Peter is like a precious gem to us - staff & customers express their gratitude to retiring Preston jeweller

Earlier this month, Peter Jackson, MBE, announced that he would be stepping aside and retiring from his jewellery business in St George’s Shopping Centre to spend more time with his loved ones.

He said: “It is sad but it is happy as well. I have a young family and I think that while I am fit and healthy it’s time to maybe let someone else carry the baton.

“It was the hardest decision I have ever made.

“It has been a pleasure. We have met so many wonderful people. We have customer’s whose children and even grandchildren are now customers.”

For 44 years, many entering the store as customers have left as friends - returning over the years for the exquisite jewellery sets at prices to suit all budget types, but also for the warm blanket of hospitality that envelopes them when they walk in.

One such customer is Jacquie Baldwin who started visting the Blackburn store in the late 80s/early 90s.

She said: “I have known Peter a long time. I belong to a rotary club and he helps with charity raffles by giving us items such as a diamond necklace.

“The staff are like one big family and Peter is always there making you feel relaxed.

“His ethos is keeping it real.

“I have had rings made into a trilogy pendant among other things.”

She added: “I have had jewellery designed for specific times in my life which has helped me through different timelines.

“It’s been fun and emotional.”

Sonya Kilby has also been visiting the Blackburn store down the years after her husband purchased a diamond ring that Peter had sourced for her 40th birtday.

She said: “We continued to purchase Christmas and birthday presents from him over the years.

“He is the ultimate professional and family man. It’s not just sales patter - he actually listens.”

However, it’s not just the customers who hold Peter and his unparalleled customer service in high praise, his work colleagues also value his work ethic and hands on approach.

Emma Omerod, 49, who has worked as store manager for 29 years after starting out as a sales assistant in the Blackburn store, said: “Peter is very much involved at the helm. I have never known him not to work six days.

“He puts lot of effort into variety.

“He is very family-orientated and allows us to give a different style of service. It doesn’t matter what someone spends.”

17-year-old Esther Wilkinson who started working part-time in November 2024 was studying Chemistry, Biology and Sport at the time, but decided that, after working with Peter, she wanted to work full-time in the Preston-based store and left her studies.

She said: “The environment and jewellery are so special and everyone in the team is so lovely.

“Peter is so passionate, caring and ambitious.”

Peter was aged just 18 when he realised his dream and opened the doors to his first jewellery shop in St. Georges Centre in Preston - little did he know then how big of an interest it would garner - helping families create lifelong memories with pieces of jewellery passed down from one generation to the next.

Does he remember his first customer and what they purchased?

“Of course. It was a lady who purchased a gold bracelet for £15.”

What is the most expensive item he has sold?

“A £75k diamond ring.”

What does he think sets the store apart from others?

“We have had customers for life. I care about customer service which makes the store.

“We give our customers a service really seen today.

“Each piece of jewellery is not just a piece of metal it tells a unique story of that person’s life.

“It’s been a wonderful journey.”

Favourite memories?

“When the Queen visited Blackburn Rovers, I asked Cross Pens what was the most expensive pen they had. “An 18 carat gold fountain pen at £5000” was the reply. “Could I borrow it” “Absolutely not” “It’s for the Queen” “When do you need it?”

At one of the many Princes Trust fundraising dinners I helped to organise, we sold 100 teddy bears for £50 each.

“Each had a number, which would win a prize worth at least £50. A few were worth over £500 and all were donated.”

He added: “We used to have a shop in Southport. When the air show was on I asked the Red Arrows team if they would visit us.

“They said yes, but how would they get from Blackpool airport to Southport?

“The Blue Eagles Army helicopter aerobatics team agreed to fly them over and join the party.”

Is he considering handing his legacy over to a trusted employee/family member?

“As of yet nothing has been established as there are a number of options we are considering.”

A date has yet to be finalised for when Peter’s last day will be.