Stoners to get a new jewel in the crown (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Shipley family firm set to expand by opening their second branch

7:00am Wednesday 27th October 2010 in Business By Chris Holland, Business Reporter

A successful Shipley-based family-owned jewellery design and retail business is set to expand into a second store.

Stoners jewellery is opening its second branch in the centre of Harrogate and the race is on to get the premises ready in time for Christmas.

The firm is now looking to recruit two employees to join the growing business, which is run by husband and wife team Chris and Sarah Stoner.

Sarah said: “We’re not necessarily looking for someone with previous experience in the jewellery business. It could be a mum returning to work, a school-leaver or a graduate.

“So long as they have the right approach and are prepared to learn this presents a great opportunity for an interesting career.”

The new outlet will occupy the ground floor of a Victorian building in Prince’s Street, close to Harrogate’s main shopping zone.

Stoners in Harrogate will focus mainly on engagement and wedding rings along with Rolex watches. Most of the jewellery will be designed by Chris Stoner and Victoria Whiteley, together with new recruit Georgio Gerakio, an award-winning former head designer at the Goldsmiths chain.

Many items will be one-off pieces, hand made in Stoner’s workshops using top quality D-colour diamonds.

Business at the firm’s store in the Arndale Centre, Shipley, which Chris and Sarah took over two years ago, remains strong and they are also looking to recruit another member of staff there.

Sarah said trade had remained buoyant after the business shrugged off the recession and grew by 35 per cent. enabling it to buck the trend and setting the firm on track for a turnover of £750,000.

Chris, who joined the business at the age of 21 and is a qualified diamond grader, acquired the Shipley store in 2008 as part of a family management buy-out from his father Philip Stoner, who opened the shop in 1982.

A major revamp of the premises followed together with the introduction of new product lines, a focus on younger customers and increased training and responsibility for staff.

The new-look store was officially launched by former Yorkshire and England cricketer Matthew Hoggard, a regular customer.