Bespoke jewellers from around the country inspire us with a little bit of sparkle

Prestons of Bolton

Who are we? What do we do/specialise in? Prestons were established in Bolton and have traded continuously from the same site since 1869. Known as the ‘Diamond Centre of the North’ we have supplied more diamond engagement rings and wedding rings than any other jeweller and are now also in Wilmslow, Cheshire. In June 2012 we opened in Leeds the first solus Rolex boutique outside of London and with Rolex boutiques in both Bolton and Wilmslow fully represent the brand in Cheshire, Lancashire and Yorkshire.

What makes us different from the rest?Prestons is family owned and managed and have the friendliest and most knowledgeable staff in the industry. Combine this with the best selection of diamond rings and wedding rings in the North showcased in the most beautiful environment and you have a winning formula. Prestons also retail the finest watch brands including Audemars Piguet, Breitling, Patek Philippe, Rolex and Richard Mille.

Why come to us and not the high street chains? For all of the above reasons plus individuality.

Josephs Jewellers, Ormskirk

Who are we? What do we specialise in?Josephs Jewellers are a family run business which first opened in 2001 in the historic market town of Ormskirk Lancashire.We specialise in bespoke made jewellery whatever the occasion, budget or dream we are here to help realise the potential to create a design as individual as you.

What makes us different from the rest?We offer innovative designs, expert advise and craftsmanship of thehighest quality as well as using state of the art images to bring youridea to life on screen.Your design will be hand crafted with great attention to detail by our own in house goldsmith so you can be sure of getting an extraordinary piece of jewellery.

Why come to us and not the high street chains? Josephs are waiting to enthuse surprise and inspire you so call in or phone us soon to make an appointment and let our journey together begin.

Janet Isherwood, Rawtenstall

Who are we? What do we specialise in? We are an independent jewellers with an on-site workshop situated in Rawtenstall. We specialise in the design and manufacture of beautiful bespoke jewellery.

What makes us different from the rest? We have over 25 years experience and knowledge enabling us to create stunning new pieces using precious metals, diamonds and other gemstones.

Why come to us and not high street chains? We can offer a wide range of traditional and contemporary jewellery including exclusive engagement and wedding rings, remodels, a jewellery and watch repair service and insurance valuations.

AP Contemporary Jewellery, Troutbeck, near Keswick

Who are we? What do we do/specialise in? AP Contemporary Jewellery is a small jewellery business based in the Lake District in Cumbria.We provide a ‘Contemporary Twist’ on Classical Style and are focussed on having collections of high quality handmade contemporary jewellery using Sterling silver, dichroic glass, and other precious gems and materials. Annie our Creative Director, hand makes all of the jewellery in her Cumbrian Studio, overlooking the Lakeland Fells which inspires the passion and inspiration for these handmade pieces.

What makes us different from the rest?Not only do we genuinely have some really different designs compared to other small jewellery designers, but we also concentrate on quality and pay particular attention to the detail of the finished product and every item is quality checked to ensure that it is 100% perfect.

Why come to us and not the high street chains? We aim to give that personal service to our customers combined with unique collections of jewellery that are very different to the high street chains. Our products have all been handmade and the love and creativity that goes into each piece of jewellery can sometimes be underestimated. I genuinely believe that the quality of our products are far greater than some high street chains and can very often represent better value for money.

Macmillan-Clare, Greenlands Farm Village

Who are we? What do we do/specialise in? Macmillan-Clare Designer Goldsmiths are a husband and wife team working from their studio and workshop at Greenlands Farm Village near Carnforth. Fenella Macmillan and Tony Clare have between them over 40 year experience in creating contemporary, bespoke jewellery for customers in Lancashire, the UK and abroad.

Fenella and Tony both studied for an HND in 3D Jewellery Design at the Medway College of Art and Design, now the University for the Creative Arts. Between them they’ve worked in the USA, Canada, Spain, the Channel Islands and India. They have won goldsmiths design awards for their work and have featured in a number of exhibitions, including at the V&A in London.

Macmillan-Clare specialise in creating unique engagement and wedding rings, designing coloured gemstone jewellery and re-modelling jewellery. They work in 18ct gold, platinum, palladium and silver.

What makes us different from the rest?

We are committed to creating jewellery for each individual customer and to each customer’s budget. The jewellery we create does not need to cost thousands; in fact pieces can range from just a few pounds for a pair of silver earrings, to a platinum and diamond necklace costing thousands.Macmillan-Clare work with every customer to ensure the finished piece exactly meets their requirements. We are committed to providing the very best personal service, with our knowledge, experience and design skills.

We start by discussing ideas with the customer, then create initial drawings for the customer to see and then create the final piece. For some pieces, we can even create 3D designs in silver so that customers can see what their design will look like before they buy. Our customers return again and again and recommend to friends and family.

A large part of their work is in re-modelling old family jewellery to make it more contemporary. Very often families hand down jewellery through the generations, but it can seem old fashioned and is not worn. With Macmillan-Clare’s design skills, jewellery can be re-modelled into something more contemporary and wearable whilst keep the important sentimental value.

Why come to us and not the high street chains? Providing an excellent personal service is very important to us. We want every customer to leave the shop absolutely satisfied and loving the jewellery they have purchased. Our reputation is built on this and in the beauty and quality of their work. With every bespoke piece of jewellery unique, customers can be assured that their jewellery isn’t going to be the same as thousands of others sold through national stores up and down the country. And by cutting out the ‘middle man’ costs, Macmillan-Clare’s bespoke jewellery is affordable and to every customer’s budget