retailer of the Year – 1-5 Shops

• Lila’s
• Lumbers
• Flitwick Jewellers Group
• Wongs Jewellers
• W.E. Clark & Son
• Durham Rose

Retailer of the Year – Over 5 branches

• Mococco
• Boodles
• Beaverbrooks
• Aurum Group
• F Hinds

E-tailer of the Year

• Jewelstreet
• Tresor Paris
• CooksonGold
• Gemporia
• Arabel Lebrusan

Designer of the Year

• Lucy Quartermaine
• Imogen Belfield
• Fei Liu Fine Jewellery
• Sarah Ho London
• The Rock Hound
• Sheila Kerr

Workshop Employee of the Year

• Lee Rimmer, Wongs Jewellers
• Carl Goodfellow, Beards
• John Leckenby, Berry’s Jewellers
• Bernard Carr, E W ADAMS & SONS
• Oliver Cooper, Oliver Cooper Designs

Kickstarter of the Year (sponsored by International Jewellery London)

• Sammie Jo Coxon
• Addalit
• Emma Calvert
• Joanna Bury
• Marina Skia
• Tiki by Cécile Gilbert
• Vicky Lew London
• Lucas Alexander Jewellery by Lucas Mitchell
• Emily Richardson Jewellery
• CF Concept by Charlotte Scott Moncrieff

Jewellery & Watch Supplier of the Year

• Dower & Hall
• Clogau
• Amore
• O.W.L Great Britain
• Storm

Service Supplier of the Year

• The Jewellery Display Company
• Parify
• Cartercutts
• Bransom Retail Systems
• Vipa Designs

[/box]