DREAM BIG The story of how our small business was formed, just goes to show how a sudden twist of fate can sometimes be for the better….
LuLu & Charles Jewellery was set up in October 2014 by myself Jayne & husband Ashley, following the closure of my dad’s business, Christopher James Jewellers Ltd. His independent shop first opened it’s doors in 1989 at the Metro Centre, Gateshead. Well known in the Northeast of England, it became a destination shop for it’s one hour jewellery repair service. Also providing a trade repair service for many other well known jewellers across Newcastle, Gateshead and County Durham, including H Samuel and The Northern Goldsmiths. My dad, Stephen Bone, specialised in custom made jewellery, producing engagement rings, wedding bands and bespoke jewellery for many clients from all over the country.
The shop was a huge part of my upbringing, not only did both my parents work at the shop, teaching me the ethics of hard work and creativity, I also worked as a Saturday Girl to earn my keep and it’s also where I met my future husband Ashley (which is a love story in itself). Ashley was employed by my dad in 1995, as a jewellery finisher, then later worked on the bench as his apprentice.
During the summer of 2014, my father made the tough decision to close the family business, taking early retirement, at the time I was self employed and heavily pregnant with my third son. Despite the bad timing, I now look back and think it was the best thing that could have happened!
As a result of the shops closure, the idea of LuLu & Charles Jewellery was formed. In a very short space of time our business has grown and evolved, it’s such an exiting time for us, with lots of new designs coming out of our workshop and fabulous customer feedback.
Together as a husband and wife team, we share the desire to design and co create bespoke jewellery in silver and gold to sell online, under the watchful eye of my dad, who is now sharing his time to pass down his knowledge and expertise as a goldsmith, to us both.
LuLu & Charles Jewellery may be in its infancy, however as a family unit & team we offer a combined wealth of knowledge, passion and expertise. We LOVE what we do and would like to invite you to support our dream.
By purchasing from our website, you are not only showing your support for British Manufacturing, you are also helping to keep alive the traditional craft of Silversmithing and Goldsmithing in the Northeast, supporting our dream, family and a second generation of jewellers. To follow our journey on social media please click on the following links for Facebook, Instagram or Twitter….Thank you for your support!
