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Simon Rainer, former CEO of the British Jewellers’ Association (BJA), has been given the freedom of The Goldsmiths’ Company.
Rainer was awarded with the title at a ceremony in Goldsmiths’ Hall on 5 April.
Afterwards, he was escorted by wardens to the Guildhall, where he was invited to apply for the freedom of the City of London.
Rainer said: “I was absolutely delighted to receive the freedom of the Goldsmiths’ Company and it was a proud moment to be recognised for my contribution to the UK and international jewellery markets over the last 25 years.”
Rainer was one of the founding partners of the UK Jewellery Ethics Committee and was a key player in reforming the Kimberley Process. Whilst at the BJA, he was the director of the Responsible Jewellery Council and has led commissions for the World Jewellery Confederation.
Freedom of the guild is an honour given to valued members of a company and can only be awarded to livery company members. Recipients earn a number of rights in the city and are given a guide on how to conduct their lives in a honorable manner.
