New Milton jeweller Charles Nobel celebrates 50th birthday

THERE’S a little more gold at a family-owned New Milton jeweller this year as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Charles Nobel, on the town’s high street, has hit the milestone thanks in no small part, the owners say, to its “highly personalised service”.

The business was set up down the road from its present site by Keith and Jenny Bollard in 1972 after the couple moved from Manchester to their shared ambition.

Said Jenny: “My husband has always worked in jewellery, managing shops for various wholesalers, independents, and H. Samuel in its early stages.

“He always loved the emotive side of the industry, creating something which people can treasure for many years – and he recognised that personalisation was key to making a product truly special.

“Keith’s devotion to the industry was contagious and, before I knew it, I was fully immersed myself. I had also seen first-hand the value of bespoke retail experiences, having worked as a freelancer in various customer service roles in the past.

“With Keith’s years of experience and our combined interests, we decided to launch our own independent jewellery business within a bustling Hampshire market town.

“We wanted somewhere with a strong community, where we knew we could build a positive reputation and create customers for life.”

Over the years the business has seen its client base grow beyond the town.

Jenny added: “Word of mouth has been a powerful tool for us, with many of our customers recommending our services to their friends and family.

“One of our local clients moved to Cheshire and still travels to us when he wants a special piece of jewellery. We still regularly serve his parents and brother who live in the area.

“It’s touching to know so many people support us as an independent business, and value us within our local community.”

Keith and Jenny’s son Piers is now director of Charles Nobel, having joined his parents in 2003, and says he has inherited their passion for bespoke jewellery.

Piers said: “Mass-produced jewellery simply doesn’t have the same impact as something which has been carefully crafted with bespoke needs in mind.

“I never tire of seeing how much people appreciate our work on an emotional level. It is heart-warming to know that over five decades, we have given so many people a product they will cherish for a lifetime.”

With the firm’s sights now set on its 60th birthday, it is aptly focusing on increasing its range of diamond jewellery.

“We want to focus on our best performing areas to secure the future of the business,” Piers said.

“We have chosen to refine our offering and focus on what we do best – and what we know our customers want. I’m proud of the business my parents have developed and its positive impact on the local community.

“I’m looking forward to building and growing the success of Charles Nobel over the coming years, while staying true to our values and continuing to provide bespoke services known and loved by our customers.”

Jenny added: “Keith and I have loved every moment of the past 50 years and are looking forward to seeing the business continue to thrive under our son’s direction.”