NAJ reveals 2016 award winners
SOLIHULL, England, December 2016 – The NAJ held its annual Award Ceremony on December 1 to celebrate the successes of 2016 across its diverse membership.
CEO Michael Rawlinson announced the nominee to the 370 guests at The Jewellery & Giftware Benevolent Ball held in the Midlands. Chairman Simon Johnson and sponsors congratulated the winners at the sparkling event.
The NAJ Awards are designed to flag up all that is most excellent about the UK’s extremely diverse jewellery industry: its bright new talent, its design skills and creativity and its capacity to truly serve its customers whether they are other businesses, on-line jewellery buyers or the consumer in the High Street.
The Association received a tremendous response to this competition supported this year by headline sponsors River Mounts Jewellery.
Entries came from a broad cross-section of member companies drawn from across the jewellery supply chain and have resulted in the selection of some very worthy winners.
They all received specially designed sterling silver trophies depicting the NAJ’s Coat of Arms; made and engraved by Thomas Fattorini and sponsored by Business Solutions with metal donated by Cookson Gold and finally the new NAJ hallmark applied by Birmingham Assay Office.“Since the wonderful unification of the two associations I am delighted to report that we now truly have an association that represents the whole jewellery supply chain for the first time in history. This fact is reflected in the awards themselves, the categories and the backing and support of the wide variety of generous sponsors.
Our sponsors not only help us stage and promote the awards, but also make a superb contribution to the Benevolent Society, the charity which does so much to help the ex-employees in need from our industry. Many thousands have voted to reward these companies’ products, services and customer service in 2016,” said NAJ Chairman Simon Johnson.
“What a wonderful event that acknowledged the all inclusive heart of the Association that represents and supports the entire UK jewellery industry and gave a unique opportunity to shine the spotlight on outstanding member businesses. We celebrated the exceptional contribution that our members make to the jewellery industry.I congratulate the all winners and finalists ….” said NAJ CEO Michael Rawlinson
And the winners were:
Workshop Employee of the Year (sponsored by Maker Mends)
Bernard Carr, E W ADAMS & SONS
This award recognised a workshop employee or individual craftsman who had demonstrated great determination and tenacity alongside exceptional skills. A true hidden gem of the industry, employed by E W Adams, as an exceptional mounter with a passion for quality and a love of the product.Retailer of the Year – 1-5 Shops (sponsored by Treasure House Company)
This award recognises excellent NAJ members running a brick and mortar shop or gallery with between 1-5 branches.
Lumbers Ltd
Having opened the largest UK luxury retail premises during 2016 covering jewellery, watches and gifts as well as a restaurant Lumbers of Leicester took the trophy.
Retailer of the Year – Over 5 Shops (sponsored by Hockley Mint)
This award recognises excellent NAJ members running a brick and mortar shop or gallery with more than 5 branches.
Mococo
Having just successfully opened their seventh store as well as a PANDORA franchise and online store this group’s loyalty scheme launched in 2016has been very well received by customers.
E-tailer of the Year (sponsored by Bransom)
This award recognises NAJ Members running an Ecommerce or multi-channel business. Companies trading online, by direct mail, home shopping or as a TV channel are eligible to enter this category.
Gemporia
Gemporia, part of the hugely successful Gems TV group, is a family-run business, that believes that beautiful should not cost the earth. Gemporia only use genuine gemstones and precious metals to make its jewellery in limited runs.
Designer of the Year (sponsored by Clogau)
An award to the designer who is raising the bar of British design creating interesting on-trend designs.
Lucy Quartermaine
Lucy of Lucy Q is an innovative experimental silversmith and designer. Lucy has created very commercially viable fluid pieces in remarkable shapes and forms.
Kickstarter of the Year (sponsored by International Jewellery London)
To acknowledge the design talent of the ten designers chosen to be part of the IJL Kickstart initiative as seen at IJL 2016 and annually supported by the NAJ.
Joanna Bury
Joanna Bury is a designer who specialises in contemporary statement formed from acrylic and precious metals. A very popular winner with an eye for delicate looking mixed media styles designed with body shape in mind.
Jewellery & Watch Supplier of the Year (sponsored by the Company of Master Jewellers)
This award will recognise the supplier of jewellery ranges and/or watch brands that have given consistent service and added value alongside dynamic new product.
Clogau
Clogau has witnessed exceptional growth through a combination of successful channels including a retail network of over 300 UK Retail Partners.
Service Supplier of the Year (sponsored by Warrior Doors & Shire Leasing)
An award recognising the NAJ member or supplier of services to the NAJ membership who has provided outstanding service during 2016.
Cartercutts
Cartercutts pride themselves with a full inhouse service including CAD, rapid prototyping and model making. 2016 has seen increased sales and expansion including new premises.
