Jonathan and Rowena Mahoney’s jewellery shop has been in Cowbridge for eleven years. This father and daughter run family business started back in the 1960s in Merthyr Market.
Since then, it has grown steadily and earned an excellent reputation for great service and excellent quality jewellery. No surprise that it has clients regularly visiting from hundreds of miles away. Thankfully, living in Rhoose, we didn’t have to travel quite so far to have a catch up with Rowena.
“The design of the interior makes the best use of the space, and everyone seems to like what we’ve created.”
Why the move to the new premises?
Simply, for more space, which has hopefully created a nicer ambience for our customers. We felt we needed more display room, and we wanted to offer a more luxurious, personalised service in a boutique style, with a bespoke consultation area allowing a little more privacy for clients. The design of the interior makes the best use of the space, and so far, everyone likes what we’ve created.
Has the offering changed at all?
Not in product terms, because we still offer gemstones, and a wide range of natural diamonds, including pieces with certified diamonds.
Having said that, we have a new bridal range that showcases Brown & Newirth engagement and wedding bands, which come with a year’s insurance and a lifetime guarantee, and additionally a stunning selection of eternity rings.
What do you do that sets you apart?
We offer high quality, affordable jewellery and we strive to go the extra mile for our customers. I genuinely believe that it’s because of this, customers return time and time again.
How has the new shop been received?
Customers seem genuinely impressed when they first see our new shop and they keep telling us how much they love it. I secretly wish we’d done it sooner, but we had to find the right premises, and this is perfect, and still close to where we used to be. Other businesses have congratulated us on the move, and we hope we are demonstrating our commitment to Cowbridge and the Vale. We love the town. Our future is here.
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JRC Jewellery are our Summer 2023 cover stars
Click here to view the magazine in the Issuu app.
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What brands do you offer?
A number of varied brands and we’re very careful who we select. We’re primarily known for Georg Jensen, who offer classic silver jewellery; Ti Sento, a modern, fashionable brand using seasonal stones and focusing on colours; and Deakin and Francis who provide luxury, solid silver cufflinks and bespoke signet rings in a choice of metals.
What do you think makes JRC special?
I think it’s our personal approach and knowledge of the industry. We really try to offer great service and make the process of choosing and buying an enjoyable experience. We’re mindful of the current climate and are seeing more repairs and remodelling – even jewellery is becoming more sustainable.
How does the bespoke process work?
We can, of course, design a piece from scratch, but alternatively a client could bring in an existing piece of jewellery to be reworked. They might have their own ideas or come in with screenshots from say Pinterest or Instagram, or something they’ve seen in a magazine. and by combining their own and our ideas, we design something which is achievable, using CAD, which is then shown to the client together with an estimate of cost.
We don’t charge a consultation fee, some do, and it’s so important for us to get it right. When we’re reworking a piece of preloved jewellery, we fully appreciate the tremendous sentimental value to the owner, so it has to be done with sensitivity and care.
The last five years has been a roller coaster for everyone. How do you see the next five years?
After such a busy year getting the new shop exactly as we want it, and re-establishing ourselves in our new premises, we want to ensure that we look after our existing and new clients and build on the reputation we have.
We will, of course, strive to ensure that we are offering the very best service to our customers. We are always on the lookout for potential new brands, and we make sure we’re in touch and up to date with what’s going on in the jewellery world.
What do you love about what you do?
Well, we really love jewellery. We also love Cowbridge and the people who live here or visit our town. We enjoy chatting to people, and we hope that we help to bring joy to our customers’ day. Jewellery brings pleasure and our pieces are often a gift (even if it’s to oneself), and we know that someone is going to be delighted when they receive it.
You’ve won awards. Can you tell us a little about those?
We were awarded ‘Inspiring Independent Retail Jeweller for Wales and Southwest 2023’. We were nominated last year so it’s exciting to win this time. We’re an official brand ambassador for Ti Sento. They’re a very discerning brand so it’s lovely to think they approve of us. I was also recognised as one of the Retail Jewellers Rising Stars Under 30 for 2023.
TESTIMONIALS
What clients say…
Jon and Rowena are superb and know their stuff. Nothing is too much hassle, and they have a lovely little shop. Will definitely be using them in the future if I’m in the area. They have some unusual pieces of jewellery to suit most budgets.
Rob H
Lovely people, willing to please, excellent jewellery. Always find something to buy, good prices. Love the shop. Good luck in your new shop.
Elizabeth H
“We love Cowbridge and the people who live here or visit us.”
JRC Jewellery
18 High Street, Cowbridge CF71 7AG
01446 776489
www.jrcjewellery.co.uk
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Photography
Photos courtesy of Just CTEC Media
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