J-dex Retail
Trevor Towner
Goldsmith Silvesmith and Jeweller
By Gordon Hamme

When the list is compiled of the nicest people in the jewellery trade Trevor and Jill Towner will be pretty close to the top. They have built a business in Hampshire that truly proves that craft skills combined with customer service pays.

Jill explained to me about a particular project they created which sold a large number of diamond rings. ‘We designed a range of half eternity rings which we called the Millennium range, the “M” for Millennium forming each shoulder of the setting. Then we looked through our customer database and chose who we felt were the 70 most romantic men we knew.' Jill then commented that whenever a direct mail shot is sent out by the company every letter is signed by hand with a hand written envelope. ‘We sold 30 rings mostly in 18 ct white or yellow gold in a range of stone combinations including Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby and Emerald from £500 - £1,000 each, with one gentleman buying two!'

The latest project is one of series of collectible thimbles. The current limited edition set celebrates the Queen's 80th birthday. The 25mm high thimble is made in silver-gilt with the base being surrounded by a representation of St.Edward's Crown. The stones in the Maltese Crosses above the band are white topaz, amethyst and green tourmaline. The front of the thimble carries an engraving of the Royal Standard and the back shows the date of the Queen's birthday, 21.04.2006. The top is surmounted by a raised silver figure 80 in which the zero is set with a diamond. Trevor has created a limited edition number of 250.

Previous limited edition thimbles include a ‘2000 Millennium', a Hampshire Rose and a Golden Jubilee thimble which was also presented to the Queen for which Trevor received a warm letter of thanks. Trevor commented that he always keeps the number 1 in the edition set and a particular lady customer always takes the number 2 in any production run he makes.

Trevor and Jill have built up a very strong local business in Petersfield through assiduous courting of local customers inviting them to special diamond, coloured stone and jewellery days. These take a great deal of preparation but are always worth the trouble.

Their listed, double bow-fronted, shop is under the detailed eye of Jill who makes sure every section is beautifully displayed with Trevor running the workshop.

It all started in 1960 Trevor when left school and began a five year apprenticeship to become an ecclesiastical silversmith. In 1967 he joined the workshop of Anthony Elson where he specialised in ecclesiastical work and also made a number of important trophies including the London / Sydney Daily Express Marathon Trophy and the New London Stock Exchange table silverware.

In 1970 Trevor joined the team of craftsmen at the Stuart Devlin workshop specialising in the creation and production of fine pieces of silver and jewellery for heads of state and the British Royal family. Trevor worked with Stuart Devlin for 13 years becoming a ‘Master Craftsman' and was awarded the Freedom of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths and the Freedom of the City of London. In 1975 Trevor became workshop manager for Devlin with responsibility for over 50 craftsmen producing holloware, cutlery, silver and gold gem-set jewellery.

In 1983 he opened his own workshop and showroom in Petersfield, Hampshire. During the next 14 years his business flourished. His skills and achievements were recognised by his peers in 1989 when he was elected a Fellow of the Institute of Professional Goldsmiths.

By 1996 the volume of work had grown to such a capacity that Trevor and Jill needed to move to larger premises. Following an intense period of renovation and refitting the business moved to the current listed double-fronted Georgian house in Petersfield High Street.

For me Trevor and Jill are the living proof that customers appreciate fine craftsmanship and personalised customer care.

 

www.trevortowner.co.uk