An independent family jewellers based in St Ives is set to close its doors as the owners prepare for retirement.

The Hunts Post: Michael and Linda Piggott are retiring.Michael and Linda Piggott are retiring. (Image: Archant)

Michael and Linda Piggott launched their closing down sale last Saturday, to mark the beginning of the end for Crown Street-based Piggotts, which has been based in the town for more than 30 years.

Mrs Piggott said: “The time has come for Michael and I to hang up our loupes. We are launching our closing down sale and offering our customers the chance to take home some fabulous bargains.

“It’s an opportunity for us to thank the customers who have supported us for so many years, by offering these fantastic reductions.”

Experienced diamond-mounter, Michael trained in Hatton Garden and worked in London’s luxury jewellers Asprey, before moving into the family jewellery business with his father.

Joined by wife Linda, also a former Asprey employee, the couple relocated to St Ives in 1984 to open their own store and have spent 33-years at the heart of the community.

Mr Piggott said: “Our philosophy has always been ‘a customer for life’. We have loved getting to know our customers and helping them to select a meaningful piece of jewellery, that can hopefully stay in their family for many years.

“It’s wonderful when customers return over the years. Some clients come into the store to help choose their daughter’s engagement ring and we can remember them selecting their own engagement ring 30 years ago.”

At Saturday’s sale launch, customers queued around the corner as they patiently waited for the doors to open and the sale to begin.

Added Mrs Piggott: “We know that customers are going to be disappointed when we go and we are looking forward to seeing everyone during the sale for a final goodbye.”

To find out more, log on to www.piggotts.com.