As one of the UK’s most established pre-owned jewellery and watch retailers, we’re delighted to have been officially shortlisted for Jewellery Retailer of the Year at the 34th annual Retail Jeweller UK Jewellery Awards.

This news comes at an exciting time for us as we continue to grow our collection and reach even more jewellery lovers across the country. We’ll share a bit more about the awards and why this nomination means so much to the whole William May family.

What are the Retail Jeweller UK Jewellery Awards?

The Retail Jeweller UK Jewellery Awards are widely considered the longest-running and most prestigious event in the British jewellery industry. It’s the "big one" for anyone in the trade, celebrating excellence across everything from design and ethical sourcing to retail and customer service.

The finalists were revealed in March 2026 at a shortlist party in central London, where more than 250 leading figures from the jewellery and watch trade gathered to celebrate.

The main event will take place on the 8th of July in London, with over 600 guests expected to attend. We’re already looking forward to the big night!

Why were we nominated?

Our journey started all the way back in 1825. Evolving into the largest independent online pre-owned jewellery specialist in the North West. Throughout all that growth, we’ve remained a family-owned business, which is something we’re incredibly proud of.

Over the years, we’ve built a strong reputation for giving exceptional pre-loved and vintage pieces a second life, making quality pieces accessible to a wide range of customers.

Our digital transformation took place in 2014, led by our CEO, Nick Withington, and allowed us to take our Manchester-born brand to both a national and international audience. By leveraging our long history of trust and expertise, we've been able to show the world the beauty and value of pre-owned luxury.

Commenting on the shortlisting, Nick said, “Being shortlisted for Jewellery Retailer of the Year is a fantastic achievement for us. It highlights our focus on giving exceptional jewellery a second life, while delivering outstanding value and service to our customers. Something our team works tirelessly to achieve.”

Enjoy our expertise for yourself at William May

We’ve built our entire business around bringing you quality jewellery pieces at incredible prices. We pride ourselves in our ability to spot unique, pre-owned treasures that really make an impact in your jewellery box.
Whether you’re looking for a second-hand ring or a one-of-a-kind vintage necklace, why not see for yourself what makes us one of the best independent jewellers in the UK?