Our History

Founded in 1939, our company founder J.C. May began producing individual stone-set jewellery, items of objet d’art, and fine wood-turned giftware pieces, enhanced with classic designs drawn from Irish folklore and tradition.

Black-and-white line drawing of two men playing chess at a table.
A man in a suit standing outside a jewelry store called J.C. May Jeweller, with a display of jewelry and other items in the window, on a city street.

In time, the J.C. May workshop developed into a jewellery retail store providing a broad range of jewellery, watches, clocks, and gifts, all selected with dedication to fine design, craftsmanship, functionality, durability, and value. Over the following decades, we also developed into a trusted and significant supplier of bespoke medals, badges, and silverware, while remaining true to our roots as a family-run business.

Timeline

Our long history means we understand the importance of quality, tradition, and trust, and why awards should always feel worth winning.

  • J.C. May developed his workshop skills before opening his first jewellery shop in Belfast.

  • Expansion specialising in silversmithing and producing medals for many traditional competitions and supplying schools, clubs, and civic organisations

  • Large-scale production, supplying major sporting and corporate events

  • Family-run, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques, trusted across Ireland and internationally

    Many clients have been with us for generations, choosing us for our personal service and consistent excellence.