Jeremy France Jewellers is a family-owned luxury jewellers based in the heart of Winchester High Street. We spoke to Harriet France (Director) and Lauren Heavens (Bespoke manager) from Jeremy France Jewellers to find out a little more about their bespoke department and recent Carnival of Colour event.
Tell us about what your business specialises in?
For over 33 years we have specialised in luxury jewellery and bespoke designs. Our team have decades of industry knowledge and experience combined including DGA and FGA certifications. We are extraordinarily lucky to have a workshop on-site that helps us create, fix and maintain our customer’s jewellery. However, we want to shine the light on the magic that happens in our design department. Lauren and Kerrie are truly dedicated to designing and making bespoke fine jewellery that fits their client’s vision. Whether you want to remodel an old family piece, create a new heirloom or celebrate a momentous occasion, they are on hand to help craft our clients’ dream jewellery.
How did your first Bespoke Event (Carnival of colour) go?
Our recent Carnival of Colour event was a great success, sparking conversations with both our valued existing clients and potential new ones about our bespoke services. This in-store experience allowed us to showcase the endless possibilities available through our bespoke department, highlighting the stunning array of gemstones that can take centre stage in our custom designs.
A key highlight of the event was the growing trend to recycle their own metals and gemstones, transforming sentimental ideas into beautiful, refreshed creations.
The display for this event was unlike any we’ve done before, creating a buzz of excitement among those in and around the store. It set a fun, vibrant tone, reinforcing the message that we are approachable, creative, and ready to welcome new clients with a personal touch.
Are you looking forward to hosting future Bespoke events?
We are excited to host future in-store bespoke events as part of our commitment to building strong relationships with our clients and being a part of their special moments.
With each event, our goal is to educate and guide clients through their unique bespoke experience. Moving forward, we plan to highlight different stages of the bespoke process at each event from showcasing our onsite manufacturing workshop to bringing initial sketches to life, and offering a behind-the-scenes look at various steps along the bespoke journey.
Our aim is to demonstrate that we continually push the boundaries of design, year after year.
Would you recommend hosting events specialising in Bespoke jewellery design to other CMJ retailers?
Our experience hosting the Carnival of Colour proved to be highly beneficial. It gave us the opportunity to connect with the local community and reintroduce ourselves to clients who were previously unaware of the bespoke services we offer.
We always encourage others within the industry to consider highlighting specific areas of their business. For us, this event allowed for a more personal approach when engaging with potential clients face to face. As a result, clients felt a stronger connection and were able to relate more closely to the bespoke department they would be collaborating with in the future.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the CMJ?
There is a real sense of community and friendship in the CMJ. Everyone is welcoming and there is a great amount of trust between retailers and suppliers which makes building new relationships so much easier. I love going to the trade events because I know I will be inspired by everyones’ new collections and exciting projects. Finding the right pieces for the store and creating lasting connections all in one place.
