The Jewellery Industry Unites for Ukraine
Published: 15th March 2022
We have all been truly saddened by the situation in the Ukraine and the images that we are now unfortunately seeing on a daily basis. It has therefore been amazing to see how the jewellery trade has reacted quickly and pulled together to raise funds to help those affected. Read on to find out more in this article from Professional Jeweller...
Hundreds of members of the UK jewellery trade got to its feet to applaud the efforts of the Ukrainian people at an industry event last night. In response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, governments, companies and individuals the world over have made efforts to support the Ukrainian population as it attempts to defend its homeland. There have been stories from across the British jewellery industry, with companies large and small donating to the cause. A number of the biggest players in the trade – Swarovski, Pandora and Fabergé among them – have also announced they will no longer be operating in Russia or trading with Russian companies.
As the Professional Jeweller team attended last night’s Company of Master Jewellers (CMJ) ruby-themed dinner and ball last night, however, it was never more evident that the support for Ukraine is truly industry-wide. The CMJ’s managing director, Emmet Cummins, paused proceedings at one stage during the evening to ask the hundreds of attendees at the black-tie event to get to their feet. They were then invited to put their hands together for the Ukrainian people and their ongoing hardships, with the standing ovation lasting a full minute.
The CMJ is also contributing to the fundraising efforts for Ukraine, with its Red Cross fundraiser via JustGiving at just shy of £32,000 at the time of writing. This makes it 63% of the way to its £50,000 target.
Michael Aldridge, chairman of the CMJ, said: “We have all been shocked and saddened by the news footage of the war emerging in Ukraine as civilians are killed and innocent families are being torn apart. While our thoughts are with everyone affected by the conflict, we wanted to do something as a group that will really make a difference to those people living through this. Our fundraising appeal goes beyond CMJ membership – we hope that the whole jewellery and watch industry will get behind us and support this worthwhile cause. Every single donation will make a difference and go straight to those who need it most.”
Also displayed on stage last night was a one-off ring from CMJ suppliers Ntinga and Hockley Mint. The duo has manufactured the unique ring to raise money for the CMJ’s Ukraine Appeal. The ring is the prize of a raffle competition that will feature at the CMJ Spring Trade Event from 13-14 March. It boasts a Hockley Mint platinum mount and Ntinga fine yellow sapphire oval centre and two royal blue ceylon sapphires, worth a reported £5,000.
The CMJ Spring Trade Event has been a long time coming, as this marks the first in-person event since early 2020 for the organisation. The CMJ is actually in its 42nd year, but is celebrating its 40th anniversary at the event as it never had the chance to properly mark the occasion during the pandemic. Last night saw the industry get dressed up in black-tie attire, but during the day the two-day affair is a supplier exhibition for the CMJ’s retailer members at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole near the NEC.
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