A LICHFIELD jeweller who honed his craft in between milking cows is preparing to celebrate 40 years in business.
Allen Brown Jewellery, based at Heart of the Country Shopping Village, will mark the milestone in July with a celebration party open to customers and friends.
The anniversary will be an important milestone for Allen himself and those who have enjoyed the fruits of his labour over the decades.
He said:
"It’s a fitting milestone for us and one that we want to share with everyone.
"As much as the business is about the jewellery, it’s also very much about the people who buy from us over and over again."
Allen’s route into his craft was far from conventional. Raised on a farm, his early years were shaped by practical work and the demands of rural life, but he also developed a strong interest in creativity, drawing and design.
He explained:
"From as long as I can remember, I have always been creative and had a real interest in design, even though it’s not been passed down in my family."
After studying technical drawing and fine art at school, Allen discovered jewellery through an evening class before going on to specialise in the craft in Sheffield.
When his father later became ill, Allen returned home to help run the family farm while continuing to develop his jewellery business.
A small exhibition at Ridware Art Centre proved to be a turning point, giving him the confidence to move into the trade full time.
He and his team now regularly work with customers on bespoke commissions, engagement rings, wedding rings, milestone gifts and re-modelled heirlooms, with many families returning across generations.
Allen said:
"The strength of the business has always been rooted in trust, creativity and listening carefully to customers. Whether someone arrives with a clear design in mind, a treasured piece they want to remodel or only the beginning of an idea, the process starts with understanding the story behind the jewellery."
"It’s a big thing to know that you’ve been part of those significant moments.
The anniversary celebration takes place from 10am to 5pm on 11th July and will feature live music and a chance to meet the team.
For more details on attending, visit the Allen Brown Jewellery website.
