A SALES associate at a Winchester jewellery store has been named Salesperson of the Year at the 2023 National Association of Jewellers awards.

Petra Marcinkowska, from Jeremy Frances Jewellers, was shortlisted along with four other finalists in the salesperson category, which is open to all salespeople within the UK jewellery industry. The awards ceremony was held on Sunday, June 25 in Birmingham.

Harriet France, director of Jeremy France Jewellers said: “I nominated Petra to celebrate the incredible journey she has taken with us; starting her employment at Jeremy France Jewellers as our housekeeper in 2014, her interest in jewellery and positive personality were too good to waste.

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“We soon transferred her to a sales role, giving her the opportunity to gain her JET qualifications and learn from our incredible on-site goldsmiths and designers, allowing her to become the friendly, knowledgeable salesperson we recognise today. I am so proud of her for being recognised with this national award.”

Petra’s award will be showcased throughout July in Jeremy France Jeweller’s front window.

Petra said: “Don’t be afraid to push yourself and try something new. Dreams really can come true when you work hard and have passion”.

A week prior to Petra’s win, Jeremy France Jewellers were confirmed as one of the top 100 inspiring independent jewellers in the UK, by the Retail Jeweller. Jeremy France Jewellers also celebrated one of their goldsmiths, Abbie Hulks being recognised as a finalist in the Workshop professional of the year category at the awards.