Our History

Derek the founder of the Academy is a second generation watchmaker and goldsmith. He has lived and breathed the jewellery trade from a very early age watching his father in the workshop. Years later Derek followed the path of becoming a watchmaker and studied at the Irish Swiss Institute of Horology. While there, Derek realized that quality of workmanship is a must when trusted to repair an item for a client. Derek continued his studies at the Manchester School of Jewellery and on completion in 1994 began his self-employed career in the trade. Although he ran retail shops his passion was always in the repair side of the business. Through training apprentices and upskilling fellow tradesmen in the sector he found his true calling. Over the years he noticed a decline in interest in the trade, as well as a lack of knowledge in how to make a living in the jewellery trade while maintaining a high level of standards of repairs. 

The Academy is the first step to try to increase standards and knowledge within the jewellery sector. Whether one is specializing in repairs or retail the Academy has a course for you.

Derek has brought together some of the leading experts in the trade together with some of the top UK companies to create the first Academy to open in the north of England with a further 2 scheduled to open by 2022.

Aims of The Jewellers Academy

•To Educate 

•To Set Training Standards

•To Improve Customer Service

•Originate & Implement Codes of Practices 

•Promote Quality Assurance

•Set Technical Standards 

•Training & Development 

•Represent Members Interests

•To give our trainees opportunity in the trade