The 4th December saw the 79th British Jewellery & Giftware Federation Benevolent Society Ball take place at The St Johns Hotel, Solihull.

Incorporated within this longstanding Annual Event were the BJA Member Awards which are designed to flag up all that is most excellent about the UK’s extremely diverse jewellery industry: its bright new talent, its design skills and creativity and its capacity to truly serve its customers whether they are other businesses, on-line jewellery buyers or the consumer in the High Street. The Benevolent Society Ball attracts guests from the Jewellery Trade and Giftware Associations and other Member Organisations of the British Allied Trades Federation. David Simons, the Benevolent Society's Chairman, was delighted that over 370 Guests attended the Black Tie Event with many Companies using it as the perfect occasion to celebrate Christmas with Staff and their Colleagues in the Trade. A Charity Auction was conducted by David Doyle of Jewellery Brokers, the Society's Vice Chairman, and early indications are that about £30,000 was raised on the Evening for Charity. Lots donated for the Auction included Lunch for 12 at Assay Office Birmingham, a stunning Silver Curve Claret Jug donated by top Silversmith Martyn Pugh, a full VIP Package to an NEC Venue donated by Paul Thandi and Kathryn James of the NEC Group. Assay Office Birmingham offered two lots for auction. A truly unique experience, consisting of a three course lunch for a party of twelve, served in the Boardroom, preceded by an exclusive private guided tour of the impressive private Silver Collection and Library. Both collections contain important items of significance to the development of the precious metal industry, from Matthew Boulton to Martyn Pugh. The first lot was won by Tom Green and Oli Sutton from Charles Green (a previous winner - back for more). This package includes food and wine co-sponsored by Assay Office Birmingham and Global Bullion. The second lot was won by Michael Rawlinson of the NAG - National Association of Goldsmiths. This package includes food and wine sponsored by T. H. March Insurance Brokers. The generosity of the winning bids and sponsors has helped to raise over £4,000. The hugely successful Tombola and Raffle were generously supported as always by The Federation's Giftware Association and Michael Papé of Ravensden PLC, the GA Chairman, attended the Event and his Company generously donated some beautiful Tiger Toys that went down very well with the Guests as they bought either these or Teddy Bears donated by Rudells the Jewellers with all of the proceeds going directly to the Charity. The Benevolent Association Charity was also delighted to receive a substantial donation from The Surface Engineering Association and the Association itself was represented by a Table from Ashton & Moore at The Ball. Tables at this year’s event were taken by many Companies including the NAG, CMJ, Charles Green & Sons, Gems TV, Continental Jewellery, Diamonds Please, Weston Beamor, Hockley Mint, Clogau Gold, Cookson Gold, C W Sellors, Assay Office Birmingham and T H March to name but a few. The date for next year’s Benevolent Society Ball is Thursday 3rd December 2015 and will also be held at The St Johns Hotel, Solihull following the success of this year’s Ball and early bird Tickets can be obtained by contacting either Lynn Snead or Gill Price at the Federation.

Notes to Editors Assay Office Birmingham Assay Office Birmingham has a long established reputation within the jewellery trade as an independent centre of quality assessment and expert opinion for precious metals and gemstones. Founded by an Act of Parliament in 1773, as a result of the determination of Matthew Boulton, the Assay Office is a long standing member of Birmingham’s business community. It continues to be key to the City’s precious metal industry and unique Jewellery Quarter. Assaying and Hallmarking precious metals is robustly enforced in the UK, protecting both the consumer and the trade.   In recent years, Assay Office Birmingham has expanded it's services far beyond it's statutory Assaying and Hallmarking duties and offers independent expert opinion on every aspect of the precious metal, jewellery and gemstone trade.

For Further Press Information Please Contact: Penny J Parkes

 Assay Office Birmingham  · P.O. Box 151 · Newhall Street · Birmingham · B3 1SB

Tel: 0871 871 6020    Fax: 0121 236 9487

E-mail: gem@theassayoffice.co.uk  Website: www.theassayoffice.co.uk

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