PRECIOUS MOMENTS
Memories are made at Guy Wakeling Jewellery, writes Stephanie Sparrow. Photography: SusieQPhotography.co.uk
From designing an engagement ring, to restoring a piece bequeathed by a loved one, a trusted jeweller helps us to commemorate the major milestones in our lives. And at family firm Guy Wakeling Jewellery, goldsmith Guy and his wife Katie are proud to be involved.
“We feel privileged to be part of our clients’ life stages,” says Katie. “We create beautiful pieces which help them celebrate happy occasions, or, by renovating family jewellery, can preserve memories.”
Craftsman Guy is a specialist in bespoke design, remodelling, renovation and repair work, and has developed his skills over 30 years. He works with platinum, palladium, white gold, silver and gold to create engagement and wedding rings, earrings and other jewellery.
Customers make a series of appointments at the studio and showroom in Little Hoole to develop their handmade pieces. Guy can work with customers’ sketches, or advise on design, and will order precious stones, which can be supplied, from flawless diamonds to Kashmir Sapphire, to suit these unique creations.
Ethics and provenance are important to Guy, and the stones he supplies are conflict-free.
Trained by his late father, who in turn was an apprentice at London’s Hatton Garden, Guy treasures his craft heritage. He is proud to have inherited his father’s skills but also some of his specialist tools, now sitting among the modern equipment in his studio workshop. He is sensitive to the memories which customers share by entrusting him with restoring or remodelling their family jewellery. “Customers know that we respect their treasured possessions,” he says. “Plus, because my workshop is on the premises, nothing ever leaves the building – it isn’t sent away in the post for example.”
Having on-the-spot expertise means that the studio’s white gold rhodium-plating service is popular. “We offer a same-day turnaround from £25 per ring,” says Katie. “Unlike some jewellers, we don’t have to send the rings away. It is done here in Guy’s workshop.”
Katie and Guy opened in Little Hoole last December, after four successful years in Longton. Set among upmarket Bridge Court, the new spacious interior offers Katie a chance to expand her interest in retail. Customers can browse modern ranges from Kit Heath, Unique & Co, Nikki Lisson and Katie’s own brand of selected pieces known as Just Jewellery.
Meanwhile, Guy is helping customers make new memories in 2019 by creating 10 limited edition rings for Valentine’s Day, priced from £110-£200.
“These are heart-themed diamond rings in yellow gold and silver,” he says, “designed to be a unique and original way of commemorating Valentine’s Day.”
Guy Wakeling Jewellery
7 Bridge Court
Little Hoole, Preston PR4 5BF
01772 379956
www.guywakelingjewellery.co.uk
