A St Albans-born jeweller has opened a store in the city's former Joules unit.
Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery has now opened its fourth studio and shop at the Chequer Street location.
The jewellery specialist explained that opening a store in St Albans "feels like coming home", given her ties to the city.
The new space "will turn the traditional dark and stuffy jewellery store format on its head", with a lighter contemporary design.
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Harriet Kelsall said: "St Albans is where I grew up, went to school, and also where my mum and sister live, so it kind of feels like coming home which is lovely...
"My dad was a local GP and my mum still does tours of the Cathedral, as she is a local art historian and used to lecture for NADFAS.
"My sister runs The Yoga Hall locally too.
"I went to school at the High School and go back there regularly to do talks or presentations.
"We chose St Albans because, as a thriving city, it seems really aligned with our values.
"It is full of history and has a wonderful warm community, but also I feel it is really forward-thinking and a city that cares about the environment and those at the bottom of the supply chain.
"I was proud to help St Albans become a Fairtrade City many years ago too. So I think we really ‘fit’ here!
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"We already have lots of customers and friends in the area and are so excited to welcome them to see our studio and learn about how we love to find new ways to share unique stories with bespoke jewellery, because we love celebrating everybody’s individuality with innovation and creativity.
"I attended the opening ceremony of the Maltings Shopping Centre when I was a young teenager, and I can hardly believe how much time has gone by since then!“
A spokesperson for Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery added: "The jewellery designed with you at the studio-come-shop will all be made locally at the multi-award-winning Jewellery Centre & Workshop, less than an hour away in rural Hertfordshire.
"At 3,500 square feet, it’s an impressive space that houses a newly extended and refurbished workshop.
"Here a team of master goldsmiths, stone setters, and polishers are on-hand to bring your piece of jewellery from sketch to reality.
"From redesigns to commissions, and repairs to fitted wedding rings to perfectly match your engagement ring, HK Bespoke’s unparalleled bespoke service will work within your budget.
"As well as designing bespoke jewellery, the team at the new St Albans studio will also be hosting interactive workshops for visitors in their newly refurbished events room."
The St Albans branch of Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery will be open six days per week (Monday to Saturday), with consultations available to book.
Further information can be found on the company's website at www.hkjewellery.co.uk.
Consultations can be arranged by calling 01727 221160 or by emailing stalbans@hkjewellery.co.uk .
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