Closing down sale marks the end of an era for Scarborough’s prestigious jewellery store

The much-loved St Nicholas Street shop has welcomed generations of Scarborough residents, and visitors, through its beautifully preserved Victorian doorways, for over 165 years.

Families have come here for something to mark many special occasions, from engagements to weddings, special birthdays and anniversaries to Christenings or just for something to say ‘I love you’ to that special person.

But a mixture of difficult trading conditions combined with the shop’s commitment not to compromise on quality and service, means the shop will close its doors for good at the end of October this year.

Closing down sale

The shop’s stock, including new and antique jewellery, watches, rings, bracelets, necklaces, keepsakes and more, will be available at reduced prices in the final closing-down sale.

The sale, which applies to items in the shop itself as well as some available online only, offers customers the opportunity not just to purchase a lasting gift at a very attractive price, but to bid farewell to the shop and the staff, both of whom have become part and parcel of the Scarborough landscape.

It’s your chance to purchase something you’ve long wanted – such as a special watch, an eternity ring or upgrade your jewellery for something more long-lasting or better quality. You’ll also be buying a piece of Scarborough history, something to treasure and pass on to future generations.

At Bright & Sons you will be able to choose from a wide range of new and pre-loved rings, a truly unique gift that will be treasured forever.

The variety of diamond cuts and settings gives plenty of choice, with gems usually brilliant cut, oval or baguette.

168 years of history

When news of the potential closure became known, Scarborough folk took to social media to share their memories of the shop and express their profound sadness at seeing this iconic shop disappear from the high street.

The original founders, brothers Frederick and Herbert Bright, came to Scarborough from Sheffield, relocating for some sea air to recover from illness.

And the Sheffield connection went full circle when Bright & Sons joined forces with Sheffield jewellers H. L. Brown, in 1957, a link which continues today.

“It is very much a sad goodbye,” said Kerri Amos, at parent company H. L. Brown, in Sheffield. “We know the community in Scarborough will feel it and all of us here in Sheffield are feeling it too.”

The connection gave Scarborough all the benefits of a local jewellers, with a personal and friendly service, backed by the experience, choice and buying power of a parent company, and the chance to remain as part of a family-firm as H. L. Brown is run today by the great-great-grandson of the original founder of the Sheffield store.

It is that commitment to customer service which has kept the five staff at the shop for so long, with some of them having been behind the glass counters for decades.

The emphasis on quality of merchandise is always matched with the quality of service. Customers old and new have always been welcomed as friends and given plenty of attention and time to think carefully about that special piece of jewellery or a watch – after all, there are many in the town still wearing those same timeless pieces decades later.

One moment of history for Bright & Sons was back in 1897 – Queen Victoria’s 60th year on the throne – when the then Corporation of Scarborough commissioned the jewellers to create a ceremonial chain to commemorate the event, which was to be worn by the Mayoress of the town on special civic occasions.

Director of H. L. Brown, Richard Pool who is based at Barbara Cattle jewellers at 45 Stonegate in York, said that Bright’s customers will receive a warm welcome at Barbara Cattle after the closure. Indeed, many customers are already aware of the association between the shops and frequent the York shop.

Come and see what’s on offer

The shop building, and the flats above, are all owned by the company, who have ensured they have retained their Victorian design through careful restoration over the years.

Whoever takes over the shop eventually will not only be buying into a piece of Scarborough’s retail history, but a fantastic piece of its architecture too.

Now is your chance to own that piece of history, to get a fantastic value gift for yourself or a loved one, even do your Christmas shopping early. Come and say hello – and farewell – to the dedicated team at Bright & Sons on Tuesdays to Saturdays inclusive, before October 31, or check out the H. L. Brown website here.