A JEWELLERY store in Corbridge has won a prestigious industry award.

Saunders and Pughe Goldsmiths, which specialises in handmade modern jewellery, won Designer-Retailer of the Year at the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) awards.

The NAJ Awards Ceremony took place on Sunday (June 12) at Staverton Park Hotel & Golf Club near Northampton, during the Members’ Gala Dinner at the NAJ Summit 2022.

Marianne Pughe, co-founder of the jewellers, said: "We were delighted to win this award.

"The award was shortlisted down to five finalists and Rob and I were absolute bowled over when our name was announced as the winner.

"It has been an incredibly difficult couple of years for small businesses in the retail sector so this was a particularly special award to win.

"We have an amazing team at Saunders and Pughe Goldsmiths and this truly has been a team effort, we are incredibly proud to bring this award home to Corbridge.

"It is all the more special as it is awarded and judged by industry experts, and the standard of the competition was incredibly high."

Marianne and Robert Pughe launched their business in 1994 before opening the shop on Hill Street in 2000.

The store offers British jewellery from their own extensive designs. They also showcase a variety of other precious jewellery from other leading British and European designers.

Wedding and engagement jewellery, a bespoke commissioning service, remodelling, repair, valuations and specialised advice is available from the team.

Saunders and Pughe are part of the Responsible Jewellery Council accredited scheme, offer Fair Trade gold and most recently became proud registered licence holders of the Created in the UK mark.

Marianne is a qualified gemologist, while Robert is a master goldsmith with 30 years of experience ‘on the bench’.

Heather Callaway, chair of the NAJ, said: "The NAJ awards recognise excellence wherever it is found.

"The awards are judged on the associations' values of professionalism, honesty and integrity.

"These three values are what the jewellery community is all about and represent the key components of what a successful business entails both of their teams and customers."

Saunders and Pughe is open Monday to Friday 10am until 5pm.