TH Baker Fitzgerald Jewellers Wongs win CMJ Awards
The inaugural Company of Master Jewellers (CMJ) Awards were handed out over the weekend, highlighting the work of independent retailers and their suppliers. The ceremony was designed to give CMJ members a dedicated avenue to promote their excellence to customers and the wider industry.
Fitzgerald Jewellers Leads the Pack
Fitzgerald Jewellers in Canterbury walked away with the most honors, securing awards for Craftsmanship & Heritage and Retail Design & Environment. Judges noted the store’s experimental layout, describing it as a memorable blend of tradition and modern styling. Judges also highlighted that the layout encourages tactile interaction with the jewellery, reinforcing the narrative of heritage meeting contemporary design.
The venue’s design, they said, offers shoppers a genuine mix of old‑world charm and contemporary flair, a combination that set the bar for peers. The judges’ comments hinted that the shop feels a bit like a family reunion, with a dash of sparkle. This atmosphere not only enriches the shopping journey but also visually embodies the jeweller’s dedication to preserving craft while adopting modern aesthetics.
Other Retailers Recognized
TH Baker director Alan Higgs received the Outstanding Contribution award, acknowledging his decades‑long leadership of one of the UK’s historic jewellery houses and his role as a founding CMJ member. Higgs’s long‑standing involvement includes serving as CMJ chairman and mentoring emerging talent, showing his influence on industry standards.
Wongs Jewellers, operating in Liverpool and Manchester, earned the Customer Experience Excellence award. In Dorset, Forum Jewellers was named Partnership Excellence winner, while Birmingham’s Sonny’s Jewellers took the Rising Star prize.
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Robertson’s Jewellers from Cornwall won the Community Champion award, citing director Stuart Robertson’s local charity involvement. The Digital Innovator prize went to CR Gems for an online tool that simplifies customer interactions, and Hockley Mint was honored as Sustainability Champion. Clark Diamonds secured the Supply Chain Excellence award.
From a practical standpoint, these recognitions give smaller shops a platform to showcase quality and innovation, potentially attracting new customers who value craftsmanship and ethical practices. The awards also create a benchmark for peers, encouraging investment in design, digital tools, and community outreach.
Industry Leaders Comment
CMJ managing director Patrick Turner said, “The CMJ Awards have put a well‑deserved spotlight on the incredible work being done by our independent retailers and suppliers, demonstrating innovation, partnership and excellence.” The diverse range of categories—from craftsmanship to sustainability, demonstrates the sector’s broad commitment to both tradition and innovation.
Most categories were decided by a panel representing a cross‑section of CMJ members, while the Outstanding Contribution award resulted from member nominations. The ceremony showed the sector’s diversity, from heritage craftsmanship to modern sustainability efforts.
