insideKENT Magazine Issue 36 - March 2015 | Page 149
LOCALBUSINESS
insideKENT TALKS TO Graham Pilkington,
owner of Pilkington Jewellers Ltd
When did Pilkington Jewellers first open to
the public?
to offer. If we don't have it, we can get it – or
make it!
Pilkington Jewellers Ltd was established in 1970,
but there has been a jewellers on site for over
60 years now.
Customers appreciate the continuity and
traditional approach practiced at Pilkington
Jewellers.
In which services does Pilkington Jewellers
specialise?
What do you believe makes Pilkington
Jewellers stand out from its competitors?
I am a trained watchmaker with 50 years'
experience specialising in Rolex and other quality
timepieces. With a wealth of knowledge on
antique clocks, I am happy to make house calls
(where necessary) to give valuations on larger
pieces that are difficult to move.
Unlike many jewellers, Pilkington has a highly
qualified watchmaker (Rolex-approved) and
goldsmith on site. Repairs and alterations are
rarely sent off site.
Boasting trained gold and silversmiths on site,
we are able to offer customers the opportunity
to bring in pictures from magazines or ideas for
their own designs and, where possible, these
can be made to order. Again, if you have a
specific watch in mind, our contacts in the industry
mean that it can be sourced, whether new or
second hand.
Pilkington Jewellers remains an integral part
of the Bexley Village community. What do
you think the main reasons are behind the
business's longevity?
Bexley Village still has a strong sense of
community. Generations have come to the shop
over the years to mark special occasions such
as births, graduations and marriages. I'm a wellknown figure in the village and people come for
the personal, bespoke service that we are proud
We also offer a special one-to-one service, which
means we take the time to sit with our customers
and discuss their individual requirements.
You stock pre-owned and modern jewellery.
What changes have you noticed in consumer
tastes over the years?
Trends come and go, but lately there has been
a resurgence for rose gold and of course, designer
brands.
Customers are recognising that money may be
better invested in a diamond or quality watch,
which gives more value and pleasure than it
sitting in a building society account.
Second-hand sales have also soared. Customers
have come to realise the value for money
represented by pre-owned pieces, which are
always serviced and cleaned thoroughly before
resale.
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With Mother's Day on the horizon, what can
Pilkington Jewellers offer our readers in the
way of gifts?
We stock a wide range of jewellery and watches,
which would make a superb present for Mother's
Day. In addition, decorative items and accessories
such as jewellery boxes and photo frames are
available – all of which are backed up with the
Pilkington guarantee.
Items can also be engraved – which, again
happens on site – to make that gift extra special.
What does the business have planned
for 2015?
Pilkington Jewellers plans to uphold its reputation
for quality and reliability over the coming years,
and to give a viable alternative to the bland high
street outlets.
Pilkington Jewellers is situated opposite Bexley
Station Approach. Parking is available by the
station or in Thanet Road. Open Tues-Sat,
9.15am-5pm.
Pilkington Jewellers Ltd
39-41 Bexley High Street
Bexley
DA5 1AB
01322 521664
[email protected]
www.pilkingtons.uk.com