History

1887

Birmingham Jewellers and Silversmiths Association (BJSA) founded. Formed by local companies concerned with various problems in the jewellery trade, including crime, training and the poor state of business.

1893

BJSA has 186 members.

1897

First offices rented in Augusta Street for £20 per year. Moved to Frederick Street in 1910.

1908

The Association formed a territorial army company in First World War called the Jewellers Company.

1909

A Trade Gazette is published which proves to be most popular.

1933

The Trade Gazette is expanded into a complete trade magazine called Birmingham Jeweller. The first issue came out in August. By December the name had changed to the British Jeweller.

1946

Extraordinary General Meeting agrees to change the name to British Joint Association of Goldsmiths, Silversmiths, Horological and Kindred Trades – known as BJSA.

1948

The Fancy Goods Association is incorporated and changes its name to Giftware Association in 1966.

1949

BJSA becomes involved with organising exhibitions, with the Fancy Goods Association organising a trade fair at Harrogate. This fair grew to take over the whole town and so was subsequently moved to Blackpool.

1950

The Joint Associations National Council formed a small private company to organise the Blackpool Gifts Fair. This was called Trade Promotion Services Limited (TPS).

1954

Granted right to use Coat of Arms by College of Heralds.

1955

BJA provide grant for the silver collection. First pieces commissioned were a silver ceremonial inkstand and a silver mace – on display in the library at Federation House.

1964

Percy Sweeter London Regional Secretary of the Joint Associations leaves to concentrate efforts on TPS after being involved in setting up the company.

1969

Extraordinary General Meeting votes for a resolution which turns the Joint Association into the British Jewellery and Giftware Federation.

1970

British Jewellery and Giftware Federation commences operation.

1974

TPS book the very first exhibition at the yet to be built National Exhibition Centre. This makes TPS the first company to book the entire NEC.

1976

First International Spring Fair held in February. This replaces Blackpool as the major gift fair in the UK.

1991

Federation moves to purpose built headquarters at 10 Vyse Street.

2004

British Jewellery and Giftware Federation Changes its name to British Jewellery, Giftware and Finishing Federation.

2011

British Jewellery, Giftware and Finishing Federation changed its name to British Allied Trades Federation – the more neutral name was selected to encourage new trade associations to join the Federation.

2015

National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) is formed by the unification of two long-standing UK industry bodies: The British jewellers’ Association and the National Association of Goldsmiths.