The inaugural “Striking Futures” event, held at the Sheffied Assay Office with the collaboration of the UK’s National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) on November 3, delivered expert speakers and valuable networking opportunities aimed at boosting careers in the jewellery sector.
The event’s turnout was high, with a mix of retail, supplier and designer jewellers in attendance, as well as several students from Sheffield Hallam University.
Ashley Carson, Sheffield’s Assay Master, kicked off the event with a brief introduction and short history of the Assay Office. Kerry Gregory from Gemmology Rocks followed with a presentation on hallmarking and its importance, before attendees toured the Assay Office.
Ashley Carson said: “It was great for attendees to witness the hallmarking process first-hand and understand the many elements necessary to apply the hallmark. It’s vital that more people in the industry understand the importance of hallmarking, so events like this provide a great opportunity to educate current and future members of the trade.”
The event concluded with a lively networking session. A wide range of topics was discussed, including education and sustainability and the benefits and services provided by the National Association of Jewellers and the Sheffield Assay Office, respectively.
Ben Massey, NAJ’s Principal Officer, said: “Thank you to Ashley and the Sheffield Assay Office team for helping host such an engaged and informative industry event. We’re delighted that such a broad section of the jewellery sector was in attendance and benefited from the knowledge shared. We’re excited to bring more Striking Futures events to other parts of the UK in 2023.
