BJA
The British Jewellers’ Association (BJA), now part of the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ), played a significant role in supporting UK jewellers, manufacturers, and suppliers through advocacy, training, and industry standards. Its legacy continues to influence trade practices and professional development across the sector. Jewellery Focus reflects on the BJA’s contributions to the jewellery industry, covering historical insights, its integration into the NAJ, and the impact of its work on today’s trade professionals.
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Jan- 2024 -30 JanuaryManufacturers
Han Goldwyn set to close after 40 years
Long-established family-run jewellery manufacturer Han Goldwyn will close this March, upon the retirement of owner and director Brian Craddock and his wife, fellow director, Margaret. The company, located in the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, began trading in 1980 and manufactured a large and varied range of jewellery in 9ct…
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May- 2023 -23 MayTrade Organisations
NAJ appoints Gary Wroe as president
The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has announced the appointment of Gary Wroe to the role of president. Wroe will be officially appointed president on 8 June at the Association’s AGM, taking place at the Birmingham Assay Office. He will succeed David Doyle, who has served as president for the…
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Aug- 2022 -31 AugustAppointments
Lindsey Straughton to leave NAJ after two decades
Lindsey Straughton, head of communications and industry liaison, has announced she will leave the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) on 2 September after more than two decades with the organisation. Straughton joined the NAJ (then the British Jewellers’ Association) in 1996 as marketing manager, and has continued to support jewellery…
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Jul- 2020 -16 JulyCoronavirus
NAJ set to cut jobs
The NAJ has confirmed it is facing a “number” of redundancies following a widespread restructuring programme across several trade associations. The proposed plan was confirmed by the NAJ following the publication of a statement from the British Allied Trades Federation (BATF) interim CEO, which was sent to all federation and…
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May- 2019 -20 MayVoice On The Highstreet
Voice on the High Street – Joshua James Jewellery
Tell me about the history of Joshua James Jewellery? Since 2009, Joshua James has sourced fine jewellery, charms, watches and fashion pieces from some of the world’s top brands. Founded by managing director Shaun Bell, the flagship store opened on The Weir in the popular town of Hessle, East Yorkshire,…
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Nov- 2018 -14 NovemberVoice On The Highstreet
Voice on the High Street – Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery
Give us some background about Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery began in 1998, but moved into its first studio in the North Hertfordshire village of Weston in 2000. In 2004, after a period of growth, the company moved into its newly converted Tudor barn in Halls Green,…
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May- 2017 -19 MayTrade Organisations
NAJ CEO steps down
Michael Rawlinson has announced that he has stepped down from his role as the CEO of the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ). Rawlinson said that his reason for his resignation was to pursue other interests. In his resignation letter, he said: “I have achieved what I set out to do…
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Apr- 2017 -7 AprilEvents
Simon Rainer given freedom of The Goldsmiths’ Company
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…
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Feb- 2017 -10 FebruaryTrade Organisations
NAJ secures 56 applications for membership in new Spring Fair recruitment drive
The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) attracted a record number of membership applications during this year’s iteration of Jewellery & Watch in Birmingham. Applications came from across the whole supply chain including 17 suppliers, 17 designers, three international, one jewellery industry associate and 19 retailers. NAJ chairman, Simon Johnson, said: “I…
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Jul- 2016 -8 JulyEvents
NAJ Awards open for nomination
The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has announced its annual awards ceremony is now open for nominations. It’s second awards since the association was formed from a unification between the National Association of Goldsmiths (NAG) and the British Jewellers Association (BJA), businesses within the industry will be nominated across seven…
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