A POPULAR Burnham-on-Sea jewellers is set to shut up shop after more than 30 years in business.

Chris J Francis Gold & Silversmiths was based in Bridgwater in the 1980s and 90s before moving and becoming Burnham-on-Sea Goldsmiths, where they have been based for the last 20 years.

Traditional jeweller Chris Francis, who is from Bridgwater, is retiring but said he and his wife Cheryl had enjoyed ‘a fantastic 35 years in business’.

They wanted to say a huge thank you to all of their customers over the years.

Having learnt his craft after leaving school at 16, Chris went on to have his own manufacturing area in both of his premises and established himself as a high quality jeweller, and expert in repairs too.

“We have had many wonderful times over the years but it was time to call it a day,” Mr Francis said.

“We have eight weeks now to clear our stocks so there is real chance for people to grab a bargain.”

Mr Francis said one of the more unusual and touching moments was in the mid-2000’s when he heard about an amazing case of ‘small world’ syndrome.

Eight couples on holiday in Turkey were enjoying a boat trip when two newlyweds started talking about wedding rings, and after some conversation it turned out four of the couples had wedding rings made by Chris.

“It was amazing because there was one local couple, one from Swindon and one from the midlands, but they were all united by our rings,” Mr Francis added.

Chris and his wife Cheryl have run the business for many years and employed their daughter too, as well as loyal staff who had been with them for 16 years.

“We are a family-run business and have had a tight knit team who we have enjoyed working with,” Mr Francis said.

“The business has changed a lot over the years but I am just glad we were able to enjoy 35 years in retail, meeting and speaking to people, before online shopping takes over.”

Burnham-On-Sea Goldsmiths are offering a special discount to Burnham & Highbridge Weekly News readers as a thank you for their support over the years.

If you bring in a cutting of this article to the shop based at 28A on the High Street in Burnham-on-Sea, you will be given a further 10 per cent off any purchase.