Long-standing jeweller at the heart of Northampton town centre shares what it has to offer you this Christmas

A long-standing jeweller at the heart of Northampton town centre, which was established more than a century ago, has shared what it has to offer you this Christmas.

Tom Sinclair has worked at Michael Jones Jeweller for the past 18 years, and he has been the manager of the Grosvenor Centre store since 2017 – which is also when he took on the role of charity co-ordinator.

“We are an independent jeweller which originated in Northampton and has been in the town for over 100 years,” Tom previously told the Chronicle & Echo. “We offer lots of essential services, like repairs, valuations, ear piercing, and buying jewellery and watches.

“There’s the perception that we are a luxury jeweller, but we cater for everybody with a wide range of jewellery, including silver, gold and high-end.

“We have three stores, we’re independent and have been a cooperative since 1970 as well. Every time you speak to a member of staff, you’re speaking to a co-owner and everyone has the same share.

“We try to offer all of our customers the best experience they can get, which they might not get with other shops.”

Tom says that Michael Jones Jeweller is unique in that it has two stores within the town centre, each offering a slightly different selection of jewellery and watches – yet both cater to a wide range of budgets and tastes.

The Gold Street store is a well-known Rolex stockist, with other prestigious watch brands also in stock, but it also sells silver earrings from as little as £15 upwards. The Grosvenor Centre store is full of silver jewellery, which Tom believes makes great Christmas gifts.

Having been interviewed by this newspaper just after he came out of a two-hour-long customer appointment, Tom says that regulars become real friends and he believes that is what sets the business apart.

“It’s more than simply buying a gift or something for yourself, it’s a full experience” said Tom. “The customer experience is vital for us. We offer them a drink and a sit down, as well as complimentary gift wrapping with every purchase no matter the value.

“The unique gift wrapping is finished with a traditional wax seal, giving it an extra special touch. Shopping has changed so much because of the internet and when people do go to the shops, it’s nice to have a nicer experience. What we offer, you wouldn’t get online or potentially at other shops.”

Tom says that silver is popular for gifting at the moment, due to the more affordable pricepoint, and engagements also rise over the Christmas and New Year period too.

“Anything you buy from us as a gift, we will wrap at no extra charge,” said the store manager. “One of the first things we learn when we start here is how to wrap and customers really like it. They tell us our wax seal is what they’re looking for under the tree, it’s an extra special touch.”

Michael Jones Jeweller is proud to be independent with more than 100 years of experience, and both Northampton town centre stores have undergone expansion and refurbishment within the past half-a-decade.

Tom said: “Shopping locally is important and we like to play our part in keeping the town centre vibrant. There’s quite a few events going on over Christmas, which will hopefully appeal to people and get them in.

“High streets have suffered over the last few years but we hope people will see there are shops within town centres that do offer extra special touches and look after you.”