The National Association of Jewellers has announced the finalists for the 2026 NAJ Awards, which will take place on Thursday, 8 October, at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham. The awards celebrate excellence across the UK jewellery industry, with 15 categories spanning innovation, professional achievement, business excellence, and community impact.
Supported by returning headline sponsor Curteis, the NAJ Awards have attracted a record number of submissions for the fourth consecutive year, highlighting the strength and ambition of the trade. Ben Massey, Chief Executive of the NAJ, said the finalists represent an exceptionally high standard.
The full shortlist includes categories such as Community Engagement of the Year, Digital Engagement of the Year, and Store Design of the Year, among others. In the GREAT PEOPLE category, finalists for Customer Champion of the Year include Laura Bendoni from Jeremy France Jewellers, Marie Brennan from Birmingham Assay Office, and Richard Allen from Pepper Tree Studio.
In the Designer of the Year category, finalists include Andrew Geoghegan, Chloë Woodmansterne, and Isabella Day, among others. The Unsung Hero of the Year category recognizes individuals such as Barry Sullivan from Jewellery Advisory Services and Lesley Willard from Richard Allen Jewellery.
The GREAT BUSINESSES category includes awards for Bespoke Retailer of the Year, Jewellery Retailer of the Year, and Product Supplier of the Year. Finalists in this category include Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery and TI SENTO.
Related: VO Vintage opens public exhibition of fine jewelry
The NAJ Awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, 8 October 2026, at the ICC Birmingham, where the winners will be announced. The awards champion extraordinary talent from across the UK jewellery industry, recognizing individuals, teams, and businesses that consistently raise standards and deliver outstanding experiences for customers.
They provide a platform to recognize and celebrate excellence. With a record number of submissions this year, the awards demonstrate the industry’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.
The NAJ Awards are an opportunity for the trade to come together and celebrate the achievements of its members. It is a chance for them to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of individuals and businesses in the industry.
Tickets for the NAJ Awards ceremony are available. For more details, visit the NAJ website at https://naj.co.uk/NAJ-Awards-2026.
The winners of the 2026 NAJ Awards will be announced during the ceremony. The industry will come together to celebrate the achievements of the finalists and winners.
