Jay Bartlett grew up immersed in the world of fine jewellery and was involved in the industry long before officially joining his father at Bartlett Master Jewellers in 1993. As a child, he spent countless hours watching his father design and craft pieces for customers who valued the care and precision behind every creation. Following in his father’s footsteps became a natural progression, continuing a long family tradition of skill and craftsmanship.

Working under his father’s guidance gave Jay the chance to learn from a true Master Jeweller, and he went on to earn some of the industry’s most respected qualifications. He completed his apprenticeship in both Townsville and Brisbane under highly regarded Manufacturing Jewellers. Since qualifying, Jay has travelled and worked throughout the United Kingdom, Europe, the USA and Asia, gaining hands-on experience, expanding his technical skills and building a strong understanding of international jewellery design.

Jay is a fully qualified Gemmologist and a Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Australia, a membership he has held since 2003. In 2006, he completed a Certificate IV in Gemmological Studies.

He later achieved both the Certificate in Diamond Grading and the Advanced Certificate in Diamond Grading with the Gemmological Association of Australia, studying under respected diamond expert Bill Sechos.

In 2007, Jay became a registered Valuer and joined the National Council of Jewellery Valuers (NCJV). In 2008, after demonstrating strong skill as a Gold and Silversmith, he was invited to join the Gold and Silversmiths Guild of Australia.

In 2009, Jay completed the Accredited Diploma of Gemmological Studies after years of dedicated study and a rigorous examination process. He was one of only five people in Queensland, and the only person outside south-east Queensland, to receive this title at the time.

In 2010, he earned an internationally recognised Diploma of Diamond Grading through HRD Antwerp.

He went on to complete a Diploma in Diamond Technology in 2017, followed by a Diploma of Applied Gemmology in 2021, further strengthening his expertise in gemstone and jewellery assessment.

In 2025, Jay was appointed as a Director on the Board of the Jewellers Association of Australia (JAA), contributing his experience to support and guide the industry.

With more than three decades of experience, Jay continues the tradition established by his father, combining extensive training, international experience and a commitment to craftsmanship in every piece created at Bartlett Master Jewellers.