Recognizing Excellence: The NAJ Awards Opportunity

Extended Submission Window for Jewellery Industry Recognition

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has announced an extension for entries to its 2026 Awards, a prestigious event supported by lead sponsor Curteis. This decision grants professionals and enterprises within the jewellery sector additional time to prepare and submit their nominations, ensuring wider participation and recognition of their accomplishments.

Showcasing Industry Achievements

The revised deadline for submissions is now midnight on Thursday, August 6, 2026. This extended period is intended to encourage both NAJ members and non-members across the trade to highlight their innovations, talent, and dedication, which collectively propel the UK jewellery industry forward.

Categories for Innovation, Talent, and Business Success

The NAJ Awards are structured around three core pillars: 'Great Ideas,' 'Great People,' and 'Great Businesses,' encompassing a total of 15 distinct categories. These categories are meticulously designed to honor exceptional work, creative solutions, and high standards of professionalism throughout the industry.

Celebrating Innovative Concepts

Under the 'Great Ideas' pillar, categories such as 'Collection of the Year,' 'Community Engagement of the Year,' 'Digital Engagement of the Year' (sponsored by Squash Media Group), 'ESG Initiative of the Year' (sponsored by SGS), and 'Store Design of the Year' (sponsored by Visionary Displays) acknowledge pioneering concepts and their impactful implementation.

Honoring Outstanding Individuals

The 'Great People' segment recognizes individual brilliance through awards like 'Customer Champion of the Year' (sponsored by Cooksongold), 'Designer of the Year' (sponsored by National Business Register), 'Rising Star of the Year' (sponsored by British Academy of Jewellery), 'Unsung Hero of the Year' (sponsored by JQV Gemstones), and 'Workshop Professional of the Year' (sponsored by At The Bench).

Acknowledging Business Excellence

In the 'Great Businesses' category, awards such as 'Bespoke Retailer of the Year' (sponsored by Bespoke Quarter), 'Jewellery Retailer of the Year' (sponsored by Ti Sento), 'Product Supplier of the Year' (sponsored by Jewellery Show), 'Service Supplier of the Year,' and 'Team of the Year' (sponsored by TH March) celebrate top-tier performance and leadership in various business operations.

Encouraging Broad Participation

Adam Cook, Marketing Manager at the NAJ, emphasized the organization's commitment to inclusivity, stating that the extension aims to ensure every business and individual has the opportunity to participate. He highlighted the industry's wealth of talent and inspiring narratives that deserve to be recognized.

A Legacy of Excellence and Industry Standards

The NAJ Awards have established themselves as a key event within the UK jewellery community, commending those who embody excellence, visionary leadership, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to elevating industry standards.

Anticipated Awards Ceremony

The esteemed 2026 NAJ Awards ceremony is slated for Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham. This event will serve as a gathering point for jewellery professionals nationwide, fostering an evening of celebration, networking, and recognition of their collective achievements.

Nomination Details and Final Deadline

NAJ members are invited to submit entries free of charge, while non-members can participate for a nomination fee of £50. The extended deadline provides a final opportunity to submit nominations and ensure that remarkable accomplishments are duly celebrated. The nomination window officially closes at midnight on Thursday, August 6, 2026. Additional information and the entry portal are accessible via the NAJ's official awards websit