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The Midas Touch
WITH A FOCUS ON EXQUISITE PIECES AND PERSONAL SERVICE, FRANCIS WAIN AIMS TO INSPIRE
THOSE WHO ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT FINE JEWELLERY ACROSS NORFOLK AND BEYOND
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orfolk-based Francis Wain has
a long history in exceptional
jewellery but looks set to
remain a glittering success well into
the 21st century.
Now with managing director Donne
Kidson at the helm, the business, which
has a heritage stretching back some
50 years, is determined to remain a
strong presence in the world of
contemporary jewellery.
“We take a great deal of pride in being
independent – it gives us the freedom to
offer a very different kind of service,”
says Donne. “Everything in our window
has been individually chosen and a lot of
our pieces are unique. We are able to
offer a bespoke design service and we
know many of our customers by name.
maintaining its firm focus on customer
service and high quality pieces.
“None of this will change as we move
forward and grow the business. Buying
jewellery is about the whole experience,
choosing something special and feeling
special. We are passionate about what we
do here and that shows throughout the
whole business.”
Donne has been with the business for
about seven years now, working with
Edward as his personal assistant, and
later taking the helm, along with his wife
Jules, when he died.
The jewellery establishment, which has
been nominated for a national UK
Watch and Jewellery Award, has two
outlets, Norfolk Street, in King’s Lynn,
and Nelson Place, in Dereham. It was
started after the second world war by one
Francis Wain, whose son Edward later
took over, expanding the business, while
“It has been an exciting journey for me
– one that really opened my eyes to the
world of luxury jewellery. Who would
not want to come to work to play with
beautiful pieces and travel to Europe’s
most prestigious shows to choose each
individual item?”
Jules has now decided to step down and
it is Donne who will continue to move
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the business forward. Among her
ambitious plans is the opening of a new
branch in Norwich later this year and
the refitting of the shop in King’s Lynn.
“That will happen this September and
will see us create a champagne bar
upstairs, where customers will be able to
spend as long as they like looking at
pieces and trying them on,” she says.
And she adds: “Another exciting venture
is our sponsorship of a race day at
Newmarket in June 2015.”
Donne intends to build on the superb
heritage of Francis Wain and its trusted
reputation for all manner of new,
antique and second-hand jewellery, as
well as watches, among its discerning
customers. This will see it continue to
develop its exclusive Francis Wain
Collection, as well as to stock such
premium brands as Picchiotti, Marco
Bicego and Rolex.
“Our bespoke design service will also
remain very important to us; sometimes
this involves having something new
and special made and at other times
it might be about having an existing
piece (perhaps something that belonged
to a relative, which has sentimental
value) redesigned. We have a very good
sketch artist who works closely with
our customers.”
mother of the bride and bridesmaids,
as well as the bride herself.“People
spend time on the dress, decoration,
food and music but do not always
consider their jewellery when they’re
getting married,” she points.
“A wedding day is the most special
occasion, so when better to enjoy
wearing some truly beautiful, high
quality pieces?”
Words by Abigail Saltmarsh
Photography by Nick Read
For more information call Francis Wain
She is also looking into the possibility
of offering bridal hire jewellery, to the
01553 774499 or 01362 693117
or visit www.franciswainjewellers.com
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