The Silversmiths And Jewellers Charity

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: ~£239,000 (expenditure)
• Annual Income: £186,620 (2024)
• Grant Range: Regular ongoing support and one-off grants (specific amounts not publicly disclosed)
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
• Geographic Focus: Throughout England and Wales (nationwide)
• Royal Patronage: HRH Princess Michael of Kent

Contact Details

• Website: www.thesilversmithsandjewellerscharity.co.uk
• Phone: 07861 124238
• Email: info@thesjcharity.co.uk
• Address: PO Box 61660, London SE9 9AN
• Charity Manager: Julie Griffin - julie@thesjcharity.co.uk

Overview

The Silversmiths and Jewellers Charity is a benevolent fund established in 1827 (formerly known as The Goldsmiths', Silversmiths' and Jewellers' Benevolent Society) to support members of the silversmithing and jewellery industry who have fallen on hard times. Operating under royal patronage since HRH Princess Michael of Kent succeeded HM The Queen in 1997, the charity provides financial assistance to current and retired trade employees and their spouses experiencing hardship due to poverty, illness, or disability.

The charity operates as a grant-making organisation to individuals with annual expenditure of approximately £239,000. It is governed by a Council of 14 Trustees who are elected by their peers and typically have significant experience and notable service within the trade. Two trustees are appointed by The Goldsmiths' Company. Primary funding comes from The Goldsmiths' Company, supplemented by investment income, an annual charity dinner, a golf day fundraiser, and trade donations. The charity has received grants from The Goldsmiths' Company Charity to support its hardship fund, including three grants of £40,000 to help address the cost-of-living crisis.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Regular Financial Support: Ongoing assistance for beneficiaries facing long-term hardship
• One-off Grants: Emergency financial assistance for those experiencing acute financial difficulty
• Hardship Fund: Support for those affected by economic pressures such as the cost-of-living crisis

Applications are submitted through an online application form on the charity's website.

Priority Areas

• Relief of poverty for current and former trade workers
• Support for those experiencing ill-health or disability
• Assistance for elderly or retired trade members
• Help for spouses of trade workers or deceased workers
• Support for those who have given lifetime service to the trade

What They Don't Fund

• The charity does not replace government support responsibilities
• Only individuals with connection to the goldsmiths, jewellery, or silversmiths trade are eligible
• Generally requires minimum 7 years employment in the trade (at trustees' discretion)
• Does not fund organisations or businesses (individuals only)

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Governance and Leadership

Chair

Antony Vanderpump - Chairman (appointed 21 May 2013)

• Background in family silver business in Sheffield and London
• Experience in jewellery retail in Switzerland and London
• Currently works in Hatton Garden in jewellery supply

Vice-Chair

Barrie Dobson - Vice-Chairman

• Over 50 years in the jewellery industry
• Former BJA Chairman (2008/9)
• Freeman of the Goldsmiths' Company and City of London

Charity Manager

Julie Griffin

• Over 40 years in the jewellery industry
• Former Director of David Gann Diamond Merchants
• Freeman of the Goldsmiths' Company and City of London
• First female member of the 'Dinner Committee' (2020)
• Manages day-to-day charity operations and events

Trustees (14 total)

• Clare Buckle - Director of Finance at the Goldsmiths' Company; Chartered Accountant
• Richard Fox - Co-founder of Fox Silver Ltd; Prime Warden of Goldsmiths' Centre (2020)
• Ian Thomson - 50 years in jewellery industry; over 40 years on Charity Council and Executive Committee
• Gary Williams - Director of Presman Mastermelt; Chairman of Hatton Garden BID
• Vicci Cox - Founding Director of Cox + Power Designer Jewellers
• Kerry Gregory - Director of Gemmology Rocks
• Ben Poulsom - Founded Pure Imagination Jewellers; launched The Society of British Jewellers
• Jason Williams - Manages multiple family gemstone businesses; former GIA London guest lecturer
• Melanie Eddy - Sculptural jeweller and educator; Maker Trustee for Crafts Council
• John Bowles - 23 years at Garrard the Crown Jewellers; now retired
• Zoe Hill - 30 years with Elizabeth Gage managing business operations; now retired

No trustees receive remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are made through the charity's online application form at thesilversmithsandjewellerscharity.co.uk/apply/

The multi-step application form includes:

1. Personal Information - Tell us about you
2. Work History - Tell us about your work
3. Reason for Application - Tell us why you would benefit from support
4. Financial Situation - Monthly income, available funds, and expenditure figures

Important Notes:

• Fields marked with an asterisk or red border are mandatory
• Applicants unable to answer questions should enter “Not applicable” or "Don't know"
• Applications are transmitted securely
• Confirmation email sent upon successful submission

Documentation Requirements

The charity reserves the right to request:

• Professional references
• Bank statements
• Benefit statements

Eligibility Requirements

Beneficiaries must be:

• Individuals employed or formerly employed in the goldsmiths, jewellery, or silversmiths business
• Those who have supplied skills or commodities to these trades
• Those employed primarily in the sale of items produced by these trades
• Dependants of the above

Work history requirement:

• Generally a minimum of 7 years employment in the trade is required
• This is at the discretion of the Trustees

Circumstances:

• Must be experiencing financial hardship, poverty, ill-health, or disability

Decision Timeline

• The Council of Trustees meets three times annually to review cases
• Specific decision timelines not publicly disclosed
• Applicants will be contacted using the details provided in their application

Application Success Factors

Testimonials from Beneficiaries

The charity has received heartfelt feedback demonstrating their impact:

"I'm lost for words. Thank you, so, so, much, this will make such a huge difference to me and take a huge amount of worry off my shoulders."

"It's hard to put into words how appreciative I feel for this support. The contact, support and empathy was not only swift, but truly heartfelt and knowing someone was finally fighting on my behalf and trying to keep us going was so humbling."

“Thank you so much that wonderful news! It makes me feel very grateful and proud to be part of the Jewellery Community here. I really love what I do and feel passionate about preserving our industry.”

"I'm delighted to talk to you about it, so that the people out there who donate, will understand how good the work is that they do. It's absolutely crucial to people like me, and I'm forever grateful."

Key Factors for Success

• Demonstrable trade connection: Clear evidence of employment or involvement in the goldsmiths, jewellery, or silversmiths trade
• Meeting the 7-year threshold: While discretionary, having at least 7 years in the trade strengthens applications
• Clear financial need: Provide accurate information about income, expenditure, and financial circumstances
• Documentation: Be prepared to provide references, bank statements, and benefit statements if requested
• Complete applications: Fill in all mandatory fields and provide as much relevant information as possible

Important Considerations

• The charity explicitly states it does not replace government support responsibilities
• Support is coordinated with social services and other charitable organisations
• Applications from those struck by illness or disability at working ages are welcomed
• The charity supports all sectors: manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Industry-specific charity: This is a benevolent fund exclusively for people who have worked in the jewellery and silversmithing trades - applicants must have genuine trade connection
• 7-year rule is flexible: While generally 7 years of trade employment is required, trustees have discretion to consider applicants with less experience
• Both ongoing and one-off support available: The charity provides regular financial support as well as emergency one-off grants
• Strong industry backing: Receives significant support from The Goldsmiths' Company Charity, demonstrating sector solidarity
• Personal approach: Beneficiary testimonials highlight the “swift” and “heartfelt” support - the charity maintains personal contact with applicants
• Comprehensive coverage: Supports everyone from manufacturers to retailers, current employees to retirees, and their spouses
• Well-established organisation: Founded in 1827 with royal patronage, the charity has a long history of supporting the trade

References

• The Silversmiths and Jewellers Charity Official Website -
• The Silversmiths and Jewellers Charity - About Us -
• The Silversmiths and Jewellers Charity - Apply -
• The Silversmiths and Jewellers Charity - Our Trustees -
• Charity Commission Register - Charity 205785 -
• Charity Commission Full Print -
• The Goldsmiths' Company Charity Press Release - Cost of Living Support -
• Companies House - The Silversmiths and Jewellers Charity - Company Number 00518834
• Annual Dinner 2025 Event Page -