Phil Ainsworth is the fifth generation of the Ainsworth family to be a director of the family business, which in 2020 celebrated its 150th year in Blackburn.
A passion for jewellery was in his blood and Phil knew he wanted to join the business from a very young age; even today the gemstone crystal postcards given at a young age from his grandfather are now proudly framed in store.
Phil started working at our Darwen store in 1990 having completed three years jewellery training at Scalloway’s Jewellers in Lichfield. He became a director of the business in 1995 upon the retirement of his uncle, Michael Ainsworth.
The recent store refurbishment developments have been overseen by Phil, as he is passionate about representing the values of the family business and creating a genuine warm welcome in store. During lockdown he personally repaired and reinstated the original 1960’s shop furniture to celebrate the traditions and atmosphere of a heritage business. Now more comfortable seating and a private consultation area provides a more relaxed atmosphere for customers to take their time, enjoy complimentary refreshments, and discuss their jewellery requirements, including remodelling and changes to existing jewellery.
This environment helps Phil deliver on his commitment to truly getting to know the customers’ requirements and finding them the piece of jewellery which suits the individual. In recent times there has been an increased demand for memorial jewellery as a way of remembering loved ones. We asked Phil about some of his favourite commissions.
“Recently we have worked on a signet ring for a customer who had just lost his dog after 15 years together and we laser engraved a picture of the dog onto the head of the ring. We have also been commissioned to make a locket for a customer in the shape of a kidney with patterns of the veins on the outside for his Mum who has donated one of her kidneys to her son. It is an honour to support our client’s creating jewellery of such sentimental value and meaningful symbolism”.
