The British Pearl Association (BPA) is a national trade and consumer interest group. It’s purpose is to promote the growth of the UK and worldwide pearl industry and represents both cultured and natural pearls. Check out how pearls are formed.
With a steady, growing number of partnerships and memberships, the BPA represents suppliers, pearl jewellery wholesalers, retailers (both on the high street and internet based), jewellers, designers, hobbyists, consumers and galleries.
We are passionate about supporting members of our community through:
Education
For retailers to be better informed about pearls and pearl products and be able to sell them with confidence. We will be rolling out training packages for retailers to increase their knowledge base of pearls and to provide a better consumer service.
For consumers to be able to purchase pearls with an increased confidence and awareness of the differences between types of pearls, different shapes, pearl jewellery designs available and how pearls are sourced. We have a growing directory of jewellery designers and stockists of pearl products enabling an informed decision with regard to choosing where to shop.
Supporting sustainable sourcing
We encourage sourcing by raising awareness of fair trade and sustainable pearl farming.
Discounts
Saving members money with supplier partners offering discounts ranging from jewellery tools, findings and packaging to products and services, for example laser engraving (student members receive an 20% discount on membership).
Promotion achieved by networking through our new social media group, BPA – Ask Show Tell.
Member directory
The member directory is a benefit included with Gold, Platinum and Pearl memberships and allows member promotion with a full description, image gallery and links to websites and social media. Consumers are able to search for designers and retailers of pearl jewellery.
Sales platform
The BPA is run in partnership with the GoJD and we are pleased to be able to offer Odissa listings and shop area as part of our Pearl membership subscription. Odissa is a dedicated jewellery sales platform offering B2C and B2B through Odissa Wholesale.
The British Pearl Association
The Guild of Jewellery Designers
44 Hockley Street
Hockley
Birmingham
B18 6BH
Tel: 0121 507 0994