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Digital NAJ Live

The NAJ has now revealed plans on how it plans to continue with its successful lockdown webinars and coffee breaks through a revised monthly ‘NAJ Live’ format. Sarah Duncan from Chiswick Auctions who previously presented one of the most popular ‘lockdown’ seminars on ‘Sentimental Jewellery’ is announced as a keynote speaker alongside Alex Kettler, Head of Media at Richard Winterton Auctioneers for the very first digital NAJ Live. The digital NAJ Live format will include three webinar presentations, with Helen Dimmick NAJ Retail Ambassador hosting proceedings. After the webinar sessions have closed, attendees will then have the opportunity to join

NAJ Summit 2024

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) Summit 22 - 24 June 2024 Park Regis, Birmingham The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) is delighted to announce the dates for this year's NAJ Summit - the Association's annual conference bringing all sectors of membership and the wider trade together to network and learn. The 2024 NAJ Summit will take place from 22 to 24 June at the Park Regis Hotel, Birmingham, providing an accessible and modern venue for attendees. The extended weekend will once again feature the Valuers' Conference hosted by the Institute of Registered Valuers and the Retail Jeweller's Congress hosted by

PRESS RELEASE: The NAJ Announces Venue and Date for the 2025 NAJ Awards

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) is thrilled to announce the date and venue for the 2025 NAJ Awards, with Curteis returning as the headline sponsor. Following last year's community-focused, sold-out ceremony, the NAJ has moved to the larger, purpose-built International Convention Centre (ICC) in central Birmingham to host this year's awards evening. The 2025 NAJ Awards will take place on Thursday, October 23, and again will be supported by Curteis as the headline sponsor. This marks Curteis's third consecutive year supporting the event. Curteis is one of the UK's leading manufacturers of precious metal jewellery, supplying prominent jewellery retailers,

Mehdi Saadian Appointed NAJ Vice Chair

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) is delighted to announce the appointment of Mehdi Saadian, Director of the GIA London campus, as the new Vice Chair of the NAJ. A distinguished member of the jewellery and valuation profession, Mehdi is an active member of the Institute of Registered Valuers (IRV) and the Academy of Experts. He has played a significant role in the NAJ's National Committee since joining in 2022, contributing to simplifying, standardising and visualising the governance model of the Association. Mehdi will succeed Adam Jacobs as Chair in 2026. Commenting on his new role, Mehdi shared, "I'm truly honoured to take

PRESS RELEASE: The NAJ's Retail Congress a Hit with Attendees

Independent jewellery retailers and invited guests descended upon Drayton Manor Resort on Tuesday, 3rd June, for an informative, knowledge-packed day of inspiring talks and actionable advice. The annual Retail Congress has been a longstanding and popular event for independent jewellery retailers to gather, network and hear from esteemed speakers on topics and challenges reported by the NAJ's independent jewellery retailer network – the JET Business Network (JBN). This year's one-day event explored "Lessons from the Best in Class". It featured award-winning business owners from both within and outside the jewellery industry, helping retail jewellers not just survive '25 but, importantly,

Appointment: Kate Madelin to step down as NAJ's Director of Education

After a hugely successful tenure as Director of Education for the National Association of Jewellers, Kate Madelin will be leaving her role with the association in March. NAJ will now be looking for a replacement to continue to drive forward the association’s industry-leading agenda, working with the full membership, the leadership team and staff. Simon Johnson, NAJ Chairman said “ Since her appointment to NAG five years ago Kate has had a transformational impact on the Association. During this time, she has led a forward-thinking and committed team of employees and volunteers, to deliver innovative training for the whole sector. At

Appointment: Scott Williams Appointed NAJ’s New Head of Membership

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has appointed Scott Williams, previously the association’s Membership Services Officer, to fulfil the Head of Membership position. Scott will lead the Membership team based in the Birmingham office and travel across the UK to raise awareness of the association and its services. NAJ Chairman, Simon Johnson commented: “Since joining the association Scott has streamlined the administration process in the Membership department, his due diligence and sparkling personality have gone down well with members. Having excelled in his previous role, we are thrilled to offer Scott the opportunity to lead the Membership team and meet

PRESS RELEASE: National Association of Jewellers Joins Creative UK to Strengthen Industry Visibility and Voice

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has joined Creative UK as part of a broader commitment to raise the profile of the jewellery, silverware and allied trades within the UK's recognised creative industries. The move follows last year's acknowledgement from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) that the UK jewellery industry plays a vital role in the broader creative economy. By becoming a member of Creative UK - a national organisation that champions and connects the UK's creative sectors - the NAJ aims to support greater policy engagement and access to practical resources for businesses and organisations across

Striking Futures

The NAJ and Sheffield Assay Office Join Forces for Striking Futures Event The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) and Sheffield Assay Office are pleased to announce Striking Futures, a new collaborative event designed to help businesses and students get ahead in the jewellery industry. Taking place on Thursday, 3rd November, Striking Futures promises to be a must-attend afternoon, whether embarking on a career in the sector or looking to boost your business. Register NAJ’s Principal Officer, Ben Massey, states, “We’re excited to collaborate with the Sheffield Assay Office to deliver an educational industry event that will provide great value,

PRESS RELEASE: The 2025 Valuers' Conference Delivered Education and Community in Equal Measure

Jewellery valuers, students, international guests and wider trade joined together in Birmingham last weekend (7-8 June) for two days of learning and networking for the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) Valuers' Conference, hosted by the Institute of Registered Valuers (IRV). The 36th Valuers Conference, supported by headline sponsor Bonhams, saw international and UK experts share their wisdom and expertise on Saturday. These included… Kate Flitcroft shared insights from a distinguished auction career, reflecting on her experiences at Bonhams and what they reveal about jewellery valuation today. Dr Aaron Palke explored the latest GIA research into coloured stone origin

Courses in Jewellery or Silversmithing

Knowing where to study to embark on a career, to up-skill, or simply to persue a hobby can be a bit daunting. We've compiled a list of higher education providers, professional development opportunities for lifelong learning and international institutions... There are a number of useful organisations who might be able to provide further information about career pathways, craft, design and creativity.... Useful websites: Hotcourses www.hotcourses.com Floodlight www.floodlight.co.uk Compare different University Jewellery courses university.which.co.uk UCAS search tool ucas.com Arts Council England www.artscouncil.org.uk Crafts Council www.craftscouncil.org.uk Creative Choices ccskills.org.uk D&AD www.dandad.org Design Council www.designcouncil.org.uk NAJ: Jewellery Education & Training www.najeducation.co.uk National Careers

Jewellery Courses

Appointment: Harriet Kelsall elected first female Chair of the National Association of Jewellers

One of the UK's most respected bespoke designers Harriet Kelsall has been elected as the first female chair of The National Association of Jewellers after serving as Vice-Chair for the past two years. Well-known for championing the causes of education, ethics and the environment in the jewellery industry, Harriet brings a wide range of skills and know-how to her new role, tapping into her experience and expertise from acting as chair of the NAJ's new Education steering group, advising the Government on jewellery making skills as part of the Creative and Cultural skill academy and growing her business Harriet Kelsall

Jet Business Network Congress 2017

How do you unlock the value of staff? No business should be an island when we can share experiences to enable us to be more successful. This year’s National Association of Jewellers' Jet Business Network Congress looks at how to unlock the value of your staff. Consisting of, shaping a company’s culture to foster an engaged workforce, coaching and rewarding staff and managing inconsistent performance. The congress attracts NAJ members from all over the UK, and is open to non-members for the first time this year. This year 6 key speakers have been handpicked to share their experiences and methodologies.