Celebrating the best jewellery talent at the NAJ Awards
Revealing the winners, plus photos from the evening at Birmingham’s ICC
More than 380 guests from the UK’s jewellery world gathered on Thursday, 8th October, to celebrate the best and brightest of the industry.
The 2026 NAJ Awards were held at the ICC venue in Birmingham, with the National Association of Jewellers bringing people together from across the country and beyond for an evening of celebration and recognition.
The Awards were themed around three categories: Great Ideas; Great People; and Great Businesses. The headline sponsor was Curteis, one of the UK's leading precious metal manufacturers, while the 15 awards on offer had individual sponsors. They were joined by supporting sponsors AG Group and Sheffield Assay Office, and partner British Allied Trades Federation.
The event raised vital funds for three industry charities: The Benevolent Society, NAJ Educational Trust and the Silversmiths & Jewellers Charity.
“What a fantastic and fun evening, and a brilliant opportunity to bring so many people from the NAJ membership community together,” reflected NAJ Chief Executive Ben Massey. “Congratulations to every one of our winners, highly commended recipients and finalists. Their achievements demonstrate the talent, commitment and ambition that continue to make members’ businesses so special.”
2026 NAJ Awards Winners
GREAT IDEAS (supporting Silversmiths & Jewellers Charity)
Collection of the Year (sponsored by Emrise)
WINNER: Giovanni Raspini
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Lenaginarium
Community Engagement of the Year (sponsored by UK Protection)
WINNER: Aston University Goldsmiths Institute
Digital Engagement of the Year (sponsored by Squash Media Group)
WINNER: Wildring
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Antique Jewellers
ESG Initiative of the Year (sponsored by SGS)
WINNER: Gemmology Rocks
Store Design of the Year (sponsored by Visionary Displays)
WINNER: Sheila Fleet Jewellery
GREAT PEOPLE (supporting NAJ Educational Trust)
Customer Champion of the Year (sponsored by Cooksongold)
WINNER: Richard Allen (Pepper Tree Studio)
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Laura Bendoni (Jeremy France Jewellers)
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Marie Brennan (Birmingham Assay Office)
Designer of the Year (sponsored by The National Business Register)
WINNER: Xiaoyu Li (Xiaoyu Li Jewellery)
Rising Star of the Year (sponsored by The Company of Master Jewellers)
WINNER: Katie Mason (Birmingham City University)
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Charlotte Copeman (Lily Arkwright)
Unsung Hero of the Year (sponsored by JQV Gemstones)
WINNER: Sam Cavell (Weston Beamor)
Workshop Professional of the Year (sponsored by At The Bench)
WINNER: Lucy Stokes (Libby Rak Jewellery)
GREAT BUSINESSES supporting The Benevolent Society
Bespoke Retailer of the Year (sponsored by Bespoke Quarter)
WINNER: Moira Patience
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Blackacre
Jewellery Retailer of the Year (sponsored by TI SENTO)
WINNER: Ainsworth Jewellers
Product Supplier of the Year (sponsored by Jewellery Show)
WINNER: HS Walsh & Sons
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Allied Gold
Service Supplier of the Year (sponsored by Retail Jeweller)
WINNER: Jewellers Academy, Yorkshire
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Gemmology Rocks
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Squash Media Group
Team of the Year (sponsored by TH March)
WINNER: Sonny’s Jewellers Group
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Siop iard
David Wilkins Award
WINNER: Sammantha Maclachlan
This award is the pinnacle of achievement for any jewellery valuer, recognising outstanding contributions to the trade and the valuing community.
NAJ Retail Network Member of the Year
WINNER: Ian Cookson, PA Jewellery
This award recognises contributions to the retail community group, the NAJ Retail Network.
All the images from the 2026 NAJ Awards
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All images: National Association of Jewellers