NAJ Awards 2021

One of the greatest honours of working in the jewellery industry is being able to celebrate the success of our staff members in recognition of their hard work. Lauren and Kylie from our Uckfield store had the privilege of being invited by the National Association of Jewellers to attend a graduation ceremony at the Goldsmith’s Hall in London.

A Grade I building that stands just a stone’s throw away from St Pauls Cathedral, one of London’s hidden treasures that once served as an Assay office and Headquarters of London’s association of Goldsmiths known as the Goldsmith’s Guild.

Both Lauren and Kylie were there to receive their certification for completing their JET 1 and JET 2 diplomas, a programme developed by The National Association of Jewellers which stands for Jewellery Education Training. In addition to this, Lauren also received her qualification for completing the JET Management Programme.

The JET1 diploma provides the student with a foundation knowledege of the jewellery industry, with 12 modules covering the history of jewellery, diamonds, gemstones, jewellery, precious metals, hallmarking, design, manufacturing, watches and customer care.
JET2 covers each of the above topic in much more depth, along with additonal topics such as valuations, security and repairs. 

Kylie explains:
Upon entering the building, we were greeted by the incredible architecture within the Staircase Hall. We were welcomed by high ceilings and the grandest of staircases. The hall is made up of ten different coloured marbles, with four marble sculptures of children representing the four seasons by sculptor Samuel Nixon.

For the ceremony we were invited into The Livery Hall, high moulded ceilings richly decorated in gold leaf and four stunning English Glass chandeliers dating from 1835. We took our seats and waited for our names to be called out to accept our scrolls and have our photographs taken.

A drinks reception followed in the court and exhibition rooms, as an instrumental band played in the background, we were able to liaise with other students in attendance from all over the UK whilst browsing the glass cabinets displaying pieces that had been created by artists and jewellers in the industry.

All of the team at W.E. Clark & Son have completed their JET1 and JET2 diplomas, with some completing additional courses. This ensures everyone is qualified and each have a depth of knowledge and expertise within the industry, which allows us to provide customers with a quality of service that we are extremely proud of.

You can find our certificates framed and displayed on the walls within both stores.