Trade Associations – What are they and why do they matter?

As a family owned, independent retail jeweller we want to develop lasting relationships with all our clients that are based on mutual trust and friendship. Buying anything that is expensive can be fraught with risks and before you make that first purchase it is often nice to know that the people you are buying from are interested in more than just making a sale.

For us, honesty and integrity are as important as offering our clients excellent quality jewellery at exceptional prices, regardless it is a pair of 9ct gold studs or a 3ct diamond ring. Therefore, we have chosen to be members of two of the United Kingdoms leading trade organisations, The National Association of Jewellers and The Company of Master Jewellers.

Belonging to these trade organisations that ensures our clients can buy from us with confidence, knowing that what we tell them is honest and reliable advice. It means that we can source products, materials and services from some of the best suppliers in the country whilst being able to pass on the exceptional prices we receive to our clients.

Charles Nobel are members of two of the industrys leading families, and we feel both proud to be part of them whilst they support us. It is our goal that all of our clients become part of the Charles Nobel family, letting us get to know them as they get to know us, so that we can offer them the very best in customer service.

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ)

Created in 2015 by the amalgamation of the National Association of Goldsmiths and the British Jewellers Association the NAJ represents over 2,000 members operating with in the UK jewellery industry.

Their missions statement is clear and laid out below;

As the UKs leading Jewellery Association, our mission is to increase confidence in the UK consumers purchase of jewellery; through the integrity, professionalism, governance, representation, education, training and creativity of our members.

For us as a business it means that we have a trade body of experts throughout the country who we can call on when we need their services and expertise. From leading craftsmen to independent registered valuers we have their services and knowledge at our fingertips, when we need it.

For you we are required to sign up to a charter when we are members, the charter states that we will,

Act with honesty, integrity and professionalism

Describe jewellery, watches and other goods and services fully and accurately

Abstain from any conduct or practice that may mislead or deceive you

Act responsibly and sustainably to support the NAJs commitment to the standards of the Responsible Jewellery Council

Deal with any complaints in a timely and fair manner and, in the event of dispute, clearly explain the NAJ procedure for mediation, providing the NAJ Compliance Officers contact details to facilitate a timely resolution

Cooperate fully with any enquiry to resolve any disputes and abide by the findings and decision.

The Company of Master Jewellers (CMJ)

Is a network of leading independent retail jewellers based across the UK and Ireland working together to share their expertise, best practice and buying power. The group allows retailers such as ourselves to access some of the worlds leading jewellery manufacturers and brands at beneficial prices, which we pass on to our customers.

With retailers specialising in every aspect of the jewellery industry and regular meetings we are able to share market trends, technological developments and expertise together, making sure that we are all at the forefront of jewellery retailing.