The Company of Master Jewellers (CMJ) has unveiled the winners at its first ever CMJ Awards ceremony, which took place at a glamorous evening event on Sunday 23 August.

The awards were created to showcase the achievements and talent of the CMJ’s retailers and suppliers, giving members a new opportunity to promote their excellence and expertise to their customers and the wider industry.

Fitzgerald Jewellers in Canterbury was the biggest winner on the night, taking home two awards for Craftsmanship & Heritage and Retail Design & Environment. Judges praised the retailer for praised for its experimental and memorable store design, which offers customers a true mix of tradition and modern styling.

Alan Higgs, director of retailer TH Baker, received the Outstanding Contribution award for his extraordinary contribution to the CMJ, his decades of leadership within one of the UK’s most historic jewellery businesses, and his enduring legacy of integrity, innovation and mentorship. Alan was a founding member of the CMJ and has held various CMJ roles, including chairman, as well as leading one of the UK’s oldest independent jewellery businesses – TH Baker – for more than 50 years.

Wongs Jewellers, which has stores in Liverpool and Manchester, won the Customer Experience Excellence award, Forum Jewellers in Broadstone, Dorset, won Partnership Excellence and Birmingham’s Sonny’s Jewellers took home the Rising Star award.

Robertson’s Jewellers, which has three stores in Cornwall, won the Community Champion award in recognition of director Stuart Robertson’s local charity work.

In the Digital Innovator category, the judges voted CR Gems the winner for creating an innovative tool that genuinely makes life easier for its customers. Meanwhile, Hockley Mint took home the award for Sustainability Champion and Clark Diamonds was awarded Supply Chain Excellence.

Patrick Turner, CMJ managing director, 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. Huge congratulations to all the winners and finalists.”

The winners of most of the awards were voted for by a panel of judges who represented a cross-section of CMJ retailers and suppliers. The Outstanding Contribution award was decided by nominations from the membership.