Gift Focus inc Attire Accessories - Page number 127 - September/October 2021

Industry news Find out about all the latest from the fashion accessories industry in our regular news roundup BAUNAT JEWELLERY INTRODUCES CRYPTOCURRENCY PAYMENTS Baunat, the Belgian fine diamond jeweller, has announced that it is accepting cryptocurrency as a payment method for all transactions. As the jewellery does not take any position in cryptocurrency, the brand has decided to partner up with one of world’s largest crypto- dedicated and blockchain-based payment platforms. Cryptocurrencies work using a technology called blockchain. Blockchain is a decentralised technology spread across many computers that manages and records transactions. Part of the appeal of this technology is its security. To buy cryptocurrencies, you’ll need a “wallet”, an online app that can hold your currency. Generally, you create an account on an exchange, and then you can transfer real money to buy cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum. Stefaan Mouradian says, “Crypto is undeniably the future of fintech. As an innovative company, it is a logical step to introduce cryptocurrency as a payment option on our website. With this addition, we are reaching out to a community valued over £2trillion.” www.baunat.com NAJ SUMMIT PREPARES FOR INAUGURAL EVENT IN SEPTEMBER The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) will host its inaugural NAJ Summit in September, incorporating a range of events, workshops and masterclasses designed for the entire jewellery sector, including retailers, suppliers, designers and valuers. The NAJ Summit has streamlined the Association’s most popular in-person events to give time and resource-strapped jewellery business owners the best return on time investment. The five core pillars of the event are: The Valuers’ Conference, hosted by the Institute of Registered Valuers (IRV); the Retail Jewellers’ Congress, hosted by the NAJ Jet Business Network; the NAJ Members’ Gala Dinner sponsored by Back on the High Street (BoTH); a Suppliers’ Showcase, hosted by The Jeweller magazine; and a series of workshops, seminars and networking events for the trade. The Suppliers’ Showcase will revive the traditional trade show format and allow brands and businesses the chance to highlight their latest collections and meet their retail partners, perhaps for the first time in 18-months. The NAJ Summit venue also provides private rooms for attendees to host their own meetings, conduct business and host training sessions if required. Gary Wroe, Chairman of the NAJ, says, “Designed by the jewellery community for the jewellery community for, the NAJ Summit brings the sector together to deliver an experience where business leaders can find genuine insight and access expertise for people, profile and profit to flourish.” The event will take place at the De Vere Staverton Estate in Northampton, which offers a leisure club, spa and 18-hole golf course. It is conveniently located for UK business owners and within easy access of the M1, Birmingham Airport and West Coast Mainline, with a journey from London Euston to the venue taking just over 60 minutes. Chris Sellors, Networking and Events Chair of the NAJ, adds, “The Summit is new, fresh and unique. We’re proud of the reputation the Valuers’ Conference hosted by the IRV and also the Retail Jewellers’ Congress, hosted by the JBN has. And now with a programme greater than the sum of its parts, we’re excited to welcome you, for however long you can stay.” Tickets for the NAJ Summit 2021 are competitively prices, with discounts available for on-site accommodation. Attendees can visit for one, two or all three days. Partners for this year’s event include Clarity & Success, Pursuit, Clogau, T.H. March, Parify and Green Rocks. Garry Lane, Commercial Manager for the NAJ, who is looking after the Supplier Showcase says, “The NAJ Summit 2021 is all about people, profile and profit. We know the last 12 months have been uniquely challenging for the jewellery sector and this ambitious well-rounded event is the best solution for businesses who want to find a new equilibrium, learn something new and add to their product assortment ahead of the Christmas sales period.” Further information about guest speakers, exhibitors, and workshops at the NAJ Summit will be announced over the coming weeks. Tickets for the can be purchased here: https://naj.co.uk/whats-on/book/naj-summit INDUSTRY NEWS 127