The Independent Jewellers Collective (IJC) honoured independent jewellery retailers from Australia and New Zealand at its 2026 Awards Night on 20 August. The event, held at Alpha Dining in Sydney, recognised outstanding performance and industry contributions ahead of the International Jewellery Fair. IJC organised the gathering as part of its Retail Partner Experience series.
Winners recognised for excellence
The night awarded four major prizes to retailers demonstrating high standards in their operations. The Partner of the Year award went to Regency Jewellers in Orange, New South Wales. This honour recognised a retailer with a strong commitment to the buying group and active engagement within the IJC community.
Regency Jewellers defeated stiff competition from Lee Volk Jewellers in Queensland, Robert Cliff Master Jewellers in New South Wales, Xronos Fine Jewellery West End in Queensland, and other nominees.
The Store of the Year Award celebrated overall achievement in independent retail. My Jewellers from Burnie, Tasmania, took home the title. The finalists included Xronos Fine Jewellery, Mackays Family Jewellers from Victoria, and Pettits Jewellers from Victoria.
Rising Star Award winner Merimbula Jewellers in New South Wales demonstrated outstanding potential and growth. The category included nominees Carat Jewellers, Selwyn Jewellery in Victoria, and Whitakers Jewellers in New South Wales.
High standards across the industry
The Jewellery Excellence Award recognised a retailer for exceptional commitment to quality. Agapé Jewellers from Hamilton, New Zealand, won this category. They competed against Swales Diamond Jewellers in Western Australia, Bartlett Master Jewellers in Queensland, and Pettits Jewellers in Victoria.
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IJC CEO Joshua Zarb praised the calibre of retailers in the community. He noted that the event highlights the people and businesses achieving remarkable results within their stores and contributing to the strength of independent retail.
According to Zarb, the recognition is significant. “IJC is incredibly proud of the calibre of retailers within our community,” he said. “The Awards Night is one of the highlights of our Retail Partner Experience because it gives us an opportunity to recognise the people and businesses who are achieving remarkable things within their stores and contributing to the strength of independent jewellery retail more broadly.”
Zarb congratulated all finalists. “To be recognised alongside such an outstanding group of retailers is a significant achievement,” he added. “Our four winners should be incredibly proud of what they have accomplished.”
Sponsors supported the event. Duraflex Group Australia provided gold sponsorship, while Battery Man, Chemgold, Expertise Events, LaCouronne, Tutu Display, and Unison Jewellery served as silver sponsors.
Upcoming events in the calendar
IJC plans to continue its Retail Partner Experience series. The next event is scheduled for Cairns from 8 to 9 April 2027. This gathering will also precede the Australian Jewellery Fair.
Following the Cairns session, IJC will host a conference in Sydney from 14 to 16 August. This conference will occur before the International Jewellery Fair, maintaining the group’s focus on supporting independent retailers in the lead-up to major industry events.
