Maastricht Group - European Jewellers Conference

The Maastricht Group represents the interests of 15 high quality independent family jewellers from 9 European countries. The combined experience of these families spans many generations over the last four centuries, employing 750 watch and jewellery specialists and representing over 80 of the world’s finest watch and jewellery manufacturers. 

Today the group services the interests of over half a million live customers and has a turnover of more than 500 million Euros per annum.

The President of The Maastricht Group, Charlie Pragnell, stated:

“Our sustainability depends on ensuring the long term interests of our customers are protected. Authenticity and high standards are paramount in preserving the real and lasting values of the goods that carry meaning and treasured memories for so many. Central to this is the retention of knowledge, heritage craftsmanship and, hence, specialist education. We shall be supporting manufacturers which share this long term view and in 2025 will be introducing innovative sustainability programs to our members and the wider industry.”

There has always been something intensely fascinating and mystical about the art of jewellers, goldsmiths and horologists, while their products are universally known to symbolise lasting value. The unique character of artisan craftwork has traditionally influenced the identity of this trade. Even as electronic timepieces are becoming increasingly popular, renewed appreciation of exquisite watches and clocks has paved the way for a remarkable comeback of artisan watch-making in particular. The growing pace of change in the markets is placing high demands on quality retailers in the classic sense. Their ability to maintain top standards in the future will depend on international cooperation with like-minded colleagues. The members of the Maastricht Group work together in various ways, such as by exchanging experience on a regular basis, realising synergy effects, and taking joint training initiatives for the young generation.

The declared aim of the Maastricht Group consists in taking action to sustain the art of refined jewellery and quality watch-making. Thereby the members intend to strengthen customer confidence in their businesses, many of which look back on a tradition of several

"ONE FOR ALL - ALL FOR ONE": THE MAASTRICHT PLEDGE

In October 2009, the independent European jewellers and watch specialists of the Maastricht Group met in Maastricht to sign a joint declaration reviving the traditional
collegial spirit of medieval goldsmiths' guilds in a modern European setting. "One for all - all for one" - a saying that is attributed to d`Artagnan the famous musketeer, has a special meaning for the european culture and in particular for this group of independent jewellers. Based on the simple principle of mutual assistance, every customer of a Maastricht Group business can now turn to any other member of the Group for warranty and service. In a Europe without borders the Maastricht pledge shall contribute to a new way of confidence. A simple formula and a great idea.
 
The promise from Maastricht is given by a group of leading jewellers and watch specialists who feel committed to excellent craftmanship as well as the concerns of the worlds strongest watch and jewellery brands.