We’re thrilled to share some amazing news: VODEX is now a member of the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ). This step is an exciting new chapter for us and will hopefully deepen our understanding of the jewellery industry, enabling us to continue delivering the highest standards of care, innovation, and professionalism to businesses in that sector.
The NAJ is the UK’s leading trade association for the jewellery sector. Membership connects us with a network of incredible businesses and provides access to valuable resources and insight. For us, joining the NAJ reinforces our dedication to providing reliable, safe, and effective solutions to the jewellery-making community.
The Retail Jeweller Festival
Becoming part of this association comes at a perfect time, as we’ve just returned from exhibiting at the Retail Jeweller Festival 2025. It was a fantastic opportunity to meet face-to-face with fellow industry professionals, showcase our extraction systems, and explore the latest in jewellery trends.
Our stand was a hub of activity throughout both days.
Some of you stopped by to experience our dust and fume extraction systems first-hand, and we were delighted to show how our solutions can help create safer, cleaner workshops for jewellers, goldsmiths, and lampworkers.
We brought a selection of our most popular jewellery fume extraction systems, including bench-mounted extractors and flexible-arm units designed specifically for the jewellery trade. These units quietly but powerfully remove harmful fumes and dust produced by soldering, polishing, and other workshop tasks.
What really stood out during the event was how many people were surprised by just how much dust and fume extraction can improve a working environment. Seeing the extraction systems in action – with fumes being pulled away almost instantly – helped demonstrate why jewellery fume extraction is absolutely pivotal for modern workshops.
Finding Out About Jewellery Trends
As we spoke with attendees, we also took the time to get to grips with what’s happening in the world of jewellery. We thought this was a great opportunity and would be important to our capacity to deliver the best jewellery fume extraction systems we can.
One of the strongest themes we noticed was the continued growth of personalised jewellery. More and more jewellers are creating bespoke pieces tailored to individual tastes, with things like initials, names, birthstones, and custom engravings in high demand. It’s clear that buyers are looking for something meaningful and unique as opposed to off-the-shelf items.
This focus on personalisation ties in with broader shifts in jewellery consumer behaviour.
Today’s customers want more than just beautiful designs. They want to know where their jewellery comes from, how it’s made, and whether the process respects people and the planet. Ethical sourcing, recycled metals, and sustainable workshop practices are increasingly important to buyers, and they are influencing how jewellers work.
We also saw plenty of creativity when it came to materials and styles.
Current jewellery trends are leaning towards bold choices – statement pieces, mixed metals, and layered designs. Yellow gold is making a strong comeback, alongside colourful gemstones and non-traditional materials like ceramics or recycled elements. It’s an exciting time for designers, with the freedom to blend vintage inspiration with modern flair.
Staying Connected
For us, being part of events like the Retail Jeweller Festival isn’t just about showing our products – it’s about keeping our finger on the pulse of the jewellery industry. We left the festival energised, having seen first-hand how innovation and tradition are working side by side in jewellery today. The desire to create beautiful, meaningful pieces goes hand-in-hand with the need to work in a space that protects your health and allows your skills to shine.
NAJ membership also gives us a stronger platform to continue this journey.
Through their network, we’ll stay informed about new developments, regulations, and opportunities that affect the jewellery trade. It also helps us align our services with what’s actually the most important to people seeking jewellery fume extraction systems.
Ready to Join the Journey to a Safer Jewellery Workshop?
Ready to Join the Journey to a Safer Jewellery Workshop?We’re here to help you create a cleaner, safer space for your craft. Our dust and fume extraction systems are designed with jewellers in mind, helping you protect both your health and your artistry. If you’re ready to upgrade your workshop or just want to know more, get in touch with us today. Let’s move towards a healthier, safer way of working.
FAQs
What is jewellery fume extraction, and why do I need it?
Jewellery fume extraction means using an extractor unit to capture solder fumes, metal dust, and toxic particles in your workspace. They’re crucial because regular inhalation of these substances can cause health problems. Find out more here.
What does our NAJ membership mean for customers?
It shows that we’re committed to industry best practices and ethics, as well as connected with the sector for a better understanding of our jewellery customers’ specific needs.
How can I improve my workshop’s safety and efficiency?
A great first step is installing a dust and fume extraction system at each workstation. Identify where the contaminants are generated and place extractors there.
