JAA executive director Amanda Hunter
Announcing the launch, JAA executive director Amanda Hunter said that it was important for the JAA to provide the best for its members and jewellery consumers.
“Membership of the JAA signifies a business’ position as an ethical professional,” she said.
“JAA accreditation will validate an individual’s qualifications and experience.”
She said accreditation will also help JAA members stand out from the crowd.
“Even if they have been in the industry for years, accreditation will benefit individuals and businesses by showing both industry peers and consumers how skilled and knowledgeable they are.”
The JAA accreditation will cover all facets of the industry from retail to manufacturing and supply.
Each class of accreditation will require the applicant to meet a set of criteria and provide supporting documentary evidence of their qualification and experience. To maintain their accreditation, individuals will then be required to undertake continued professional development, which is based on a points system.
Accreditation is split into four categories and seven classes:
- Retail
- Jewellery Consultant
- Jewellery Specialist
- Manufacturing
- Manufacturing Jeweller
- Master Jeweller
- Supply or Wholesale
- Supplier Representative
- Business
- Retail Outlet
- Trade Supplier
Each accredited individual will receive an accreditation pack (containing a certificate, counter card, window decal and lapel pin) and will be able to use the post-nominal letters ‘JAA’, while each accredited business will receive an accreditation pack containing a certificate, counter card and window decal, and have the opportunity to purchase accreditation branded postcards for their customers.