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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May- 2016 -18 MayTrade Organisations
New LDB president appointed as Harry Levy named chairman
The London Diamond Bourse (LDB) has appointed Menachem Prager as its new president, simultaneously creating a new chairman role. Current president Harry Levy has been appointed to the newly created position. Former vice-president Prager, who is the principal of a successful diamond company, has been a member of the bourse…
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Jan- 2016 -20 JanuaryAppointments
NAJ to propose Simon Johnson as chairman
The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) says its current vice-chairman and co-owner of retail jeweller Marmalade, Simon Johnson, will be proposed as its new chairman at the next annual general meeting. At the association’s first meeting of 2016 – held on 14 January at the Birmingham Assay Office – current NAJ…
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Jul- 2015 -20 JulyAppointments
Michael Rawlinson named NAJ chief executive
The British Jewellers’ Association (BJA) and the National Association of Goldsmiths (NAG) unification working party today names Michael Rawlinson the inaugural chief executive officer for the new organisation, the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ). Rawlinson, currently chief executive of the NAG, was appointed following a comprehensive selection process involving interviews and…
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2 JulyDesigners
BJA Fairtrade ‘I Do’ competition winner announced
Jessica Mead, design assistant at Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery has won the BJA Fairtrade ‘I Do’ competition. UK designers were asked to draw up a matching wedding and engagement ring set in Fairtrade gold featuring a 50pt round brilliant-cut lab certified diamond and up to ½ a carat of small…
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1 JulyEditor's Blog
The naysayers must now eat their words
Almost two years ago I wrote sceptically about the initial murmurings of a merger between the two major jewellery trade associations. Not out of any sense of doubt that a merger was possible, but because I was new to the industry and I asked dozens of people for their thoughts.…
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Jun- 2015 -23 JuneTrade Organisations
Patrick Fuller to address those concerned about unification
The soon-to-be president of the new National Association of Jewellers (NAJ), Patrick Fuller, has spoken of his “delight” that the unification vote succeeded. Fuller, who is the chairman of WB the Creative Jewellery Group, said an amalgamated association is something he has dreamt of for a “very long time” and…
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16 JuneEvents
NAG and BJA members vote to unify
The members of the NAG and the BJA have voted unanimously in favour of unifying the two trade associations at a London meeting. The meeting, which took place at Goldsmith’s Hall near St. Paul’s Cathedral, comprised an AGM for the National Association of Goldsmiths and an EGM for the British…
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May- 2015 -13 MayTrade Organisations
NAG and BJA to host unification meetings
The National Association of Goldsmiths (NAG) and the British Jewellers Association (BJA) have announced they will host two members’ meetings to discuss the planned unification of the two organisations. The trade bodies have written to their members inviting them to attend a members day where both will be making presentations to…
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Apr- 2015 -9 AprilCurrent Affairs
NAG and BJA respond to Hatton Garden raid
Michael Rawlinson, chief executive officer of the National Association of Goldsmiths (NAG) has released a response following the recent raid in Hatton Garden. The response, which was released on behalf of NAG and the British Jewellers Association (BJA), follows the recent robbery in Hatton Garden where raiders took, according to…
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1 AprilTrade Organisations
Marked feature bricks laid in new BAO premises
The new premises currently being constructed for the Birmingham Assay Office this weekend saw the addition of several ‘feature bricks’, bearing key hallmarking symbols used during the office’s 240 years in operation. The marks include the traditional hallmarking symbols; a lion for sterling silver, crown for gold, orb for platinum and Pallas…
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