It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of David Doyle, a highly respected and much-loved member of the UK jewellery trade, whose contributions, warmth and commitment to the industry and to the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) have left an everlasting mark.

David was born in the Midlands in 1962 and attended Repton School in Derbyshire. David’s time as a student at the school was cut short following his expulsion for “making a nuisance” of himself; something he continued to do with happy gusto throughout the rest of his life, to great effect for his own business endeavours and the industry associations and charities he aligned himself with.

His first introduction to the world of jewellery came at the age of 17 when he took a part-time role in a shop in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, igniting a lifelong passion. After a period working outside the trade – he undertook sales roles for major companies, including Cadbury Schweppes and Avon – at the age of 24, David returned to jewellery and began a new chapter working as a manufacturers’ agent. His success in that role led him to set up his own wholesale business, Jewellery Brokers, in Birmingham in 1986.

Over time, David built a reputation not just as a successful businessman but also as a passionate ambassador of the trade who deeply cared about the industry’s integrity. During his career, he took on many voluntary roles to promote jewellery and help others in the business, including spending more than two decades with the NAJ.

He joined the National Committee of the British Jewellers’ Association, the precursor to the NAJ, in 1996 and steadily increased his involvement. In 2004, he became chairman of the NAJ and, in 2018, its president, a role he held for five years.

Other roles held by David throughout his career included: non-executive director of The British Jewellery Giftware & Finishing Federation (1999-2016); judge at the UK Jewellery Awards (2000-2003); Confederation of British Industry representative on the West Midlands Regional Council (2007-2011); president of the British Allied Trade Federation (2008-2009); Trade Warden of the Birmingham Assay Office (2010-2019).

David’s greatest professional joy in his later years was his work with the British Jewellery & Giftware Federation Benevolent Society, and most specifically his role as organiser of its fundraising balls. He took on the role of vice chair in 2008, a time when the fundraising events were not turning a profit. He proceeded to turn the events around. The 2024 Benevolent Ball, which marked the 100th anniversary of the Society, raised £28,000 for individuals connected to the jewellery industry and allied trades experiencing ill health or financial hardship, or adult learners looking to enhance their skills.

While David stepped back from his official role with the Benevolent Society due to his health in 2022, he continued to support the event. He also, in his final years, launched his own fundraising event to support the Birmingham Children’s Hospital’s cancer department, hosting charity balls in Birmingham in 2024 and 2025. The two events raised a combined £204,000 for the hospital.

As much as friends and colleagues will remember David for his gregarious charm, quick wit and warm generosity, they will also remember his absolute tenacity when it came to separating businesses and individuals from their money for a good cause.

David’s commitment to the trade and his relentless fundraising were recognised with two very special awards: the NAJ Chair’s Award in 2022 and the Lifetime Achievement Award at the UK Jewellery Awards in 2023.

Gary Williams, NAJ President, reflected: “David was an amazing, one-in-a-million character, and in the many roles he undertook, including helping create the NAJ, had an incredibly positive influence on the jewellery trade he loved. He was well respected by all who knew him and held in the highest esteem. David will not be forgotten and will always be greatly missed by me, and his many friends across the industry.”

Adam Jacobs, NAJ Chair, paid tribute, saying: “David’s massive contribution to the UK jewellery industry cannot be overestimated. Through the British Jewellers Association, to the National Association of Goldsmiths and ultimately the National Association of Jewellers, he helped shape a stronger sector by putting his hand up and wholeheartedly volunteering in the industry he loved. His dedication to charity was incredible, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for The Benevolent Society and local Birmingham Cancer Charities. His legacy, both enduring and endearing, is large. On behalf of the NAJ, I share gratitude to his family for sharing him with us over the years, and send them our appreciation and heartfelt condolences.”

Gary Wroe, former NAJ president and close friend of David, concluded with affection: “David’s dedication, generosity, and vision touched us all. He strengthened the industry, supported countless causes, and left a legacy that will inspire for years to come. He will be deeply missed, and we are grateful to his family for sharing him with us.”

David passed away on February 8 after living with cancer for more than four years. He leaves behind his much-loved family, including his wife, Jan, and his children, Sophie and Dan.

We will share funeral and donation information at a later date.

Members of the trade are invited to share messages of condolence here.