The Company of Master Jewellers (CMJ) has appointed Gemma Murphy of Jack Murphy Jewellers to its Board of Directors.

Gemma has been shadowing the Board for the past year before being fully opted onto the Board of Directors at the start of 2022. She will be put forward to the membership for formal ratification later this year.

Michael Aldridge, Chairman of the CMJ, said: “We look forward to welcoming Gemma onto our Board of Directors. Gemma is an ambitious and driven businesswoman, who is passionate about the independent jewellery industry. Her energy and vision will be a valuable asset to our Board.”

Jack Murphy Jewellers is a second generation family business, having been established by Gemma’s father and business partner Jack in 1972. Its store in the heart of Newry, Northern Ireland, has won numerous awards including Store Design of the Year at the UK Jewellery Awards 2021 and Best Customer Service (Independent Retailer) at the Greater Newry Area Business Awards 2021, where Gemma also received the Best Businesswoman accolade.

Gemma added: “I’m privileged to be joining the Board of Directors for such a widely respected buying group, which represents the best interests of the jewellery industry in the UK and Ireland. As a second-generation retail jeweller, I’m passionate about advocating for fellow members, sharing my extensive knowledge and working to overcome the challenges faced by our sector.”

The CMJ is run by a democratically elected board of independent retailers, each one a highly esteemed member of the jewellery industry with years of experience and passion. They ensure that the strategy and vision of the CMJ keeps the interests of independent jewellery retail at its heart, so its members can be confident that the business is always focused on their interests and the growth of their individual businesses. 

The CMJ is the largest specialist independent jewellery and watch buying group in the UK and Ireland, with almost 150 retailer members. To find out more about becoming a member, visit https://masterjewellers.co.uk/join-the-cmj-buying-group/.